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"Off, off, off, what's the point of going?" Xu Dan gazed at the elegantly arranged dinner scene on the lawn and sighed once more.

"A party turned into a dinner event; there will be a crowd to entertain later. Erice doesn't have many friends, so I'm worried it might become awkward."

At its core, a party was a gathering for young people, with activities like drinking, singing, and dancing, allowing them to do as they pleased.

Introducing parents into this scenario would surely restrain these youngsters, wouldn't it?

Zhou Zhi understood the situation and furrowed his brow. "I don't even know how they found out about Ah Xù's birthday. Each one of them insists on coming to use this opportunity to network. What can I do? Many of them are business partners. If they want to join in the celebration, how can I refuse?"

Coupled with the recent news of Hong Kong's upcoming return.

The Zhou family, in particular, had become an object of desire for various factions seeking alliance.

Xu Dan was well aware of this, her delicate brows furrowed with concern. "The current situation is so turbulent, with countless individuals harboring malicious intent."

"Hasn't the Governor dispatched several people to approach us? In subtle and indirect ways, he's trying to get us on his side, to hinder the return."

The Governor of Hong Kong, the King's representative stationed in the Fragrant Harbor, was typically an aristocratic diplomat, often with an earl's title, wielding absolute authority within the political arena.

With the imminent return of sovereignty to the mainland, certain factions naturally grew restless.

"Foreigners really dare to entertain any notion," Zhou Zhi harrumphed coldly.

During the War of Resistance Against Japan, the Zhou family had risked their lives to send much-needed supplies and later assisted numerous scientists trapped abroad to return home and contribute to their motherland.

The Hong Kong government was currently unaware of these deeds; if they found out, they might not just try to win them over – assassination to silence them was a possibility.

The Zhou family never sought fame or profit for their actions. All they wished for was for the Chinese people to govern themselves and be free from humiliation.

"In Hong Kong now, foreigners hold sway. The common folk are treated neither like humans nor ghosts. Whatever they do, foreigners are held in higher esteem. Even at restaurants, they get priority seating. Trying to stop the reunification? Dream on! They're delusional!"

Zhou Zhi couldn't help but swear, his face darkening as he recalled the hardships the Hong Kong people had endured over the years. His chest heaved with emotion.

The Zhou family would never hinder reunification, nor would they become puppets of foreigners or give them leverage to threaten the mainland through their family.

He only wanted to be a proud and upright Chinese.

More and more guests arrived.

Zhou Zhi and Xu Dan were greeting their guests at the entrance when suddenly, an awkward Cantonese phrase echoed.

An awkward Cantonese voice reached them.

"Mr. Zhou."

Zhou Zhi turned his head and, upon seeing the newcomer, his smile instinctively widened, erasing any trace of anger that had just been present as if it had never existed in the first place.

He inwardly cursed under his breath.

How ironic, just mentioning someone and they appear.

The newcomers were a pair of Westerners, a man around forty or fifty with golden hair and piercing blue eyes. He sported a long, curved nose accompanied by a neat mustache, dressed in a black shirt layered under a khaki waistcoat and a formal suit. Beside him stood a lady of similar age, attired in a light gray suit dress and wearing a black hat adorned with rose-laced netting. A retinue of armed security personnel followed them.

Impressive in every sense.

The foreigner gave a subtle signal, and the security guards split their forces, some staying to guard the entrance while others followed the foreigner.

"Mr. Mack," Zhou Zhi put on a polite smile, "What brings you to my humble abode today?"

"Mr. Zhou, you're the one at fault here. It's a joyous occasion for your son's birthday, why didn't you mention it?" Mai Huade raised his hand, gesturing for someone to bring over the gift. "Just a small token of my appreciation."

The gift box was a large chest, so large that the security guard had to carry it with both hands, suggesting its weight or value was substantial.

Zhou Zhi pushed the gift back and offered a polite smile. "I appreciate the thought, Mr. Mai, but please keep the gift. I didn't plan on hosting a banquet, so I don't intend to accept presents."

"Wouldn't you like to open it and take a look, Mr. Zhou?" Mai Huade stroked his mustache, smiling. "You might actually like this gift."

Open it and take a look?

There was no need. Zhou Zhi knew it would either be a piece of land or literal gold and silver.

Trying to win over the Zhou family with benefits?

Was he the kind of person who could be swayed by money?

"I can't accept Mr. Mai's gift without accepting others'. Honestly, I'm not fond of receiving gifts. Please forgive me," Zhou Zhi deflected once more.

Xu Dan also stepped in to smooth things over, pulling Mrs. Mai aside for a chat.

Seeing that the Zhou family was unwilling to accept the gifts, Mai Huade instructed the security personnel to take them away and changed the subject to discuss other matters.

About half an hour later.

Mrs. Mai took the opportunity to ask, "Mr. Zhou, it's known to all that you have an excellent son who is still single, right?"

"I also have a wonderful daughter who is currently studying at Oxford University in the UK. If there's a chance, why not arrange for them to have a meal together? If they hit it off, we could proceed with the wedding sooner."

Zhou Zhi's eyebrows twitched.

What wedding?

Just as he was about to speak, a calm voice sounded.

"There's no need for Mrs. Mai to worry about the marriage matter."

Mrs. Mai linked her arm with her husband's, looking over curiously with a full face of interest.

A tall gentleman stepped out of the entrance. Dressed unusually formal in a white shirt and black trousers, his slender wrists were visible beneath the cuffs, holding a glass of red wine.

Without observing the admiring glances from the surrounding ladies, Mrs. Mai knew that this was an enchanting and handsome gentleman.

"Why?" Mrs. Mai was puzzled.

"I already have someone I fancy," Zhou Fengxu smiled faintly, pressing his lips. "The Zhou family has always been stubborn. Once we set our sights on someone, we won't look elsewhere."

"Erice,"

Mai Huade stroked his mustache, his bright blue eyes sparkling as he chuckled. "You're a wise man. In this world, one can divorce even after marriage. How much more so for simply having a crush?

"My daughter is exceptionally talented. She's the most well-mannered lady in England and will become the country's most renowned designer. You should know that people are already lining up for her design sketches, even before she graduates."