spring bite mark

Chapter 225 Attending the Banquet
"Scenes from a few years ago?" Yan Changye tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, chuckling, "The pile from the comics?"

Huo Yungui stammered, "Brother-in-law, you...you know? Well, my sister isn't the kind of person who's fickle. There must be some misunderstanding."

Yan Changye was not annoyed. "It's just a draft. I have a bunch of old drafts drawn by my wife, more than he does."

This is not a boastful statement made in a moment of desperation.

After her coming-of-age ceremony at eighteen, Jiang Manman and Yan Changye's relationship underwent a qualitative change, transforming from casual acquaintances to close friends. Jiang Manman would occasionally send Yan Changye her doodles, and over time, the number of drawings accumulated was quite substantial.

Even after Xie Yuheng's sudden arrival, Jiang Manman and Yan Changye became much more distant. She still received her drawings intermittently. Moreover, when Jiang Manman was making DIY cakes and crafts, she didn't forget to give Yan Changye a share.

This is also one of the reasons why Xie Yuheng was in a hurry to marry Jiang Manman—his childhood sweetheart had such a strong presence that it would be a lie to say he wasn't flustered at all, since she was the one who suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

Huo Yungui breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that Yan Changye was also involved, but still couldn't help but remind him:

"Brother-in-law, you should keep an eye on Xie Yuheng. I always feel that he pays too much attention to my sister."

Yan Changye gave a noncommittal "hmm".

Huo Yungui began to struggle again:
"He also said he wanted to host a banquet for our parents and asked us to set a time. Given his status, I really didn't dare to refuse. Brother-in-law, you should step in and decline it."

"Why push it away?" Yan Changye's mind drifted back to the drawings that Li Ke had given away. Xie Yuheng treasured Jiang Manman's things like the back of his hand, and would often take out those old things to reminisce over them whenever he had free time. And now, suddenly, they were going to be given away...

Combined with today's meeting, Xie Yuheng clearly shows signs of starting to take care of his appearance.

Alternatively, they might let go of their obsession and find someone new.

Or perhaps they haven't given up their wicked intentions and have come up with new methods.

Regardless of which one, it's worth exploring.

Yan Changye clicked his tongue lightly: "Promise him, set the time for tomorrow night."

The Xie family conglomerate, Xie Yunxi's office.

Shen Zongqian was summoned in early in the morning.

"Boss," Shen Zongqian said respectfully, "the materials for the project signing ceremony are all prepared, and the time is set for tomorrow afternoon. Do you have any further instructions?"

Yan Changye did not look at the project materials that Shen Zongqian handed over:
"Go and check if Xie Yuheng's daily behavior has been unusual over the past month. The more detailed the better."

Shen Zongqian hesitated slightly: "After all, Hong Kong is his territory, and he is known for being cautious, so it may not be easy to investigate."

"Pay close attention to whether he's planning to move, or if there are any signs of him being in a relationship, his personal financial transactions, or any unusual behavior," Yan Changye said thoughtfully. "Also, have he been seeing any strange people or doing anything strange lately?"

Shen Zongqian nodded: "I'll try my best."

"How many bodyguards do we have with us now?" Yan Changye asked again. "Two-thirds of them are assigned to my wife."

“Boss, aren’t you being overly nervous?” Shen Zongqian asked tactfully. “Chairman Xie is unlikely to do anything to harm Madam. Even if he has some ill intentions, it’s more likely that he will target you. In my opinion, it’s more appropriate to keep the main security force by your side.”

"Do as I say first." Yan Changye pondered, "Also prepare a matching gift for us, wrapped nicely, and give it to me at noon."

In the afternoon, Yan Changye skipped work and spent time with Jiang Manman at Yushui Bay.

Huo Mingcai and Wang Ying were both a little nervous when they learned that they would be attending a dinner party personally prepared by Xie Yuheng that evening.

Jiang Manman and Yan Changye were walking their child in the yard.

"Why don't you two go? I don't really want to see him, it's kind of awkward." Jiang Manman was holding Yan Yu in her arms, helping him make rose bookmarks.

Yan Changye casually fed Xie Jian a few pieces of dried fruit and said nonchalantly, "He is an elder and invited us personally. It would be impolite not to go."

"When did you become so concerned about seniority and etiquette?" Jiang Manman didn't believe his nonsense at all. "After all, Mom and Dad are here. I don't care what you're thinking, just tone it down."

"What could I possibly be thinking? I really just plan to have a meal." Yan Changye leaned down and kissed her. "We'll leave right after we finish eating, no staying any longer, okay?" The whole family set off in two minivans. Yan Changye and Huo Yungui rode in one with the two children, while Jiang Manman rode in the other with her parents.

Throughout the journey, Huo Mingcai felt quite uneasy and couldn't help but mutter to himself:
"I never dreamed I'd ever have dinner with Xie Yuheng from the Xie family conglomerate. Yun Gui said he has a good personality, but I don't know if that's true."

Is he good-natured?

Having witnessed his bloody scenes of reshuffling the fortunes of wealthy families from time to time, I can say he is ruthless, cold-blooded, and cruel—not exactly a good-natured person.

Jiang Manman said softly, "No matter what kind of person he is, let's talk less and leave after we finish eating."

Huo Mingcai nodded: "What can I say? The difference in status is so great, I'm afraid I can't say a word."

Wang Ying sighed, "Compared to him now, I realize that our son-in-law is really good. He's approachable, friendly, and doesn't put on airs at all."

Jiang Manman thought of Yan Changye and Xie Yunxi, both of whom were known for their aloofness, arrogance, and vindictiveness in Hong Kong and the capital, and felt too embarrassed to agree.

Jiangyue Prefecture.

Inside the study, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood. Xie Yuheng sat at the head of the table, his eyes lowered as he casually played with several sets of exquisite antiques.

Five people sat in front of him, all with inscrutable expressions.

No one spoke.

Until the butler's voice came from outside:
"Chairman, Young Master Yunxi and the others have arrived."

"Let's go," Xie Yuheng said softly. "Let's all go out and meet them."

The five people exchanged glances and then stood up.

Inside the living room, Yan Changye, Jiang Manman, and the Huo family had just settled in when Xie Yuheng descended the spiral staircase and greeted them first.
"Uncle, Aunt, and Brother Yun Gui, hello."

After saying that, he looked at Jiang Manman again: "Manman."

Anyone could hear the restraint in his tone.

Huo Yungui lowered his head and gulped down his tea, then secretly glanced at his brother-in-law.

Yan Changye remained calm: "Uncle, this is my wife's first visit. As an elder, you should remember to prepare a gift for her visit."

Xie Yuheng paused for a moment: "Of course."

After saying that, he habitually bent down and affectionately patted Xie Jian and Yan Yu's heads again:
"Your great-uncle has also prepared some good things for you two. He'll give them to you after you finish eating."

Yan Changye's gaze had already fallen on the group of people behind Xie Yuheng:

"It's supposed to be a family dinner, but why are there outsiders here?"

Xie Yuheng explained casually, "They are just antique shop owners. I heard from Brother Yun Gui that my uncle likes antiques, so I specially asked them to send some over for my uncle to play with."

"Oh, no, no, I'm not that into antiques, those are such expensive things," Huo Mingcai quickly declined.

Xie Yuheng said solemnly, "This is just the most basic etiquette when we first meet your parents."

"Tsk, the generation is wrong." Yan Changye reminded him sarcastically, "Uncle, you are of the same generation as my parents, so it's probably inappropriate to address them as uncle and aunt."

Xie Yuheng: "..."

The Huo family: "..."

Jiang Manman followed Huo Yungui's example, lowering her eyes and picking up a cup of fruit tea to hide her embarrassment.

(End of this chapter)