Chapter 53: Su Family Banquet

Wei Tianhai's figure gradually faded into the night.

Only the lingering scent of blood and the aura of resentment remained in the air.

Meanwhile, the Su Family villa in the distance remained brightly lit, filled with laughter and chatter, as if nothing had happened.

Yet a far more violent storm was quietly brewing.

……

In the Su Family villa, crystal chandeliers refracted dazzling light.

Murong Wan wore a red evening gown, elegant and graceful, like a fully blossomed rose.

For a moment, the whole venue paled in comparison.

Murong Wan's location was the focal point of the entire banquet. Her beauty naturally drew many guests' glances.

Luo Tian, the second son of the Luo Group, held a glass of red wine, a self‑styled flirtatious smile on his face, and walked toward Murong Wan.

"Miss, are you alone?"

Luo Tian's tone was flippant, his gaze roamed Murong Wan's figure without restraint.

Mu Rong Wandai slightly furrowed her brows, stepped back half a pace, and widened the distance between them.

"Young gentleman, please show some restraint."

Her voice was cool, like ice beads falling onto a jade plate, bearing a coldness that rejected others from a thousand miles away.

Luo Tian hit a soft spot, his smile froze on his face, and a flash of a dark ferocity crossed his eyes.

He quickly readjusted his expression and pretended to swing his wine glass with nonchalance.

"Since you're attending the banquet, why reject others from afar? Sharing a drink with you is my honor. Let me introduce myself, I'm Luo Tian."

Murong Wan frowned, her tone even colder.

"Sorry, I have a male companion tonight."

Luo Tian was startled, his gaze swept the surroundings, finally landing on Jiangnan standing behind Murong Wan.

Jiangnan wore a black suit, tailored to fit, accentuating his upright posture.

He stood there quietly, his face serene, eyes deep, as if out of place amid the surrounding clamor, exuding an aura of mystery.

A hint of contempt flashed in Luo Tian's eyes.

"A male companion? Him?"

He pointed at Jiangnan, his tone full of mockery.

"Miss, are you joking? Someone like that worthy of being your male companion?"

Jiangnan lifted his gaze, his eyes shooting at Luo Tian like cold stars.

That look caused an inexplicable shiver in Luo Tian's heart, as if a ferocious beast were staring at him.

But quickly, he blamed the feeling on an illusion.

"Just a pretty boy, what threat could he pose?"

Murong Wan's complexion darkened, her tone icy.

"Young master Luo, please show some respect! Jiangnan is my friend, also my male companion."

"Friend? Male companion?"

Luo Tian seemed to hear the biggest joke ever, and laughed boisterously.

"Miss, stop joking. Can't you see what he's wearing? What he's adorned with? All together, it's probably not even enough for me a single meal!"

Luo Tian's words grew more excessive, filled with contempt and humiliation toward Jiangnan.

The surrounding guests cast curious and mocking glances, whispering among themselves.

"Who is this kid? He dares to compete with Young Master Luo for a woman?"

"Look at his shabby look, probably Miss Murong whimsically invited him for entertainment."

"Tsk tsk, now there's a good show to watch."

Murong Wan's face turned ashen, anger roiling in her chest.

She was about to retort, but Jiangnan raised his hand to stop her.

Jiangnan gave Luo Tian a casual glance and said offhand:

"Good dogs don't block the road, get out of the way."

Luo Tian was stunned by Jiangnan's aura and instinctively stepped back half a pace.

But he quickly recovered, angry and ashamed.

"What are you, that you dare insult me? Do you even know who I am?"

"I'm telling you, those who are sensible should scram! Don't be an eyesore here!"

Luo Tian extended his finger, pointing at Jiangnan's nose, utterly arrogant.

Jiangnan said nothing, simply lifted his head slowly, giving Luo Tian a glance.

But that single glance

made the surrounding air seem to solidify, oppressive enough to choke.

Luo Tian felt a chill surge from his feet to the top of his head, his hair standing on end.

He had never seen such a terrifying gaze, as if facing a coiled beast ready to tear him apart.

Jiangnan slowly raised his hand, about to make a move.

"Snap!"

A crisp slap rang out abruptly, breaking the tense atmosphere.

Luo Tian, slapped, spun in place, staggered a few steps, and barely steadied himself.

He clutched his burning cheek, eyes wide in disbelief.

The one who hit him wasn't Jiangnan, but Su Meiruo, who had appeared behind him at some unknown time.

Su Meiruo, the heiress of the Su Group, the host of tonight's banquet.

She wore a fiery red long dress, like blazing flames, stunning beyond description.

At this moment her pretty face bore a lethal expression, her eyes were cold, and she exuded a fierce aura.

"Su Meiruo, are you crazy?!"

Luo Tian covered his face and roared.

"How dare you hit me?!"

He could hardly believe that Su Meiruo would publicly slap him for a mere pretty boy.

It should be noted that their two families had a close cooperative relationship.

Su Meiruo sneered, her red lips parting slightly.

"Hit you? I will even cripple you!"

Her tone was chilling, like the cold wind of a waning moon, sending shivers down one's spine.

"Luo Tian, I'm telling you, from today onward, our Su Family and your Luo Family will have no further cooperation!"

"You, get out!"

Su Meiruo's words landed heavy on the ground, each syllable carrying undeniable dominance.

Luo Tian was completely stunned.

He hadn't expected Su Meiruo to be so resolute, tearing off her façade for a pretty boy, severing the two families' cooperation.

The surrounding guests were even more dumbfounded, a great clamor erupting.

"Oh my, Miss Su actually turned against the Luo Family for that man?"

"What on earth is this kid's background? To make Miss Su defend him so fiercely?"

"It seems we all underestimated him."

Luo Tian's complexion flashed from sickly green to ashen, looking terribly hideous.

He knew that today he had been completely defeated.

He glared venomously at Jiangnan and spat a harsh remark.

"Fine, Su Meiruo, Jiangnan, you wait for me! This isn't over!"

Having said that, he slunk away from the banquet hall.

After Luo Tian left, Su Meiruo walked up to Jiangnan, her icy expression instantly melting into a gentle smile.

"Mr. Jiang, are you alright?"

Her tone was caring, her eyes soft, a stark contrast to just now.

Jiangnan shook his head slightly.

"I'm fine."

His tone remained flat, as if everything that just happened had nothing to do with him.

Murong Wan also walked to Jiangnan's side, looking at him gratefully.

"Mr. Jiang, thank you."

She knew that if it weren't for Jiangnan, she would have been in a terribly awkward situation tonight.

Jiangnan gave a faint smile.

"Among friends, there's no need for thanks."

Su Meiruo's beautiful eyes flickered as she curiously sized up Jiangnan.

"Mr. Jiang, I see Miss Murong constantly by your side. Between the two of you, is there…?"

"No!"

Murong Wan didn't wait for her to finish, and cut in directly.

"Mr. Jiang and I are just friends. Su Meiruo, you're overthinking!"