Chapter 486

On the day of the birthday banquet, He Shi Zhuangyuan.

All the servants went all out to welcome today's scene, and Guangshu also stood early in the main hall to greet the arriving guests.

The luxurious wall lights refracted the light to appear warmer; as the classical ensemble in the side hall played live, the rhythm flowed, and the banquet tables were set with carved, gold-inlaid utensils, needing only a sprinkle of food to look especially exquisite.

Servants in uniform tailcoats shuttled through the hall, serving the guests who came to congratulate, attentive and meticulous.

A banquet that seemed flawless on the surface, but underneath, the thoughts surging were intricate and complex.

He Yuchuan wore a white suit, raising a glass and chatting casually with a few familiar friends, his gaze occasionally drifting toward the spiral staircase leading to the second floor.

But he hadn't yet waited for Jin Chen to finish changing and come down, the specially invited uninvited guests began to act affectedly.

"Yuchuan, you're here."

The speaker first heard his voice, the deliberately affected excited tone making listeners feel annoyed; He Yuchuan's face gradually cooled, and he turned to go over.

"Uncle." His tone was flat, ultimately not showing much respect.

He Yuchuan's uncle also didn't notice anything amiss; after all, this nephew's expressionless face had been like that for many years. He strode forward on his own, his short, plump figure wrapped in a tight suit, with a man and a woman following behind him.

He Yuchuan glanced over; the two were not old, appearing rather inexperienced.

Noticing his gaze, He Yuchuan's uncle immediately pushed them forward: "Do you still remember, Yuchuan? These are your two cousins, He Zhou and He Li."

"Hmm." He didn't pay much attention.

He Zhou looked around, raising a fawning smile just like his father's; his otherwise decent looks instantly turned somewhat distorted.

"Cousin brother, I did see you when I was little, but after some misunderstandings, we haven't seen each other for years—I've missed you."

He picked up a glass of red wine from a passing server's tray: "Today is Xiao Chen's brother's birthday; I heard Father is coming, so I'm happy."

He Yuchuan looked at the scheming person before him, his memory tracing back to the day his parents were cremated; the uncle also wanted to stick his hand in the inheritance, and at that time, He Zhou standing beside the uncle wore an expression of blatant greed and impatience.

"It seems the little cousin's memory isn't good," He Yuchuan's eyes dulled as he stared at the ring on his hand, "Didn't you see me five years ago as well?"

He Zhou's smile froze; naturally he also recalled something, he paused then gave two dry laughs: "Yeah haha… cousin brother still remembers."

Seeing this, He Yuchuan's uncle hurried to smooth things over, steering the topic to He Zhou having been unemployed for a long time since graduation, hoping He Yuchuan could lend a hand.

Between the lines, all they wanted was to slot He Zhou into the He Group.

Watching the father and brother openly display their ambition, He Li sighed, as if she were also used to being often sidelined, yet unexpectedly He Yuchuan noticed her.

"He Zhou doesn't have a job, and you don't either?"

She blinked, then nodded slightly, "I do have one, thank you, older male cousin, for your concern."

This is actually someone who knows how to read the room.

He Yuchuan withdrew his gaze, having only asked casually, but seeing this, He's uncle assumed he wanted to help and became even more enthusiastic.

We hadn't finished chatting here when a few more people showed up.

"Yuchuan, long time no see!" The comer was He family's aunt, who usually lives abroad; upon receiving the invitation, she still came back especially.

She glanced at the poor relative, He's uncle, didn't say much, and brought over two pretty girls, saying, "These two are my adopted daughters; they're pretty, just returned to the country and know nothing—I hope you can give them some pointers."

She almost smiled so hard creases formed on her face; the two girls' looks and styles were completely opposite, as if deliberately prepared to give He Yuchuan a choice.

For a moment, He Yuchuan was surrounded by those several relatives.

The strong perfume smell made him somewhat uncomfortable; he subconsciously frowned, and his tone turned completely cold.

"Do you guys know what occasion this is today?"

He Yuchuan walked a few steps to the side, his eyes cold and deep, "If it's to wish Jin Chen a happy birthday, then just behave yourself."

"Look at what Elder Brother He says—we of course know we're here to celebrate your younger brother's birthday," one of the girls, the bolder and spunkier type, immediately spoke up, tossing her hair as she approached.

"Just that I'd also like to get to know you better."

Jin Chen came down the spiral staircase and saw his own wife surrounded by a bunch of ugly men and women, old and young.

His eyebrows slightly lifted, and he quickly walked over.

"Brother!"

A low, happy voice came from behind, and the guests instinctively looked over.

And finally they saw the protagonist of today's banquet, Jin Chen, wearing an English-style wide-sleeved lace shirt, overlaid with a gold-trimmed waist-cinching vest, narrow waist, long legs, and an outstanding demeanor.

"Brother, why didn't you wait for me before coming down?"

Jin Chen walked over and immediately wrapped his arms tightly around He Yuchuan's arm, putting on a display of dependence.

"There are so many guests around." He Yuchuan instantly softened, stunned by Jin Chen's outfit, and adjusted the boutonniere on his vest.

"Oh, it's Uncle and Aunt He; I wondered why I saw Brother surrounded on the stairs."

Jin Chen's eyes were lively as he sized up these people, lingering a few seconds longer on the two women brought by Aunt He, leaving no doubt about their intention.

"If it were any other guest, they would certainly not be this rude." He finished saying that with a smile.

Saying that could make someone furious, but paired with that smiling, delicate face, it left no room for blame.

Uncle He's face stiffened for a moment, "What is this kid saying?"

"Ah… sorry, Uncle He, you don't like hearing the truth, do you? I'll be more careful next time."

Jin Chen tilted his head, looking innocent, and gently shook He Yuchuan's arm, "Brother, Uncle He won't be angry with me, will he?"

"He's old enough; he won't hold a grudge against you."

He Yuchuan was also happy to go along with him; as long as Jin Chen has fun today, that's enough.

He's uncle: "……"

These two brothers, playing off each other, really left him speechless.

"This must be Chenchen, wow, he's grown so big."

Aunt He shifted the topic to herself, her vermilion nails pointing straight at the two girls as she pushed them forward, "You're this old; your brother should be settling down and starting a career."

"Today just happens to be your birthday, so let you young people play together?"

The two girls immediately adjusted their expressions, showing what they thought was their charming side.

He Yuchuan's lips twitched slightly, and he silently averted his gaze.

He could already foresee how this jealous little person would toss them out.

"How strange, wasn't only the cousin's aunt given an invitation? I've never seen these two sisters before; they probably aren't relatives, so how did they get in?"

Jin Chen's expression was doubtful, and he even took a few steps back.

"Who exactly are you?"