Gu Zhao’s 25th birthday banquet was an exceptionally grand affair.
The opulent hall stretched as far as the eye could see, filled with clinking glasses and prominent business magnates and young scions toasting one another.
Eminent figures from various industries mingled and conversed. Gu Zhao, dressed in a white suit paired with a maroon striped tie, moved through the crowd with the refined elegance of an aristocratic young master.
Those in business circles knew the Cheng, Gu, and Xiang families had been close for generations, with the Cheng and Xiang families being among the most prominent clans in the capital. Even if not for Gu Zhao’s own standing, everyone showed up hoping to forge connections with the Cheng and Xiang families. Moreover, the Gu family owned hospitals—after all, who doesn’t occasionally need medical care?
Cheng Xiyu had taken over the family company at 23 due to family circumstances. Having assumed control abruptly, he never had the chance to gradually build connections like Gu Zhao.
Gu Zhao, on the other hand, had only officially entered the family business this year and needed to network extensively. After making rounds of toasts, he was beginning to feel lightheaded.
“Hey, sis! Bro Yu, you’re finally here! What took you so long? Couldn’t arrive earlier on your bro’s big day?” Gu Zhao’s tone carried a hint of complaint.
Spotting Cheng Xiyu entering with his wife, Gu Zhao politely smiled at an approaching CEO holding a glass, then stepped away from the drinking circle with relief. Striding over, he playfully punched Cheng Xiyu’s shoulder twice.
“Happy birthday.” Cheng Xiyu looked mildly exasperated, a faint smile breaking through his usually impassive expression as he handed his gift to a nearby attendant.
The attendant immediately stepped forward, accepting the gift box with both hands and astutely keeping it separate from the other presents.
Second Master Gu gazed at Jiang Shu with admiration. “Sis, you look absolutely stunning today!”
Cheng Xiyu: “…”
Jiang Shu: “…Second Young Master seems different from usual too.”
Maintaining her cool composure, she offered a polite slight smile while holding Cheng Xiyu’s arm.
“Hehe, how am I different?” Gu Zhao straightened up slightly, preening with visible pride—his entire face practically shouting “Tell me I’m handsome!”
Cheng Xiyu: “Go attend to your guests.”
Narrowing his eyes with an air of detached nobility, he refused to indulge the fool any longer. Taking Jiang Shu’s hand, he moved to bypass Second Master Gu.
“Hey! I wasn’t talking to you! Fine, go ahead—but leave sis here with me!”
Cheng Xiyu: “…” Tch. Suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to punch Gu Zhao.
Despite the ridiculous exchange, Jiang Shu found her mood lifting slightly.
She smiled faintly, unsure how to properly compliment someone. After a pause, she simply said, “Very handsome.”
When Gu Zhao wasn’t being foolish, he actually carried an air of refinement—though the moment he spoke, the elegant atmosphere vanished, as if a romantic drama had abruptly turned into a comedy.
“Just… just a bit handsomer than Bro Yu,” he scratched his head, actually feeling somewhat embarrassed now that he’d received the compliment.
His sister-in-law was truly wonderful. Though not skilled with praises, she had excellent taste—graceful, beautiful, and most importantly, so devoted to Bro Yu. Her eyes lit up whenever she saw him, sparkling like stars (and anyone who praised him obviously had good taste). He couldn’t help but feel envious.
There was a saying, “In the north, there is a beauty, peerless and independent,”—oh wait, that didn’t quite fit, since sis was from the south.
Why couldn’t he have a lovely fairy who adored him like that? Sighing inwardly, he hugged himself in self-pity. Waaah…
“What gifts have you two prepared for me?” Gu Zhao quietly asked, having the attendant take the gift boxes upstairs separately.
Then, feigning restraint, he cleared his throat twice and said: “Ahem, I don’t need anything too extravagant—just something more valuable than what Wood sent～”
Speak of the devil and he shall appear. Xiang Jiamu had just finished dealing with a business partner and walked over just in time to hear this remark.
He wore a well-fitted smoke-gray suit, exuding an indescribable aura—somewhat rigid and unsmiling, with a solemn demeanor in his brow when dealing with others. Unlike the warmth and sunshine his name might suggest, he carried an air of purity, steadiness, and impeccable upbringing.
“Second Master Gu, what are you saying about me?”
He glanced at Gu Zhao, nodded toward Cheng Xiyu,
then turned to look at Jiang Shu beside him, pausing almost imperceptibly.
Jiang Shu was dressed simply tonight, in a white full-length gown, her black hair pinned up with a hairpiece. Her fair complexion gave off a fresh, elegant vibe, while the small red mole on her eyelid added a touch of alluring charm. She appeared both languid and enchanting, yet her demeanor was aloof and cool—seductive without being vulgar.
He rubbed his fingertips together, didn’t look further, and averted his gaze.