BDBE 87
Chapter 87 The Banquet
As dusk fell, nestled amidst the deep green hillside forest, a brightly lit villa stood like a pearl lost in the darkness, or a faithful guardian, awaiting the arrival of tonight’s distinguished guests in their luxurious carriages.
Shen Wanchao, arm in arm with Zhou Hui, stepped out of the car.
The hem of his formal attire tonight was adorned with tiny crystals inspired by stars, sparkling under the night lights.
However, his expression was not so radiant.
Zhou Hui couldn’t help but chuckle. He let him take his arm, and as they walked, he comforted him,
“Don’t think about it. Nothing will happen at the banquet. Just treat it as a chance to relax. Besides, weren’t you planning to use this opportunity to regain your status? Just bear with it.”
After receiving Huo Yun’s invitation, Zhou Hui did some research and confirmed that the main character of the birthday banquet wasn’t Huo Tingsong, the legitimate son, but Huo Yun’s youngest son with his mistress.
The child’s name was Huo Mowen, and today was his eighth birthday.
Shen Wanchao and Zhou Hui originally intended to avoid attending Huo Yun’s illegitimate son’s birthday banquet, not wanting to get involved in someone else’s family affairs.
However, when Zhou Hui declined Huo Yun’s invitation, citing a busy schedule, the latter reacted aggressively. He even said things like, “If you don’t come, you’re disrespecting me,” which sounded like a child throwing a tantrum.
If Zhou Hui hadn’t wanted to maintain his decorum, he would have rolled his eyes and said, “Yes, I just look down on you.”
Later, Shen Wanchao spoke with Yu Yangui again on the phone. Yu Yangui brought up the birthday banquet, and told Shen Wanchao and his husband not to worry about her and to just attend as a normal social gathering.
Huo Yun had invited almost everyone he knew and associated with, and many more people hoping to get close to the Huo family would also be there.
Since Yu Yangui said it was fine, Shen Wanchao was genuinely curious about what would happen at the banquet.
So, Shen Wanchao and Zhou Hui arrived at the banquet with a mix of curiosity and eagerness to see what would happen.
After confirming his attendance, Shen Wanchao decided to take this opportunity to reclaim his true identity as “Shen Wanchao.”
Therefore, he specifically asked a stylist to dress him up in a more mature way that evening.
Now he looked more than 18 years old, at least around 25.
While others might think he looked younger than before, it wouldn’t raise any suspicion if attributed to cosmetic surgery.
Aside from its less-than-honorable reputation, this banquet was the perfect opportunity to reclaim his former identity.
Most of the attendees were acquaintances; if they accepted this as cosmetic surgery, Shen Wanchao could completely reclaim his former identity and no longer need to pretend to be a high school student.
The actual outcome was roughly as Shen Wanchao had predicted.
Shen Wanchao, arm in arm with Zhou Hui, greeted everyone they met. Everyone showed only a momentary surprise upon seeing him, followed by a compliment like, “You’re getting younger and younger,” before exhibiting no further unusual behavior.
Occasionally, someone would wink and whisper, without malice, “What kind of procedures did you have done? Let’s go together sometime?”
Shen Wanchao could only smile and ignore this.
After all, he didn’t know much about cosmetic procedures and was afraid of saying too much and making a mistake.
He encountered too many acquaintances after just entering the hall. Once he finished greeting them all, Shen Wanchao sighed wearily.
“After today, I’m afraid rumors of my plastic surgery will spread everywhere,” Shen Wanchao chuckled self-deprecatingly.
Zhou Hui pinched his cheek and laughed, “What does it matter what others say about you? As long as your family knows you’re all-natural, that’s enough.”
Zhou Hui released his hand, and a red flush appeared on Shen Wanchao’s cheek where he had been pinched.
He himself was completely unaware of this, and said with relief, “But I doubt any busybodies will say anything. These days, who doesn’t get some beauty treatments?”
The red mark moved slightly with Shen Wanchao’s every word, making Zhou Hui feel great.
Zhou Hui leaned close to Shen Wanchao’s ear and whispered, “Whatever my husband says is right.”
Shen Wanchao’s face turned genuinely red. He wanted to push Zhou Hui away, but realized that he no longer needed to keep his distance from Zhou Hui.
They were a legal couple, and it was perfectly natural for them to be affectionate in public.
He was able to be with Zhou Hui like this, it didn’t matter if people said he had plastic surgery. Shen Wanchao thought to himself.
…
Not long after, the host of tonight’s banquet officially appeared.
Huo Yun held a little boy in a suit and bow tie in one arm. The boy looked shy, his short arms wrapped around Huo Yun’s neck.
On Huo Yun’s other side stood a female Omega in a formal dress, her hair up, her makeup exquisite, her complexion gentle, looking no more than thirty years old.
Huo Yun, in the middle, would occasionally glance at the boy, and sometimes exchange smiles with the Omega. The affection in his eyes was genuine.
The three of them truly looked like a family.
After exchanging greetings with the guests, Huo Yun led his lover and child toward Shen Wanchao and Zhou Hui.
Shen Wanchao and Zhou Hui had expected them to greet them first and were prepared. They smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.
As they approached, Huo Yun stared at Shen Wanchao, stunned for a moment.
The person before him appeared with Zhou Hui, behaving intimately, and although much younger than before, it was indeed Shen Wanchao. But at certain moments, Huo Yun felt that the other person resembled the boy he had met before.
Zhou Hui noticed Huo Yun’s hesitation and said, “Old Huo, look how influential you are! You even managed to get Xiao Wan to come all the way back from abroad to attend your banquet.”
His words dispelled Huo Yun’s confusion. He chuckled and took the initiative to shake hands with Shen Wanchao.
“Then I am truly honored today,” Huo Yun said. “You really are something, leaving so suddenly and going off to play for so long, leaving Zhou eagerly waiting for your return every day. He’s become a husband-gazing stone.”1
Shen Wanchao smiled politely, and replied, “President Huo, what are you saying? Although I was out doing research, I video-called Zhou Hui every day. He probably thinks I’m too clingy.”
Zhou Hui liked him saying that. He immediately flattered him, “I will never think you’re clingy. I want to be even more clingy to you.”
Shen Wanchao smiled; he took his hand, and secretly pinched his palm.
It meant that was enough.
Huo Yun laughed a few times at their reactions, then put his arm around the Omega beside him and introduced them: “This is Xiao Wei, my lover. Weiwei, you should have met these two before, Mr. Zhou from Linshan and his husband, Mr. Shen.”
Xiao Wei seemed a little nervous, but still extended her hand generously: “Mr. Zhou, Mr. Shen, good evening, thank you for attending Momo’s birthday party.”
Shen Wanchao and Zhou Hui took turns shaking hands with Xiao Wei, which was considered a formal introduction.
Huo Yun couldn’t help but tease as he watched Shen Wanchao shake hands with Xiao Wei, “Xiao Wanchao is getting younger and younger. Weiwei is only 29 this year, and you even look younger than her. Standing next to you young people makes me feel really old.”
Huo Yun’s words weren’t a genuine compliment to Shen Wanchao’s youth; the latter part was his true reflection.
Those familiar with Huo Yun knew that since turning 40, he had become exceptionally sensitive and obsessive about his age.
He often joked about being old in front of others, but if someone tactlessly implied that he should accept his age, he would hold a grudge.
Huo Yun once broke a contract because of a partner’s mistake, resulting in the employee who came to negotiate being fired.
Shen Wanchao really didn’t want to deal with such a sensitive and petty old man, but he had to say something.
As he was pondering, Zhou Hui spoke up for him, “You’re not old at all, Old Huo. Your son is still so young. You’re clearly in your prime.”
It was hard to tell if his words were sarcastic or flattering.
Shen Wanchao glanced at Zhou Hui first, then at Huo Yun’s expression.
Huo Yun smiled without a hint of embarrassment. He took the words as genuine praise, and kissed Huo Mowen on the cheek.
A hint of smugness appeared on Xiao Wei’s face as well.
Everyone present knew that Huo Yun had a 17-year-old son, yet his behavior made it seem as if he didn’t care about him. Xiao Wei was naturally pleased.
“Brother Zhou’s words always make me happy. Alright, we still need to attend to the other guests. Have fun.”
After saying goodbye, Huo Yun led Xiao Wei and the child away.
Shen Wanchao loosened his tie and let out a sigh of relief: “Finally gone.”
Zhou Hui found Shen Wanchao’s obvious helplessness amusing: “I didn’t expect there to be people you’re not good at dealing with.”
Shen Wanchao sighed: “Come with me to the balcony for some fresh air, it’s so stuffy here.”
The two had achieved their main purpose for coming to this banquet, and now they just needed to stay and kill some time before leaving.
Unexpectedly, they encountered another person on the way.
Lu Yingtang, holding a wine glass, walked towards Shen Wanchao and Zhou Hui with a clear purpose. He made it impossible for them to pretend they didn’t see him.
“Xiao Wan, long time no see.”
Lu Yingtang’s smile was like a venomous snake with a dangerous undertone; even though there was nothing wrong with it, it still sent chills down their spines.
Shen Wanchao had made a big show of revealing his identity tonight, so it was no wonder that Lu Yingtang already knew.
If Shen Wanchao had known Lu Yingtang would be here, he certainly wouldn’t have chosen to reveal his identity today.
Although Shen Wanchao had already reconciled with Lu Yingtang and even had a meal alone with him before, he still couldn’t get along with Lu Yingtang normally.
Lu Yingtang’s occasional glances made him feel uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, since they had already run into each other, Shen Wanchao had no choice but to exchange pleasantries: “It has indeed been a while since we last met. I didn’t expect to see you here.”
Lu Yingtang replied, “Interpersonal relationships are a very strange thing.”
Even more annoyed by seeing Lu Yingtang than Shen Wanchao was Zhou Hui. He stepped forward, subtly shielding Shen Wanchao behind him.
“Dr. Lu, I’m sorry I can’t continue our conversation. Xiao Wan feels a bit stuffy, I need to take him outside for some fresh air.” Zhou Hui smiled, but his eyes held no genuine joy.
Shen Wanchao took Zhou Hui’s hand and said, “Let’s go.”
The two were about to walk away together, but exclamations suddenly erupted in the banquet hall.
Shen Wanchao couldn’t help but look in the direction of the exclamations, only to find that almost everyone’s eyes were focused on the two people who had just entered the banquet hall.
Following the crowd’s gaze, Shen Wanchao saw Yu Yangui, dressed in a magnificent gown.
Behind the fitted red dress, was the cold-faced Huo Tingsong.
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