Chapter 1761 - 1762: A Hint of Bitterness

Upon hearing his sister's quip, Meng Xu shook his head helplessly, a hint of bitter

smile on his lips.

Though he felt jealousy deep inside, he had to admit that at this moment, Lin Xian and Mu Wanqing

really were well-suited.

Taking a deep breath, Meng Xu suppressed his emotions and lifted his wine glass, saying, "Let's go, let's

say hello!"

"Look, look, Meng Xu's here!"

Seeing Meng Xu and Meng Xiaowan walking over with wine glasses, the short-haired girl

was ecstatic, whispering to Zhang Peng beside her.

Zhang Peng felt that gossiping so openly was a bit inappropriate and instinctively wanted to step aside,

but the gossip was just too enticing...

While he hesitated, the Meng siblings had already arrived in front of the four.

"Sister Wanqing!"

Like a child reuniting with a playmate, Meng Xiaowan immediately abandoned Meng Xu, hopping over to Mu Wanqing's side,

affectionately linking arms.

"Hello, Brother Lin!"

Smiling, Meng Xu greeted Lin Xian, then turned to Mu Wanqing, sincerely saying, "Wanqing, you look gorgeous tonight!"

Mu Wanqing gave a slight smile and replied softly, "Thank you!"

Her response was impeccable; from tone to manner, it was completely standard.

But in that moment, Meng Xu's heart felt incredibly bitter.

Indeed, her standard reply indicated that in her eyes,

Meng Xu was merely a friend.

Tonight, the same compliment was given by three different people, yet the responses varied.

This revealed what Mu Wanqing thought about each person.

Seeing this, Meng Xu forced a smile and politely said, "Let's talk inside, I have something to attend to."

With that, he turned and walked away with his glass.

Watching Meng Xu's departing figure, the short-haired girl was dumbfounded.

That was it?

Where's the juicy gossip?

Turning her head, she whispered incredulously, "What? The gossip ended so quickly?"

Seeing her expression, Zhang Peng raised his eyebrow and said, "What do you want? To have Brother Xu and Brother Lin fighting?

That would be a disaster!"

Uh.

The short-haired girl paused, momentarily speechless.

You really make a valid point, I can't even argue with that.

But it's true, with Lin Xian's terrifying combat prowess from that night, he'd easily handle seven Meng Xu's.

Mu Wanqing suggested, "Shall we grab something to eat first, junior?"

Knowing there was an evening banquet, none of them had dinner, naturally feeling hungry.

"Sure!"

Lin Xian nodded and headed to the buffet area on the left side of the banquet hall.

Tonight's charity auction not only attracted major business figures from Jinling, but even key officials were

said to attend and speak.

So the buffet was lavish and the cuisine exquisite.

They picked up plates, selecting food while chatting casually.

Zhang Peng said helplessly, "Brother Lin, the FC you wanted me to buy, I couldn't find it anywhere!"

Over the past days, he asked many friends, even leveraged various connections, but was told there were no FC's available.

Even if there were, it'd be an antique car from over twenty years ago. Forget drifting, it might not even run.

Lin Xian chuckled, "No FC is fine, but you must be prepared for repairs anytime.

My Ferrari ran two laps on the mountain circuit, it's still being repaired in Shanghai now. Think about it!"

Drifting puts immense wear on tires, and damages clutch, brakes, and axle.

Zhang Peng's family, though wealthy, wasn't rich enough to cycle through multiple top-tier sports cars.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Peng looked worried.

He adored and admired the cool driving skills, but hesitated at the potential expenses and unforeseen accidents.

After Lin Xian spoke, he didn't concern himself with Zhang Peng anymore, carrying his plate to find a quiet spot with Mu Wanqing.

The two enjoyed their meal, talking and laughing, a sight that only confirmed earlier suspicions.

Of course, these second-generation heirs were merely sideshows at tonight's event.

The true stars were the business tycoons.

"Good evening, Mr. Mu!"

"Hello, Mr. Mu!"

"Mr. Mu is always punctual, haha."

Amidst the chorus of compliments, Mu Zhengfeng entered the banquet hall with his wife, Chen Shiyun,

while Mu Yuantu followed behind with a gloomy expression.

Perhaps he was the most unfortunate heir within the Jinling circle!

With this thought, Mu Yuantu sighed helplessly.

"Good evening, Mr. Zhang!"

"Haven't seen you in a while, Mr. Chen. Let's have tea sometime."

"Old Wang, I heard you've not been well lately, shall we play golf tomorrow for some exercise?"

Mr. Mu navigated smoothly among the tycoons with a smile, displaying sincere expressions and enthused tones,

considerate of everyone.

Such interaction is one of the essential skills for a successful businessperson.

After the round, Mr. Mu and Chen Shiyun still held cheerful expressions, yet their eyes inconspicuously swept over

the banquet hall.

Soon, they spotted Lin Xian and Mu Wanqing in the corner.

Seeing their daughter's joyful and charming demeanor, Mu Zhengfeng frowned slightly, asking:

"Yuantu, is that young man Lin Xian?"

"Yes!"

Mu Yuantu replied weakly.

Upon hearing, Mu Zhengfeng scrutinized Lin Xian further.

Undeniably, Lin Xian left an excellent first impression with many admirable qualities.

Still, Mu Zhengfeng felt a bit displeased inside.

It felt as though the cabbage he'd cherished and cared for had been rooted out by an unknown pig.

Albeit the pig was handsome...

In truth, every father feels similarly when they first learn their daughter is in a relationship.

For instance, Yan Jianhua felt this way before.

Meanwhile, Chen Shiyun seemed surprised after seeing Lin Xian.

It really was the young man she had encountered at Wenfang Pavilion.

This young man was great in looks, temperament, and family, a good match for Mu Wanqing.

Most importantly, he was very talented.

This reminded her of the painting she saw that day—it was incredibly stunning...

Wait!

Recalling the painting, Chen Shiyun suddenly realized Lin Xian had a girlfriend.

She had seen her, a lovely and innocent girl.

Seeing his wife deep in thought, Mu Zhengfeng raised his eyebrows, "Do you know him?"

Chen Shiyun nodded, "I met a talented young man."

Mu Zhengfeng was somewhat astonished at her words.

After all, his wife hailed from a scholarly family with classic literature background.

Jinling's Chen family had centuries of history.

His marriage with Chen Shiyun had been fortunate.

If Chen Shiyun praised Lin Xian's talents, it meant the young man was truly outstanding.

No ordinary person.

Mu Zhengfeng grew intrigued, smiling, "Really? I rarely hear you speak so highly

of someone."

"He's skilled in painting."

After explaining, Chen Shiyun reminded, "The auction is about to begin. Let's hurry

and find our seats."

By now, Lin Xian and Mu Wan had finished their meal.

Such gatherings seldom fill the stomach, merely offering an appetizer.

They entered the ballroom and, under staff guidance, were placed in the third row.

and seated at a table.

The position was excellent, given the first two rows were reserved for Jinling's top-tier merchants.

Meanwhile, Zhang Peng and the short-haired girl had to settle for rows seven or eight at the back.

The seating arrangement spoke volumes about one's status.