Chapter 969: Banquet

Time flew by, and evening arrived.

Nine o’clock.

Luxury cars were lined up at the front of Yaoyang Grand Hotel, with a massive crowd gathered under elegant canopies.

Successful men in suits and ties or young masters from wealthy families, each with a female companion, walked into the hotel with smiles on their faces.

Nearly all the prominent figures were present tonight.

“What do you guys think the Deng Family is trying to do?”

“They’re probably looking for allies. Haven’t you noticed how the Deng Family is losing ground rapidly?”

“Teaming up with the Deng Family now is like joining the Nationalists in ’49. It’s a dead end.”

“Exactly. I’m just here to observe tonight. Don’t expect to pull me into anything. After all, Ye Shilong is backing the Zhao Family.”

Inside the hotel, groups of two and three gathered, chatting. The focus was naturally on the true purpose behind the banquet.

No one had any confidence in the Deng Family, as everyone knew the Zhao Family had Ye Shilong’s support.

Xu Shaochen had just arrived in the Northwest and kept a low profile when he did. These people were unaware that the Deng Family’s greatest support had already arrived.

The Zhao Family knew, of course, but they certainly wouldn’t go out of their way to publicize it.

“Oh! Young Master Zhao is here.”

“Young Master Zhao, you look even more impressive after just a few days apart. And Madam Zhao, you are as radiant as always.”

“Dear nephew, it’s been such a long time since you visited my home…”

Everyone greeted Zhao Chen warmly, exuding enthusiasm when they saw him.

After all, everyone knew the Deng Family was on the verge of collapse, and once the former hegemon fell, the Zhao Family would emerge as the new overlord of the Northwest.

And Zhao Chen would be the one to inherit it all.

As for Zhao Fei, standing next to Zhao Chen, he was naturally ignored by everyone.

“You’re too kind. It’s all thanks to the care and support of my uncles here.”

Zhao Chen, full of energy, responded to each greeting with a bright smile.

Zhao Fei watched Zhao Chen’s performance with a blank expression, but his female companion could feel the increasing strength of the arm around her waist.

“Ah…”

Eventually, she couldn’t help but softly cry out in pain.

“Are you alright?”

Zhao Fei snapped out of it, looking at his companion with a tender smile.

“I’m… I’m fine.”

She shook her head like a rattling toy. She used to love Zhao Fei’s gentleness, but now an inexplicable sense of fear was creeping up on her.

Zhao Chen’s wife was named Yuxiu. She was twenty-six years old and the heiress of a large corporation in the Northwest.

Tonight, she was undoubtedly the brightest star in the room.

One reason was Zhao Chen’s status, but the second was her own presence.

She was incredibly beautiful.

Yuxiu was tall and slender, with long hair draped over her shoulders. Her delicate oval face was charming, and her eyebrows exuded elegance. The faint smile on her face left everyone mesmerized.

Tonight, she wore a white, tight-fitting dress that accentuated her naturally curvaceous figure. The high slit in the skirt revealed glimpses of her long, silk-wrapped legs as she walked. Her small feet were adorned in silver high heels, adding to the mature elegance she radiated.

Of course, no man dared let his gaze linger on her for too long, fearing Zhao Chen’s displeasure.

After all, any man would be protective of his wife.

“Thank you for waiting so long. It seems I, the host, am the last to arrive. My apologies, my apologies.”

Just then, a bright and energetic voice filled the room.

Everyone turned toward the entrance.

They saw Deng Tianwen enter with a smile on his face, accompanied by Hou Xiaoyan and a man who was unknown to many but familiar to a few.

That man was, of course, Xu Shaochen.

At the moment they saw Xu Shaochen,

Many people showed puzzled expressions, unsure of who this man was.

But a small number quickly masked their shock after recognizing him.

These individuals had either seen Xu Shaochen’s interviews, photos, or had information on him. They instantly knew who he was.

It had long been rumored that Deng Tianwen and Xu Shaochen were on good terms.

But as the Deng Family kept losing ground to the Zhao Family, and with no sign of Xu Shaochen taking action, people simply forgot about the rumors.

Now that they saw Xu Shaochen appear alongside Deng Tianwen, those rumors quickly resurfaced in everyone’s minds.

At this point, it was hard to say who would emerge victorious.

“Deng Shao, you’re being too modest. We’re just here for the free food and drink. If anything, you should forgive us!”

“Yes, Deng Shao…”

Those who recognized Xu Shaochen greeted Deng Tianwen with great enthusiasm, as if eager to get closer to him.

However, no one mentioned Xu Shaochen’s identity. It was as if they all had a mutual understanding.

First, they didn’t want to appear too forward and risk offending Xu Shaochen.

Second, it was out of self-interest. Currently, only a few people knew Xu Shaochen’s identity.

If they exposed him now, everyone would know, and they’d lose the competitive edge in currying favor.

Those who didn’t know who Xu Shaochen was exchanged confused glances, not understanding why some people were being so cordial to Deng Tianwen.

After all, anyone with good sense could see that the Zhao Family would likely win in the end. What were these guys thinking?

“Hmph!”

Zhao Chen coldly watched the scene unfold and let out a displeased snort. He knew exactly why these people were being so friendly with Deng Tianwen.

“Is that him? Xu Shaochen?”

Yuxiu curiously looked at Xu Shaochen and asked her husband.

After all, Xu Shaochen was very famous now. Even if you hadn’t seen his photo, you’d at least have heard his name in the news.

Before Zhao Chen could respond, Zhao Fei quickly smiled and said, “Sister-in-law, that’s Xu Shaochen, the world’s youngest billionaire.”

“Hmph! World’s youngest billionaire? What nonsense. He’s just lucky to have a good grandfather.”

Zhao Chen sneered disdainfully, though he certainly wouldn’t say something like that to Xu Shaochen’s face.

Zhao Fei chuckled. “Come on, big brother, give the guy some credit. He’s got some real skill. Right, sister-in-law?”

“Xiao Fei is right. I’ve read a lot about him in the news too.” Yuxiu nodded, then playfully glanced at Zhao Chen. “You’re not jealous just because I looked at him twice, are you?”

“Of course not.”

It was true; Zhao Chen wasn’t jealous. He just didn’t like Xu Shaochen.

Meanwhile, a strange glint flashed in Zhao Fei’s eyes as he stepped aside and sent a text message to Deng Tianwen.

After reading the message, Deng Tianwen paused for a moment, then smiled mischievously, picked up a glass of wine, and made his way toward Zhao Chen.

Along the way, Deng Tianwen couldn’t help but marvel at how crafty Zhao Fei was.

“This Zhao Fei… he’s really something!”