The City Lord's Mansion was bustling with people coming and going; Xu Pian looked out and saw only high-ranking officials and dignitaries.
"It's not just people from Jade City; many influential and high-status individuals from other cities have come to offer congratulations."
"This is your first time at the City Lord's Mansion, so wander around by yourself first. I'm going to greet them."
Xu Pian turned and walked toward the crowded area inside the main hall, leaving Chu Canyuan standing alone.
Chu Canyuan nodded indifferently, then walked alone in the direction where there were fewer people.
Seeing Chu Canyuan turn and leave, Xu Pian slightly turned his head, staring at Chu Canyuan's retreating figure with a strange look.
"This City Lord's Mansion is truly not small."
At this moment, Chu Canyuan was strolling aimlessly, marveling at the grandeur of the City Lord's Mansion.
"Young Master, you look unfamiliar. Are you also here to celebrate the Little Young Master's birthday?"
A charming voice came from the side, and Chu Canyuan turned his head curiously to look.
The person who arrived was none other than Qian Ge, the fiancée of the Second Young Master Guan Bu.
Chu Canyuan nodded and replied, "That's right. Are you as well, Miss?"
After clearly seeing Canyuan's appearance, Qian Ge was somewhat shocked: "Your bearing from the back truly was extraordinary, but I didn't expect your appearance to be so exquisite."
"Me? You don't know who I am?"
Hearing that someone didn't recognize her, Qian Ge was a little surprised, as everyone in Jade City knew Tianxia Bank.
Chu Canyuan shook his head helplessly: "I am not from Jade City, so I am not very familiar with the people or affairs here. Please forgive me, Miss."
Qian Ge did not press further and explained.
"My name is Qian Ge. And you are?"
"Qian Ge? Qian Ge of Tianxia Bank?"
Seeing that Chu Canyuan reacted slightly, Qian Ge covered her mouth and laughed: "What, you didn't know?"
Chu Canyuan hadn't expected that a casual stroll would lead him to the center of the Vortex, Qian Ge.
"My name is... Chu Canyuan."
"Chu Canyuan? Young Master's name carries a somewhat desolate feeling."
"Young Master Canyuan, you are new here. There is still some time before the Little Young Master's Birthday Banquet begins. How about I show you around the mansion?"
Chu Canyuan smiled and politely declined: "Thank you for your kind offer, Miss, but I prefer solitude. I'll look around by myself."
Qian Ge didn't say much upon hearing this. After bidding farewell, Chu Canyuan quickly left the area.
Walking to the side of a pond, Chu Canyuan tossed a few small stones he picked up from the ground into the water.
"Qian Ge is certainly a vortex point in this entire affair."
"Although I really want to gather some information for the Little Young Master, my own karma is too heavy. It's better not to get too entangled with her."
"Brother Chu, I finally found you! Why did you run over here?"
Xu Pian ran up to Chu Canyuan and clapped him heartily on the shoulder.
"Young Master Xu?"
"Let's go, Guan Yi's birthday celebration is about to start. Hurry up and take your seats."
Chu Canyuan followed Xu Pian into the main hall. Everyone was seated around the tables, chatting and laughing. Xu Pian and he sat in the seats closest to the main seat.
"Good, since everyone is seated, let's officially begin now!"
Guan Lin stood steadily in the center of the spacious and bright hall. His sharp gaze slowly swept over everyone present, as if trying to take in every expression.
"Today is the joyous occasion of my youngest son, Guan Yi's, eighteenth birthday."
"Here, I, Guan, sincerely thank all our friends and relatives for taking the time out of their busy schedules to attend and offer their congratulations." As he spoke, Guan Lin paused slightly, a hint of emotion showing on his face.
Then, he continued, "This child, Guan Yi, has had a bitter fate! His Mother left us too early."
"I deeply understand that this will undoubtedly be an immense blow to Guan Yi's future growth; it is truly too unfair to him." At this point, Guan Lin couldn't help but sigh softly, his eyes filled with pity.
However, he quickly regained his composure and raised his voice, saying, "But fortunately, Guan Yi has now grown into an adult and possesses the ability and competence to decide his own future!"
"Therefore, after careful consideration, I have decided to hold the Young City Lord Contest one month from now. This will allow my three sons to make such an important choice for their life paths sooner."
After Guan Lin finished speaking, the assembled guests began to whisper amongst themselves. In a short while, everyone felt that what Guan Lin said was very reasonable. They couldn't help but nod in agreement and spontaneously started applauding to show their support and approval.
At this moment, Guan Lin turned his gaze toward Guan Yi, who was sitting beside him, and said with a smile, "Guan Yi, today is your grand eighteenth birthday banquet. Don't you want to say a few words to everyone?"
When asked by his father, Guan Yi first looked up at his father, a flicker of imperceptible helplessness flashing in his eyes.
But then he nodded and stood up, clearing his throat before speaking, "Since Father has spoken, I naturally must say a few words..."
"Over these long dozen years, the days I have experienced have been utterly miserable."
"Whether within the family or in the outside world, the attitude of those around me could hardly be described as friendly or kind."
"However, starting from this special moment today, I finally possess the power to control my own destiny and speak for myself!"
"The Young City Lord Contest to be held next month will be the first major battle of my life—a battle to completely turn the tide."
As Guan Yi spoke these words, his eyes stared intently at Guan Bu, who was seated beside him, like sharp torches. That gaze was like burning Flames, as if declaring war directly upon him, showing no concealment of the surging fighting spirit and determination within his heart.
Guan Bu clearly noticed the provocative gaze coming from Guan Yi, but he appeared exceptionally calm and composed.
He slowly raised the wine cup in his hand and made an elegant clinking gesture toward Guan Yi, the corner of his mouth slightly upturned, revealing a barely perceptible smile.
Immediately after, he chuckled softly and unhesitatingly downed the crystal-clear fine wine in his cup in one gulp.
Simultaneously, Second Madam and Qian Cheng, who were sitting nearby, all displayed expressions of disdain.
They seemed unimpressed by Guan Yi's bold words, even showing a hint of mockery.
Upon hearing this exchange, the assembled guests were momentarily at a loss for what to do.
They exchanged glances, unsure how to handle the slightly tense situation, secretly pondering what response would be most appropriate.
Just then, Guan Lin, who had been silent, quickly spoke up to break the deadlock, attempting to ease the atmosphere: "Haha, excellent!"
"In that case, let us wait and see, and await the outcome of the Young City Lord Contest next month!"
"The food is starting to be served now. Everyone, please enjoy the feast and drink to your heart's content!"
As Guan Lin's words fell, the slightly solemn atmosphere immediately eased to some extent.
Guan Yi said no more. After stepping down, he did not return to his own seat but instead sat down next to Chu Canyuan.
"Little Young Master? Why are you sitting here?"
Chu Canyuan was somewhat puzzled to see Guan Yi approach.
"I don't want to sit with them. Seeing them makes me sick."
Chu Canyuan followed Guan Yi's gaze and then nodded lightly in acknowledgment.
"Second Young Master, Second Madam, Qian Ge, and Qian Cheng. No wonder he didn't want to sit there."
Qian Ge also noticed Chu Canyuan looking at her. As she looked at Chu Canyuan, her eyes were filled with confusion and surprise.
"He, is he Guan Yi's person?"
"How could that be? I've never seen this person before. Is he a new acquaintance?"
"Elder Brother Guan Bu."
Qian Ge tugged at Guan Bu's sleeve and asked somewhat warily.
"Do you know the Young Master sitting next to the Little Young Master?"
Guan Bu shook his head impatiently and said, "No."
Qian Ge reminded him, "Could he be a helper Guan Yi found for the Young City Lord Contest? Should we test him out?"
Guan Bu still spoke dismissively upon hearing this: "He's so young, and he's carrying a Peach Wood Sword. What threat could he possibly pose?"
"It's a shame he spouted such nonsense earlier, but he's just a lost cause anyway."
Even though he verbally belittled Chu Canyuan and Guan Yi as worthless, his gaze never left Chu Canyuan.
Seeing Guan Bu's cold indifference, Qian Ge wisely kept quiet.
Just as everyone was enjoying the delicacies, Guan Bu walked toward Guan Yi and Chu Canyuan.
"Third Brother, why aren't you sitting with us? And who is this young friend?"
Seeing Guan Yi remain silent, Chu Canyuan immediately stood up and spoke.
"Second Young Master, my name is Chu Canyuan, and I am the Little Young Master's helper for the Young City Lord Contest."
Guan Bu glanced at Chu Canyuan, then looked at Guan Yi, and said with some annoyance.
"Third Brother, Second Brother is talking to you. Didn't you hear?"
Guan Yi turned his head to look at Guan Bu, the corner of his mouth curving up slightly: "Didn't Brother Canyuan already explain? What, has Second Brother's hearing gone bad?"
Chu Canyuan looked at Guan Yi in surprise. He never expected Guan Yi to say such things; wouldn't this directly anger Guan Bu?
Guan Bu suppressed his anger, knowing that all the powerful figures were seated in the hall, and he could not lose face here.