Chapter 943: Childhood Sweetheart Days 37

How lively.

Jin Chen followed half a step behind Song Xu, scanning the crowd in the hall, "Song Xu hasn't arrived yet, why did you all start already?"

Cheng Huai also sighed, "I don't really understand the rules of your wealthy families; is it really like this?"

Songshang'an's face darkened, he furrowed his brows, his genteel expression showing displeasure, "Since you're here, come over quickly."

As Song Xu walked forward, he could clearly feel the gazes landing on him.

Many were mocking scrutinies and eyes looking at a joke.

Song Xu ignored them all, only when he saw Song Chong appear did his gaze show some fluctuation.

Long time no see, Uncle.

This time it was his turn to say these opening words.

Song Chong raised his cup toward him, tone gentle, "It's a pity this banquet started so suddenly; I didn't have time to prepare a gift for you to take home."

Song Xu's expression was indifferent, he stared directly into his eyes, "Uncle, your earlier surprise was enough; your double-dealing ways are enough for me to learn from."

Both of them knew exactly which matter was being referred to.

Song Chong smiled without speaking, holding his cup as he went to the other side to chat with friends.

"Little Xu, when speaking to Uncle you should be more respectful." The one who had wanted to stay out of sight, Songshang'an, suddenly spoke.

Xu Su could only shake her head, "Looks like I still need to send you to take some classes; your manners are truly unacceptable."

Jin Chen pulled Song Xu to stand beside him, "That's an interesting thing to say; as a child you never asked or cared, now you want him to learn all aristocratic etiquette overnight?"

"Aunt Su, you didn't mix up the baby at the hospital, did you? Did you give birth to an intelligent robot?"

Xu Su: "……"

Song Xu turned his head away, leaning against his brother's shoulder and laughing.

He didn't dare to laugh, but there were plenty who did.

The guests' laughter was like a slap across Xu Su's face; after marrying into the wealthy family she felt inferior everywhere, she had done everything to try to fit into this ladies' circle, and for many years no one had dared to be so brazen in front of her.

Alright, what's there to argue about in public with a junior?

Songshang'an gave her a way out, his tone aloof.

"Today I invited everyone over mainly for the engagement between the Mu and Song families; I also ask you all to be witnesses."

"The juniors don't understand; please excuse their behavior."

When Songshang'an spoke, one could feel Song Chong's gaze coming over; he lifted his eyes to meet his, as if responding to something.

The four clueless juniors exchanged glances, quietly rolling up their sleeves.

Mu Henian inwardly complained about the childishness, while stepping aside beside the Mu family, turning his wrist, looking to the right, Jin Chen had also already prepared.

Their position happened to have two multi-layer wine towers.

Song Xu walked to Songshang'an's side; when Songshang'an indicated with his eyes that he should also say a few words obediently, he lifted his gaze to regard the crowd.

Most of the people below were either rich or noble, the kind of influential figures one could never encounter in Ming Cheng, yet he felt there were many masks.

Song Xu's voice was clear and cold, his tone firm, "I will not become engaged to Mu Henian, and he likewise will not agree."

"If a clan already needs marriage alliances to consolidate its position, in my view…"

He uttered a statement that could be called grossly treasonous.

"Better to go bankrupt and collapse."

Everyone present:!!

"Cough cough cough… cough cough cough!" Song Chong was shocked by his words, the wine he had just swallowed choking him terribly.

Songshang'an's side hadn't reacted yet; he instinctively looked toward Song Chong, wanting to step forward but held back.

Xu Su rushed over, "Song Xu!! What are you saying…"

Crackle!

Crack! Boom!

Xu Su's furious voice was drowned by the sudden collapse of the wine tower, then came the guests' screams, rising and falling.

The whole scene descended into chaos, dark wine spilling everywhere.

Everyone stared in disbelief at the two instigators.

Jin Chen, holding the last glass of wine in his hand, loosened his grip and smashed it to the ground before them.

Mu Henian led Cheng Huai, his face cold the whole time, though inside he was actually thrilled.

"Xiao Yu'er, come down."

Jin Chen smiled and reached out his hand to Song Xu.

Song Xu ran down; Xu Su tried to grab him but didn't react in time, and the four of them simultaneously ran outward.

Reaching the door, Jin Chen took up the rear, also putting on an aloof, noble air, "See you later, everyone."

Having said that, he turned and ran.

Quick! The security is stopping them!

Mu's father was furious, no longer maintaining his usual genteel bearing; Songshang'an reacted, clutching his chest and panting, grateful he had no heart condition, otherwise he'd have been angered to death.

Xu Su's face turned white with rage, her hand trembling against the wall, "Unfilial son! This unfilial son!"

I said he shouldn't be raised in Ming Cheng! What has he become learning from this bunch of hooligans!

Mu Nan gaped, thinking Mu Henian had only been in Ming Cheng a few years, like he'd become a different person! Does he really not want the Mu family inheritance…

Mu Nan couldn't suppress his inner amusement, supporting the enraged Mu father with feigned concern, "Father, perhaps Brother just likes that person too much; he'll be fine after a few more years of growing up."

"Hmph! He's already 23 this year! And he's a year older than you! This good-for-nothing!"

The angrier Mu's father became, the more pleased Mu Nan felt inside; he had thought that once Mu Henian returned it would be hard to deal with, but two years have passed, not only has he made no progress at all, he's actually regressed quite a bit.

With Mu Henian like this, his father can no longer give him the inheritance!

Song Chong recovered from his surprise; the hall full of guests were all notable people, most of whom had come for the upcoming business banquet, and with this disturbance they were likely dissatisfied.

Thinking this, Song Chong stepped toward the stage, walking past his brother who was still in a daze, and addressed the crowd gently and politely; his distinctive eyes inspired trust.

"I'm sorry for what happened. Today's banquet will end here. If anyone's attire is soiled and needs changing, we'll take full responsibility."

"The next business banquet is in the adjacent hall; why don't you all go to other floors to relax? Today, all your expenses will be covered by the Song family."

Although it couldn't fully make up for the fright just experienced, it was still a decent handling—after all, with so many guests, it was a considerable expense; even if the guests weren't short of money, one couldn't just break face with the Song family over this, but merely needed a step to save face.

Seeing the guests off, Songshang'an belatedly realized, roughly calculating the money to be spent, and almost fainted again.

"All right, money is secondary; what matters is using money to secure a decent relationship." Song Chong explained, patting Songshang'an on the shoulder.

After hearing Song Chong's explanation, Songshang'an felt much more at ease; anyway, he had always listened to Song Chong since childhood.

"Did that just now scare you?" Songshang'an asked.

"After so many years, even a fragile heart could turn to iron; there's nothing to worry about."

Song Chong lowered his hand, and he and Songshang'an left together in perfect unison.

Xu Su felt that strange sensation rise again, thinking of the close relationship between Song Xu and Jin Chen, and a look of disgust appeared in her eyes.

Whether it's Songshang'an or Song Xu, they had better behave themselves toward her!

Song Xu must marry into the Mu family, which would also consolidate her position.