Chapter 163 Liu Xinlang's Birthday Banquet
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On Liu Xinlang's birthday
Liu Xinlang's family is a large clan, much larger than the Fu family. The Fu family, on the other hand, has a smaller population, but both families have deep-rooted traditions. As an outstanding member of the Liu family, Liu Xinlang received strict family education from a young age. Unlike his brothers, who were often carefree and irresponsible in private, his exceptional social skills were evident in this setting.
On the Fu family side, Fu Yingzhou is also an ambitious and aspiring man. Liu Xinlang and Fu Yingzhou are the two most outstanding individuals of this generation.
Liu Xinlang has many siblings, but he's the only one qualified to have his birthday celebration at the Liu family's old house. Although it's called the old house, the villa isn't old at all. Today, Liang Zhan drove over, bringing along Fu Yingzhou, Shi Shi, and Jiang Haichao.
As the vehicle passed a gate, Fu Yingzhou explained to the two men, "We've arrived at the Liu family's house."
Shi Shi glanced out the window and thought, "No way!"
Fu Yingzhou's answer confirmed her idea: "This whole street belongs to their family."
The car slowly pulled up in front of the villa, and Shi Shi got out with the others. The villa before them was magnificent, a European-style building with white marble walls that gleamed in the sunlight. A huge crystal chandelier hung from the dome, illuminating the spacious hall. The hall was already filled with people, elegantly dressed and bustling with activity.
Liu Xinlang, dressed in a well-tailored black suit, was standing in the center of the hall talking with several elders. When he saw Fu Yingzhou and the others enter, he immediately greeted them with a smile. "Yingzhou, you've finally arrived."
He greeted him warmly, his gaze lingering on Jiang Haichao for a moment, "Is this the movie star Jiang?"
Fu Yingzhou introduced, "This is Shi Shi's friend, the famous actor Jiang Haichao."
Without Liu Xinlang's consent, Fu Yingzhou would never rashly bring people to his birthday party. Although they both knew that there was something to discuss in detail and that they were just making an initial appearance, no one pointed it out.
Liu Xinlang extended his hand and said politely, "Welcome, I hope you have a good time here."
Shi Shi smiled and shook hands with him, but secretly marveled at the Liu family's extravagance.
At the birthday banquet, the lights were dazzling and celebrities gathered. Liu Xinlang, dressed in a well-tailored suit, greeted the guests with a smile. Fu Yingzhou, also dressed in a sharp suit, stood out in the crowd.
The two of them standing together were already eye-catching, not to mention there were also Shi Shi and Jiang Haichao, two people with exceptionally high looks.
At this moment, a young and beautiful woman walked up to Liu Xinlang and said with a sweet smile, "Brother Xinlang, happy birthday! May you be happy and safe every year."
Liu Xinlang politely replied, "Thank you, Sister Hu."
Today's implementation has two tasks: first, to introduce Jiang Haichao to Liu Xinlang; second, to formally integrate him into Fu Yingzhou's network. Brother Niu is willing to share these things with her; whether she gains acceptance next depends on herself.
Liu Xinlang followed Hu Lingxi to greet others. In such an occasion, Jiang Haichao, as the owner of his own company, naturally had to socialize. Besides, he had noticed that Fu Yingzhou and Shishi had a private conversation; how could he be so oblivious!
The waiter brought the drinks. Fu Yingzhou took one or two glasses of red wine, kept a glass of Latour for himself, and handed Shi Shi a glass of Margaux.
Compared to his own glass, the Margaux he handed to Shi Shi was known for its delicate and elegant taste, which is very popular among women.
The two walked to a spot where they could talk easily. Fu Yingzhou explained to Shi Shi carefully, "Xinlang is, after all, a junior, and most of the elders in the circle are too proud to come. Among the people who came today, those who are slightly older are either members of the Liu family or have something to ask of him."
Shi Shi immediately understood. Family members didn't need to follow those rules when celebrating birthdays for their nephews and nieces. But outsiders who wanted to curry favor with the Liu family would seize every opportunity to exploit the situation.
Fu Yingzhou continued, "The remaining women who didn't bring male companions are either relatives of the Liu family or have feelings for Liu Xinlang."
"Doesn't he have a girlfriend?" Shi Shi remembered that once when she was browsing Fu Yingzhou's WeChat Moments, she saw that Liu Xinlang had posted a photo with a woman.
Fu Yingzhou frowned, recalling carefully: "You mean that trick shot champion?"
Shi Shi nodded: "Yes, I remember she was incredibly good at billiards and was also very beautiful."
"You're overthinking it. She's just a female companion. At most, she's his girlfriend for a short period of time."
Shishi was somewhat shocked: "Liu Xinlang looks more serious than Hang Yi and the others, I really didn't expect that!"
Fu Yingzhou couldn't help but chuckle: "What are you thinking? Xinlang and I are the oldest. I'm alright, I've been divorced once. But he didn't date anyone for many years. There were some bad rumors circulating. If I'm not mistaken, he and that female champion were probably just mutually benefiting from each other."
How do you know if it might be true love?
Fu Yingzhou said decisively, "If he really had a girlfriend, the brothers would have told each other. Just posting something on WeChat Moments would seem staged. Besides, today's event was specially organized for him by Old Master Liu. Otherwise, given Xinlang's personality, he wouldn't throw such a big birthday party for himself while his elders are still around."
Shi Shi nodded knowingly. A short while later, Shi Jing, Hang Yi, and the Li Shengjun couple arrived. Zhang Feng, who was extremely busy, also arrived.
The only surprising thing was that Shi Jing's female companion was his older cousin, Gao Yuanhui.
Gao Yuanhui knew Shishi was a very beautiful girl even before she met her. But her charm still surprised her.
There were many acquaintances today. When Fu Yingzhou went over to say hello, Shi Shi was already sitting there. High heels are truly beautiful instruments of torture; she subtly twitched her toes, yet even that felt like a kind of bliss.
As a female CEO, Gao Yuanhui wore a meticulously tailored black suit skirt suit today, highlighting her competence and elegance. A delicate black bow was tied at the collar of her white shirt, adding a touch of playfulness. Her hair was styled in an updo, revealing her slender neck, and her earrings swayed gently with her movements, sparkling with captivating light. On her wrist, she wore a simple diamond bracelet that refracted brilliantly under the lights.
When Gao Yuanhui saw Shi Shi sitting there, a complex emotion flashed in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure and walked gracefully towards Shi Shi. "Miss Shi, I've long admired your name, and meeting you today, I can confirm that it lives up to your reputation," Gao Yuanhui said with a smile.
Shi Shi also politely stood up and replied, "Mr. Gao, you flatter me. It is my honor to meet you." The two exchanged a few pleasantries, and the atmosphere was both harmonious and not relaxed.
Suddenly, Gao Yuanhui spoke up: ...