White-Collar Social Connections

Jiang Yingying clung to Zheng Yuan, creating an awkward scene.

"Oh, Yingying, what's going on between you and Young Master Zheng?"

A nosy noblewoman, thoroughly enjoying the drama, teased with a smirk.

She was Bai Xiu's aunt and Bai Shaojun's mother, who had always disliked Bai Xiu.

Now that Bai Xiu's engagement had fallen through, she was naturally in high spirits.

Jiang Yingying blushed and said, "It's nothing like that, Auntie. You're overthinking it."

"So, what exactly is the status of your engagement with Bai Xiu?" the noblewoman prodded, feigning casualness.

Zheng Yuan raised an eyebrow slightly.

He had heard about Jiang Yingying's engagement to the Bai family—clearly, she was trying to use him as leverage.

Truthfully, he had no real interest in Jiang Yingying, but after their one-night fling, he felt obliged to play along.

The Bai family was insignificant anyway—crushing them would be effortless, and this could serve as a convenient favor.

Zheng Yuan chuckled. "Modern society advocates free love. Arranged marriages are outdated. Besides, Yingying is beautiful and kind-hearted. If Bai Xiu wants to pursue her, he’ll need to step up his game."

"What nonsense! Why would I chase her?"

Bai Xiu yawned lazily.

Jiang Yingying instantly flared up. "You fatherless, motherless loser! Look at yourself—what kind of toad dares dream of climbing the Jiang family’s ladder? The Bai family isn’t even worthy!"

The entire Bai family’s expressions darkened.

Even the noblewoman’s face stiffened.

"If you want to insult Bai Xiu, fine, but why drag the Bai family into it?"

The Old Madam’s expression was complicated as she shook her head subtly.

Perhaps it was a blessing that such a woman hadn’t married into the Bai family.

An Yi’s gaze turned icy.

Bai Xiu seemed to sense his intent and stopped him with a raised hand.

He fixed Jiang Yingying with a rare sharpness in his usually indifferent eyes.

"Back when the Jiang family was ostracized and nearly driven out of the capital, it was the Bai family who sheltered you. When your businesses were on the verge of collapse due to poverty, it was the Bai family who funded you. And now you dare say we’re not good enough?"

"You bite the hand that feeds you. How amusing—the Jiang family truly has no shame."

Jiang Yingying’s face darkened. "That’s all ancient history. What’s the point of dredging up old grievances now?"

Zheng Yuan sneered from the side. "Bai Xiu, why argue with a woman? A man doesn’t need talent, but he should at least have some dignity—"

"Move aside!"

Suddenly, a petite waitress wearing a cap, babbling in an unfamiliar language, stumbled forward while carrying a large tray piled with sauces.

The silver tray went flying.

Thud!

Neither Zheng Yuan nor Jiang Yingying escaped—both were splattered head to toe in thick, sticky sauces.

The clumsy girl was none other than Ziyue.

Seeing her plan succeed, she couldn’t help but flash a mischievous grin.

Jiang Yingying stared at her ruined, expensive dress, her face purpling with rage. "You! You little brat! Do you have a death wish?"

Zheng Yuan, equally disgusted by the mess on his clothes, scowled but held back.

Having just preached about men needing composure, he couldn’t afford to lose face now.

"Ah-bah, ah-bah!"

Ziyue stammered, feigning panic.

Uncle Liu rushed over, apologizing profusely. "My deepest apologies, you two. This girl is deaf and mute—please forgive her."

"Being deaf and mute doesn’t excuse her! If her hands are reckless, she deserves to be hit!"

Jiang Yingying raised her hand to strike.

Ziyue quickly turned pleading eyes toward An Yi.

An Yi arched a brow and caught Jiang Yingying’s wrist. "Sorry, but she’s my sister."

"You—"

Jiang Yingying paled at the sight of An Yi, her bravado crumbling.

This was the man who had effortlessly taken down the Jiang family’s prized martial artist earlier.

With her wrist in his grip, fear surged through her.

Just then, a clear voice rang out from the entrance.

"The Qin family of Changbai Mountain—Qin Shan—wishes the Old Madam longevity like the pines and prosperity everlasting."

A burly young man, built like a gorilla, strode confidently into the courtyard.

"The Qin family of Changbai Mountain!"

The crowd buzzed with shock.

Though most weren’t deeply involved in martial arts circles, they knew—

The Qin family was a legendary ancient martial clan, its lineage stretching back dynasties!

These were no ordinary business families—they were untouchable elites.

Zheng Yuan’s eyes lit up with excitement.

Who’d have thought a simple birthday banquet would yield such an opportunity?

This was his chance to network with true power players!

To secure a foothold in the upper echelons of society, connections like these were indispensable.

The Old Madam studied Qin Shan curiously but smiled warmly. "Young man, you are…?"

She couldn’t recall any ties to ancient martial families.

Qin Shan grinned. "Old Madam, I’m Bai Xiu’s classmate—we’re like brothers!"

At this, Zheng Yuan and Jiang Yingying’s expressions soured.

"Big deal—so he has an influential friend," Jiang Yingying muttered bitterly.

She knew that if their bond was genuine, the Jiang family wouldn’t dare touch Bai Xiu.

Qin Shan’s gaze swept the room and landed on An Yi. His eyes brightened. "Hey, you—"

An Yi smirked and raised a finger to his lips.

Qin Shan laughed. "Damn, all four of us are here now! Old Liu’s lagging behind."

"The Liu family of Sichuan—Liu Dachao—wishes the Old Madam fortune as vast as the eastern seas, brilliance as enduring as the sun and moon."

Next, Liu Dachao sauntered in, dressed sharply in a white suit.

The moment Zheng Yuan saw him, he eagerly stepped forward. "Young Master Liu! What an honor to see you here!"

Liu Dachao blinked. "And you are…?"

"Uh, I’m Xiao Yuan! At the Wuzhou City banquet half a year ago, I was with Brother Sun…"

"Oh. You."

Liu Dachao’s tone was flat. He had no clue who this guy was.

Seeing even Zheng Yuan grovel, Jiang Yingying recognized a heavyweight. Ignoring her sauce-stained dress, she fluffed her hair and batted her lashes at him.

Zheng Yuan pressed on. "What brings you here today?"

Liu Dachao shrugged. "Old Bai’s my bro. Here to celebrate the Old Madam’s birthday."

"Old Bai?"

Before Zheng Yuan could wonder which Bai elder he meant, Liu Dachao had already slung an arm around Bai Xiu’s shoulders.

"This guy’s connections run this deep?"

Zheng Yuan’s stomach twisted with unease.

The Qin family of Changbai Mountain, the Liu family of Sichuan—these were figures he’d been desperate to befriend.

And they were Bai Xiu’s close friends?!

Shooting a glare at the equally stunned Jiang Yingying, Zheng Yuan gritted his teeth.

This damn woman had ruined everything!

Now, he didn’t dare hope for an alliance—avoiding hostility would be a miracle.

Then, another melodious voice announced:

"The Tang family of the capital—Tang Qingqing—wishes the Old Madam blessings of fortune, prosperity, and longevity, with all joys aligned."

Tang Qingqing glided in, radiant in an elegant gown, her beauty illuminating the entire garden.

Zheng Yuan stared, mesmerized.

Compared to Tang Qingqing’s natural grace, Jiang Yingying’s plastic looks weren’t even worth mentioning.

Jiang Yingying tensed immediately.

She recognized Tang Qingqing—the Tang family of the capital!

A powerhouse capable of swaying the nation’s political landscape!

Why was she here?

The Old Madam beamed. "The Tang family’s little princess lives up to her reputation—as stunning as the rumors say."

Today, Tang Qingqing set aside her usual brashness and, holding Old Madam's arm, flashed a sweet smile: "Hello, Old Madam. It's our first time meeting—I'm Bai Xiu's girlfriend."

The moment these words were spoken, everyone was stunned.