Chapter 15: In the Midst of the Banquet

Wen Sipei saw stars as the blow landed, a dizzying darkness sweeping over him. He dug his fingernails mercilessly into his palm, barely managing to keep himself conscious.

He called out, his words slurred and indistinct, “Wen...Wen Jin, hurry...help.”

When Wen Jin finally saw Gu Yao clearly, she had no idea how to face him, unwilling to let him see her in such a disheveled state.

It wasn’t until Wen Sipei’s broken pleas reached her ears that she finally snapped out of her daze.

With such a commotion here, a good number of people nearby had already taken notice. Although the full story was unclear, all eyes were drawn to them.

Wen Jin grew anxious, wanting to rush over and intervene—not for Wen Sipei’s sake, but because she didn’t want Gu Yao to garner further infamy.

But just as she moved a foot forward, An Shiying caught her arm and shook her head. “Don’t go. He might hurt you. Only Xixi can stop him.”

Wen Wan, initially puzzled, caught the latter half of the sentence, and her gaze instantly dimmed.

An Shiying narrowed her eyes, detecting the undercurrents. It seemed love was on the horizon for young Yao.

“Heh! Still crying for help? Seems I was far too gentle.” Gu Yao’s lips curled into a mocking, almost smiling sneer.

His eyes were cold and predatory, pitch black and shadowed. He flexed his wrist lightly, then, without mercy, swung his fist again, landing it heavily on Wen Sipei’s face.

Crushed to the ground, Wen Sipei had no strength left to fight back. He gasped for air, unable to even raise his arms, let alone defend himself—forced simply to endure.

“Xixi,” An Shiying signaled for Lin Xi to make Gu Yao stop. After all, this was Father Gu’s birthday banquet—they couldn’t let the situation escalate.

Lin Xi, well aware that causing trouble at Gu Senior’s birthday would be unwise, kept her composure, her gaze fixed on Wen Sipei. Seeing he could barely keep his eyes open, she finally called out, her voice cool, “Fourth Brother.”

At her voice, Gu Yao’s raised fist paused mid-air. He straightened, shaking out his wrist.

Curiously enough, once Gu Yao started fighting, he was almost impossible to stop—ruthless and relentless, not even Feng Mo could hold him back. Yet Lin Xi’s soft “Fourth Brother” always made him yield.

The Gu family’s staff, quick on the uptake and heeding An Shiying’s subtle cues, had already ushered the surrounding onlookers back into the hall.

Sun Yao hurried over, having caught wind of the situation. She hadn’t alerted Wen Yiming, not wanting to cause him trouble or embarrassment. She hadn’t expected her son to be so useless—just a brief lapse in instruction, and he’d already dragged her into a mess.

Flustered, Sun Yao assumed she was dealing with the usual sons and daughters of lesser families, thinking an apology would suffice. But the moment she recognized Gu Yao, she was so shocked her legs nearly gave way. She hadn’t expected to be dealing with the Gu family.

What a fine son—provoking the Gu family. He deserved the beating. Thank goodness her husband hadn’t come, or this brat would be dead for sure.

Sun Yao hurriedly went to support her son, palms sweating, her face drawn as she apologized to Gu Yao. “It’s all my son’s fault. He’s immature and ruined everyone’s mood. I apologize to you all.”

“Have him apologize to my sister,” Gu Yao replied coldly, his eyes as lifeless as a grave.

Still dazed from the beating, Wen Sipei was slow to react. Sun Yao pressed his head down, forcing him into a deep bow toward Lin Xi and An Shiying, though he couldn’t utter a single word.

Once Lin Xi nodded, Sun Yao hastily dragged her bent and battered son away to treat his wounds, paying no mind to the unnoticed Wen Jin in the corner.

“Are you two all right?” Gu Yao looked over Lin Xi and his third sister-in-law. If anything had truly happened to them, he’d have no reason to go on.

“Of course we’re fine.” Lin Xi lifted her chin, always determined never to be bullied.

“Yao, you’re still too impulsive. What if you’d killed someone?” An Shiying chided, playing the role of the family matriarch.

Lin Xi pouted. “It would’ve served him right!”

“Hey!” An Shiying stepped forward, tapping Lin Xi’s forehead with her finger. “Is that any way to speak?”

“Scum like him deserves a beating every time!” Gu Yao still fumed.

“Mhm!” Lin Xi quickly darted away from her third sister-in-law, aligning herself firmly with her fourth brother.

An Shiying laughed. For once, the two weren’t bickering.

Wen Jin watched the farce in silence, then turned to leave, her back radiating loneliness and desolation.

An Shiying caught sight of her from the corner of her eye and called to Gu Yao, “Yao, Miss Wen’s clothes are soaked. Go and help her change.”

At those words, Wen Jin’s steps faltered.

Gu Yao nodded, apparently indifferent. “All right. You two go find the others in the hall. Don’t wander off.”

After the pair had gone, Lin Xi turned to An Shiying, puzzled. “Third Sister-in-law, what was that about...”

An Shiying gave her a meaningful smile. “Xixi, you’re truly oblivious to these things. Didn’t you notice Miss Wen likes Yao?”

“What?!” Lin Xi was stunned. “I didn’t notice at all!”

Then a spark lit in her eyes. Judging by today’s events, Wen Jin’s days at home must be hard. If so, why not bring her into Starshine? No one would dare bully her there. And it’d be a great chance to match her with Third Brother—Wen Jin was a wonderful girl, perfectly suited to him.

With that thought, Lin Xi reached for her phone to call Zhou Xin, but then remembered it was still in her shawl.

At that moment, An Shiying seemed to recall something and drew Lin Xi aside, interrogating her, “Xixi, what was with you just now? You were brimming with killing intent. If Yao hadn’t come, what would you have done—would you have fought him?”

Lin Xi thought for a moment, then carefully replied, “Third Sister-in-law, I’ll be honest. When I was in Country Y, I begged my eldest brother to let me learn Sanda. Please don’t tell the others!”

She felt a bit guilty—her sister-in-law was so observant. Though it was true she’d learned Sanda, it wasn’t exactly a secret... but best not to say too much, or her sister-in-law would only worry more.

“What? You actually learned Sanda? A girl like you! And your eldest brother indulged you!” An Shiying’s expression darkened in disapproval.

“Oh, it’s nothing, Third Sister-in-law. Just for exercise. Come on, let’s go. The banquet’s about to start.” Lin Xi laughed, tugging An Shiying along.

“Oh, right—let me borrow your phone.” The two walked toward the banquet, chatting as they went.

---

The banquet was about to begin.

Gu Yao led Wen Jin upstairs. The two walked in silence, Wen Jin tense and unable to think of anything to break the awkwardness.

Gu Yao noticed the girl’s head hung low, her tissue twisted almost to shreds in her hands. He chuckled quietly, suddenly tempted to tease her.

“Your name is Wen Jin, right? I remember you,” he remarked casually.

Wen Jin froze for a moment, then nodded lightly.

“Why won’t you look at me? Am I that frightening?” He wondered if his earlier violence had scared her.

Wen Jin shook her head hastily and tried to look up, hoping to prove him wrong.

But as soon as she did, she found Gu Yao’s face looming large before her. He’d bent down, so close that his cool breath brushed her cheeks. His thin lips curved in a lazy smile, and his dark, luminous eyes fixed on her without blinking.

Wen Jin was stunned, her breath caught.

That flawless face filled her vision—and so, too, did her own shocked, dilated pupils.

He carried a faint scent of alcohol, his presence enveloping her completely. She couldn’t help swallowing hard.

“You’re afraid of me,” he said with certainty.

Wen Jin’s mind went blank. Her ears and cheeks flushed, and she began to tremble.

Gu Yao withdrew at that, though his heart inexplicably thundered in his chest. He forced himself to clear his throat, as if nothing had happened. “Don’t be nervous. I was just teasing you.”

As he stepped away, Wen Jin sagged with relief, gulping in the air.

She changed clothes in the room while Gu Yao waited outside like a gentleman, answering a call from his third sister-in-law.

The door opened, and Wen Jin emerged in a light yellow mid-length dress, her shyness evident. Her doll-like face was delicately made up, her features innocent and harmless. Her petite figure made her look almost like a schoolgirl.

Gu Yao looked up and was momentarily dazzled. “That dress suits you very well, Miss Wen.”

Wen Jin lowered her head bashfully.

“Oh, by the way, Xixi said her phone is still in her shawl pocket. Did you see it?” Gu Yao asked.

Wen Jin immediately rummaged in the pocket and produced the phone. Her heart ached faintly as she said, “Mr. Gu and Miss Lin make a perfect couple.”

This time, Gu Yao was at a loss. “What?”

Wen Jin realized something was off, hope flickering in her eyes. “You aren’t a couple?”

He burst out laughing. “You really misunderstood! Of course not. We may not be related by blood, but she’s only my little sister.”

“Oh!” Only now did Wen Jin realize how foolish she’d been, believing for so long that they were a couple and feeling miserable over it.

Relief washed over her. With no more lingering worries, she couldn’t help glancing at Gu Yao, delight bubbling inside her at the thought she could quietly cherish her feelings for him.

Gu Yao, oblivious as ever—much like Lin Xi—was wholly insensitive to matters of the heart and remained unaware of Wen Jin’s thoughts.

“Let’s go. The banquet’s about to start,” Gu Yao said.

To be alone with him, and to learn he was still single—Wen Jin’s heart raced. She pressed down her excitement and followed behind Gu Yao.

Before the banquet began, Lin Xi and Wen Jin stayed by Gu Ting’s side, toasting guests and accepting birthday gifts. Many were curious about the two young ladies by the old master’s side.

People gradually gathered in the hall, and Gu Yao and Wen Jin arrived, returning the phone to Lin Xi.

Lin Xi glanced at the screen and saw a message from “Fish”: [I’m almost there.]

She smiled, about to reply, when two gentlemen entered the hall. The younger of the two, in a perfectly tailored black suit, stood out—tall, poised, carrying himself with a refined composure untouched by worldly concerns. Every gesture exuded grace and meticulousness.

His features were striking and severe, his expression detached. His gaze swept past everyone, landing unerringly on Lin Xi’s face.

Who else could it be but Lu Yuxiu?

In that moment, Lin Xi could hardly describe her feelings—he was truly handsome, making her swoon.

Those present were stunned as well—Lu Yuxiu had actually come. He never attended social gatherings.

In the past, many prominent families and celebrities fancied themselves important enough to invite him, but he never deigned to appear. Over time, everyone in their circle learned of his aloofness and stopped sending invitations. No one expected to see him here; the old master Gu must truly command respect.

Lu Jin led Lu Yuxiu over to Gu Ting, presenting a gift. “Master Gu, wishing you health and may your family’s generations flourish.”

“Hahaha, Director Lu, I’ll take your blessing gladly!” Gu Ting responded heartily.

Glancing at Lu Yuxiu, Gu Ting remembered Lin Xi was currently filming with him. “This must be Director Lu’s son—a fine young man indeed.”

Lu Yuxiu inclined his head with quiet dignity. “You flatter me, Master Gu. May your days be bright as the sun and moon, and may you live long as the pine and crane.”

Lin Xi was momentarily stunned—what perfect harmony between them!

Gu Ting chatted with Lu Jin nearby, asking him to look after Lin Xi.

Meanwhile, Lu Yuxiu naturally drifted to Lin Xi’s side. Noticing her bare, fair back in the cool air, he frowned, then took off his jacket and carefully draped it around her shoulders, gently freeing her hair.

Seeing his unyielding insistence, Lin Xi accepted the gesture, thinking how considerate her Yuxiu ge was, and smiled at him.

As the orchestra began to play, the music soared through the banquet hall.