chapter 12

Chapter 12: The Banquet

He Yu Shen said, "Mr. Ye, the main guest today is Uncle Yan. Perhaps the younger generation should go in and pay their respects to the elder first."

Still with a tone flat and cold, Nan Yi could see from He Yu Shen's eyes that he was growing quite impatient.

The man addressed as Mr. Ye looked embarrassed and quickly said in a sycophantic manner, "I was so engrossed in our conversation, Master He, that I forgot the main purpose of our gathering. How forgetful of me."

"After you, Master He."

He Yu Shen gave a polite nod, bypassed the man, and entered. Song Jing naturally wrapped her arm around his, while Nan Yi quickly followed them into the hotel.

As they walked, many curious eyes fell upon them.

Upon entering, they were greeted by a grand banquet hall, illuminated by brilliant lights, filled with melodious music and the scent of wine. Everyone inside was dressed in lavish gowns, exchanging conversations with elegance and harmony.

He Yu Shen and Song Jing were quickly surrounded by many upon their arrival. Nan Yi, already some distance from the duo, could only watch from afar as He Yu Shen conversed with people, his face expressionless.

However, this didn't last long as He Yu Shen and Song Jing were soon escorted by Yan An to the banquet's host, Yan An's father.

Nan Yi found a quiet corner away from the bustling crowd, feeling distinctly out of place amidst the chattering guests.

Besides the ever-present glasses of wine, there were numerous cakes and desserts. Nan Yi's mouth watered as he eyed a cake on a nearby table.

After some hesitation, seeing that no one was at one of the round tables, Nan Yi mustered the courage to approach it.

After conversing with Yan An's father for quite some time, He Yu Shen appeared to remember something, his brow furrowed as he scanned the room.

"Is Master He looking for someone?"

He Yu Shen's gaze settled on a figure in a distant corner, gingerly picking up a piece of cake. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

Turning his attention back to the man who spoke, He Yu Shen lifted his glass slightly and replied evenly, "No."

Alone at the table, after taking a bite of the cake, Nan Yi's eyes lit up.

The sweet but not overly rich, soft and fragrant cake lifted his spirits.

Even the slight dizziness from car sickness seemed to be cured by this small piece of cake.

Having finished one piece, he couldn't help but lick his lips.

Maybe he should have another.

After all, no one else was eating them, and they'd just be thrown away after the banquet.

Nan Yi looked at the table he had just approached, an area dimly lit and void of any chattering guests.

Rubbing his hands together, he once again approached that spot, quickly grabbing another mini cake before swiftly returning to his secluded corner by the pillar.

"Hmm."

He Yu Shen occasionally cast his eyes on the nearby Omega. Seeing the young one nibble on a cake, plate still full, a light chuckle formed at the corners of his mouth, reminiscent of watching a greedy kitten.

"Shen, let's head upstairs."

The second floor of the banquet hall was typically quieter, reserved for the most distinguished or influential guests. Song Jing stood beside He Yu Shen, relishing the envious gazes directed at them.

Setting down his glass, He Yu Shen murmured his assent with a soft "Mm."

As the crowd in the banquet hall grew, Nan Yi remained oblivious to the two figures ascending the stairs.

Having had a bit too much cake, he wanted something less rich. He hoped to ask a waiter for some juice, but after waiting for a while, none approached him.

However, his demure stance in the corner was fully observed by an Alpha from the second floor.

The Alpha smirked, looking at Nan Yi with the gaze of a predator eyeing its prey.

"I've spotted a delightful treat; I'll be downstairs for a bit."

The Alpha, with his blond hair, approached a group of people seated nearby, setting down his glass.

"A tasty morsel? I'm intrigued," another Alpha remarked, standing up after placing his glass on the table.

He then inquired, "Shan Yao, care to join?"

The man seated in the center, dressed in a pristine white suit, lazily swirled his drink. He glanced up, emotionless eyes magnified behind his glasses. A slight push of his frames, even such a minimal gesture, was executed with elegance.

The blond-haired man frowned, "Are you daft? If Shan Yao goes down, what chance would we stand?"

The adjacent Alpha had a sudden realization, slapping his thigh, "Oh, right."

"Alright, a short detour it is." The blond winked at the group before heading downstairs.

Nan Yi was entirely unaware of the approaching individual. He cautiously picked up a glass of wine, inspected it with a furrowed brow, and hesitated before taking a sip.

Hm.

Too bitter. With a grimace, he returned the glass to its place.

Pulling out his phone, he began to type, intending to find a waiter for a glass of water or juice.

"Hello there, little one."

The blond Alpha arrived beside Nan Yi, sizing him up and down.

Nan Yi glanced downward, noticing a sudden pair of polished shoes before him. Confused, he looked up.

Meeting a face radiant with warmth, Nan Yi, however, found the man's gaze unsettling.

Assuming he was obstructing someone's path, Nan Yi subtly shifted to the side.

To his surprise, the Alpha mirrored his every move.

With a furrowed brow, Nan Yi returned his gaze to the man before him.

"Such a handsome face loses its charm when marred with a frown," the Alpha commented, reaching out to caress Nan Yi's cheek.

Startled by the unexpected touch, Nan Yi staggered back several steps.

"Hahaha, don't be scared. I just want to be friends," he chuckled.

As the Alpha advanced, he produced his smartphone.

"Old Zhang, don't frighten the cute little Omega," remarked the man accompanying the blond Alpha, his face lit up with amusement as he looked at Nan Yi.

The one addressed as Old Zhang lightly laughed, "How about giving me your contact, cutie? We can hang out after the banquet."

Protectively pocketing his phone, Nan Yi shook his head in refusal.

Feeling an unsettling aura from the two before him, Nan Yi's instinct was to put as much distance between them as possible.

He turned to make his exit.

"Wait!"

Suddenly, his wrist was seized from behind. Anxiety caused beads of sweat to form on his brow. Given the strength disparity between an Omega and an Alpha, Nan Yi found himself unable to break free.

Anger flared in his eyes as he glared back at the Alpha. Though he wished to reprimand him, words failed him. Instead, he cast an urgent glance towards the second floor.

Unfortunately, the balcony above was deserted. His only option was to forcefully yank his hand free.

"Doing you the favor of adding you was a gesture of respect. Don't overstep," the Alpha growled.

He stared at his freed hand, his face contorted in anger, veins bulging on his forehead.

However, an unexpected voice interrupted the tense atmosphere.

"Old Zhang, I'm leaving first. If the old man asks, tell him I stayed till the banquet's end."