Chapter 87 Dinner Party

Chapter 87: The Banquet

Jiang Ruotang hadn’t expected Qi Yanfeng to act so efficiently. He thought it would take him a week or two to evaluate before making a decision.

It seemed the other party’s sincerity in cooperation was genuine.

“Hongtian Borui! A film company with strength no less than Universe!” Jiang Huaiyuan said excitedly.

Jiang Ruotang nodded. “I know.”

“They’re very generous with their investment, and the initial terms are quite reasonable—they’re very sincere! Tomorrow, Yunshu and I will go there to discuss the specifics. Truly, just when we hit rock bottom, a new opportunity emerged!”

“Mm, Dad, go get ’em.” Jiang Ruotang lightly punched his father’s chest, then met Zhao Yunshu’s gaze.

The two exchanged a knowing nod. Zhao Yunshu understood that this collaboration was something Jiang Ruotang had secured for them.

Everything was falling into place—perfect, just perfect.

Two weeks later, Jiang Huaiyuan and Zhao Yunshu’s newly established Artisan Pictures and Hongtian Borui jointly announced their partnership, officially launching the project *Drunken Immortal Terrace*.

Old Master Qin, enjoying his tea at the time, frowned upon hearing the news—a rare reaction—and pondered for a full minute before calling his grandson’s office.

“Grandfather, is this about Jiang Huaiyuan’s collaboration with Hongtian Borui?”

Qin Zhanchao’s voice sounded calm, but his directness showed he recognized his misstep.

“It seems you already know what I wanted to discuss.”

“My mistake. Even if I wanted to make a power move, I should’ve timed it better. Now, Hongtian Borui has seized the opportunity and partnered with Jiang Huaiyuan. No matter what, Jiang Huaiyuan is a director who draws crowds. The TV series he previously worked on were rated highly on national TV… If the two of them independently produce a *xianxia* drama and we had fully supported them, not only could we have shared the profits, but we could’ve also used Jiang Huaiyuan’s reputation to nurture new talent. Instead, our rivals beat us to it.”

“Indeed. Now that Hongtian Borui has offered timely help, I know Jiang Huaiyuan’s character well—he’ll return the favor. For future projects, he’ll likely prioritize Hongtian Borui’s artists.”

“I miscalculated. I thought the industry would avoid Jiang Huaiyuan due to Lin Chengdong’s case. I didn’t expect Qi Yanfeng to act so swiftly.”

“So, we still need to find a way to mend relations with the Jiang family.”

Qin Zhanchao fell silent. Even if he went to invest now, the other party no longer needed it.

And once a rift forms, no matter how much it’s repaired, the mark remains.

“I’ve told you before—Jiang Huaiyuan has no interest in business. If you could let him take it easy, he’d be more than happy. He’s also been training his son in the arts, clearly not insisting Jiang Ruotang take a managerial role at Universe. This time, we’ve pushed Jiang Huaiyuan toward Hongtian Borui. How many shareholders and executives are snickering behind your back? They won’t say it outright, but they’re thinking this young man lacks magnanimity, hence the backlash.”

“I understand. Next week is your birthday banquet anyway—we were already planning to gather everyone. I’ll handle it.”

Qin Zhanchao’s tone sounded humble, but Old Master Qin knew he was really bothered. Just when he was on top of the world, he stumbled.

Perhaps this was for the best—a lesson he needed.

Otherwise, if he grew too aggressive, the crash would only be harder.

The third mock exam, reputedly the easiest, saw Jiang Ruotang scoring over 540 points—he’d never done this well before. Staring at his results, he said to Lu Guifan, “I think even if I weren’t an arts student, I could still get into a top university on smarts alone!”

Lu Guifan planted a hand firmly onto Jiang Ruotang’s head. “Isn’t the third mock exam just to pump you up?”

“Even with a 10% deduction, that’s nearly 490! More than enough!”

Jiang Ruotang felt like some kind of genius—recovering two years’ worth of knowledge in less than a year.

Even Zhao Zhangfeng, sitting behind them, scored over 460, smiling as if he’d already been admitted to Capital Science and Technology University.

“I’ll walk through these questions with you tonight. You’ve made this mistake three times already—don’t let it happen a fourth time on the actual exam.”

Jiang Ruotang rested his chin in his hand, watching as Lu Guifan spoke, dead serious.

“Professor Lu, sorry, but Zhao Zhangfeng and I are bailing tonight. There’s an old master’s birthday banquet we have to attend.”

“Oh.” Lu Guifan nodded slightly and handed the test paper back.

But then Jiang Ruotang leaned in again, as if searching for some secret. Lu Guifan, uncomfortable with the staring, poked his forehead to push him away.

“What?”

“I just wanted to see if you’d miss me tonight.”

Jiang Ruotang’s eyes crinkled into crescents, his smile cheeky.

“I won’t.”

“I’ll be wearing a tuxedo tonight—with a bow tie and everything.”

*Don’t you want to see how dashing I’ll look?*

Lu Guifan nodded. “Be careful not to spill food on it.”

*Way to kill the mood.*

Jiang Ruotang pouted briefly before leaning in again. “I wish I could see you in a tuxedo too. A black one, fitted to show off your waist, clean and sharp… Paired with frameless glasses, and with that smart guy vibe… Hmm… You’d be like…”

When no follow-up came after a few seconds, Lu Guifan asked, “Like what?”

“A refined villain from the movies.”

With that, Jiang Ruotang quickly pulled back, but Lu Guifan’s long arm reached out, pressing Jiang Ruotang’s head down onto his lap, refusing to let the little troublemaker up.

Jiang Ruotang struggled several times, bracing one hand on the desk and the other on the edge of Lu Guifan’s chair, putting all his strength into it—yet he couldn’t move at all.

The kicker? Lu Guifan was only using one hand! *One hand!*

Jiang Ruotang’s face flushed from struggling. He was about to surrender when Zhao Zhangfeng started egging them on, saying, “Serves you right! Finally, someone’s putting you in your place!”

Meanwhile, Jian Sha chimed in gleefully, “Oh my, what a perfect scene! A powerful alpha marking his omega with just one hand!”

To Jiang Ruotang, an “omega” was the sweet-smelling one—and compared to him, Lu Guifan was definitely the one who smelled better.

*Even if I can’t be the alpha, I won’t back down!*

Summoning all his strength, Jiang Ruotang strained to lift his head. His trembling back, flushed nape and ears, and the warmth of his breath through Lu Guifan’s uniform pants felt almost scorching.

Just as Jiang Ruotang’s face nearly collided with something, Lu Guifan suddenly released him. Jiang Ruotang jerked upright, panting, his hair disheveled.

Zhao Zhangfeng smirked. “I think you need to hit the gym. You’re way too weak.”

Jiang Ruotang shot back, “The class monitor is just freakishly strong! You wouldn’t necessarily win against him either!”

“Oh?” Zhao Zhangfeng rolled up his sleeves and beckoned Lu Guifan. “Come on, try me!”

Jiang Ruotang expected Lu Guifan to ignore him, but instead, he turned and seized Zhao Zhangfeng’s wrist, flipping it down lightning fast!

“Whoa…” Jian Sha stared in shock.

The whole class turned to stare, shocked that Lu Guifan, who usually appeared tall and slender, had such strength?

Jiang Ruotang gaped blankly at Zhao Zhangfeng. "Are... are you okay?"

Zhao Zhangfeng was stunned too. He had the arm strength to do one-arm dunk hangs—how could he lose to Lu Guifan just like that?

"I... I'm fine! Class Prez, that was a sneak attack! I didn’t even react! Let’s go again!"

Lu Guifan glanced back. "If we go again, your ego will be crushed."

Zhao Zhangfeng was left speechless, frustrated. He refused to believe it and wanted to challenge again, but the next class had already started.

By the time afternoon classes ended, Jiang Ruotang and Zhao Zhangfeng gathered their things to go.

Just as Jiang Ruotang was about to step away from his seat, he felt something lightly tug at the back of his waistband.

He paused, tilting his head down to see Lu Guifan, who was reading, apparently saying something.

"Huh?" Jiang Ruotang bent down, bringing his ear closer. "What did you say? I didn’t catch it."

Was he going to be told to keep doing homework even after going home? Couldn’t he catch a break?

"I... want to see it."

"See what?" Jiang Ruotang was completely lost by this random comment.

"You in formal wear."

Jiang Ruotang studied Lu Guifan’s expression—still poker-faced as always. But if this guy actually voiced what he wanted, it definitely wasn’t just a casual interest. He *really* wanted it.

This made Jiang Ruotang unable to resist messing with him further.

"Sure, when it’s my birthday, I’ll host a party. I’ll prepare a dozen or twenty suits and change into a new one every half hour just for you."

As he spoke, Jiang Ruotang grinned, his eyes curving and his little canines showing.

Lu Guifan tightened his grip on the book in his hand, fighting the urge to bite Jiang Ruotang’s nose.

"You might as well say you’ll shed eighteen layers of skin for me to see."

With that, Lu Guifan used the cap of his pink pen to flick Jiang Ruotang’s forehead.

Old Master Qin’s birthday banquet was held in the penthouse banquet hall of THRONE, a high-end hotel in Sheng City.

The city lights and distant stars twinkled in every direction as shareholders and executives from Universe Pictures, along with industry partners, came to pay their respects.

Even Qi Yanfeng from Hongtian Borui was among the invited guests.

When Jiang Ruotang and Zhao Zhangfeng entered the venue with Jiang Huaiyuan and his wife, they instantly became the talk of the room.

Zhao Zhangfeng, towering and broad-shouldered, looked even more striking in his black tuxedo. Standing a full head above most, he was a standout the moment he stepped in.

Rumors had it that the Asia-Pacific director of a certain luxury fashion brand was present, and the admiration in his gaze when he saw Zhao Zhangfeng was unmistakable.

With his long legs, Zhao Zhangfeng could easily leave Jiang Ruotang in the dust in just a few strides, but he would always stop and wait, positioning himself slightly behind Jiang Ruotang.

Transforming from a top male model into an elite bodyguard in an instant.

Perhaps it was true that clothes made the man. In his custom-tailored suit, Jiang Ruotang exuded not just a boyish charm but also an air of nobility.

Somehow, the two of them managed to turn the entrance walkway into a runway strut.

Jiang Ruotang glanced up and spotted Mu Xianqing not far away, slouching lazily in a chair.

Despite the crowd trying to suck up to him, Mu Xianqing remained lazily indifferent. His gaze cut through the people, locking onto Jiang Ruotang with a smirk, mouthing the words, "You little rascal."

Jiang Ruotang gulped nervously, wary of Mu Xianqing approaching to ask about his artwork—because he hadn’t drawn anything.

So he deliberately shifted to the other side of Zhao Zhangfeng, using the human mountain as a shield.

Mu Xianqing seemed to have seen right through him, his smile widening.

He had zero interest in stuffy old men's parties, and Qin’s celebration wasn't important enough for someone like Mu He to attend. Mu Xianqing had been sent by his family as a stand-in.

But seeing the little artist in a suit after so long? That was a sight for sore eyes.

Old Master Qin gave Qin Zhanchao’s shoulder a light pat, and the 27-year-old young man responded with a polished smile, stepping forward to greet Jiang Huaiyuan and his wife.

"Uncle Jiang, Auntie Zhao, we’ve been waiting for you."

Jiang Huaiyuan chuckled sheepishly. "Ruo Tang and Zhang Feng got held up after class. My apologies!"

"Senior year—of course academics come first," Qin Zhanchao said warmly before glancing behind Jiang Huaiyuan. "Uncle Jiang, Auntie Zhao, aren’t you going to introduce me?"

"Ah, right!" Jiang Huaiyuan turned, starting with Zhao Zhangfeng since he was closer. He patted the taller boy’s shoulder. "This is Zhang Feng, Zhao Zhangfeng. Already a head taller than me and quite the looker. He’s great at basketball—just returned from the capital last month, with multiple universities inviting him for tryouts!"

Zhao Zhangfeng hadn’t expected to be introduced first. Blushing at the compliments, he suddenly realized he was blocking Jiang Ruotang.

He quickly stepped aside, tugging Jiang Ruotang’s arm. "Why are you always hiding behind me?"

"Your glorious silhouette is worth admiring," Jiang Ruotang teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Jiang Huaiyuan then patted Jiang Ruotang’s shoulder. "And this is Ruo Tang. You actually held him when he was in kindergarten—not sure if you remember, Zhanchao."

Qin Zhanchao’s expression flickered with surprise as he looked Jiang Ruotang up and down.

Back then, Jiang Ruotang had been a squishy little marshmallow—spoiled and willful, throwing a never-ending tantrum after just one day in kindergarten.

Over a decade later, that milk-faced toddler had grown up.

"Hello, President Qin," Jiang Ruotang said, tilting his head slightly.

Amidst the crowd of balding, potbellied executives oozing nouveau riche, Qin Zhanchao cut through like a cool breeze.

His sharp, handsome features had a quiet intensity, yet it wasn’t overbearing.

His smile softened the edges, and at well over 185 cm, dressed in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, he radiated the aura of a polished industry elite—minus the obnoxious CEO swagger.

Qin Zhanchao leaned in slightly, meeting Jiang Ruotang’s eyes with a faint crinkle at the corners, looking every bit the friendly big brother type.

"Skip the formalities like you’re one of the adults. Just call me ‘Zhanchao-ge.’ You used to call me that when you were little."

"Thanks, Zhanchao-ge."

*At least he didn’t make me call him ‘Qin-ge.’* That would’ve sounded like *‘qing-ge’*—lover boy—and made my toes curl every time.

Besides, Jiang Ruotang knew Qin Zhanchao had been sizing him up this whole time.

He wanted to gauge whether Jiang Ruotang had any interest in the chairman’s position. Even if Jiang Huaiyuan was happy to bow out, if his son wanted it badly enough, he might team up with rivals to take it back.

Jiang Ruotang thought to himself: *Sigh, Young Qin, you're overthinking it. I know your capabilities—in my past life, you were the only one who could stand up to Lin Chengdong in the boardroom and even make him spit blood in anger! Someone like you, a top workhorse, should just focus on working hard and raking in profits for our family.*

*A top workhorse like you is truly worthy of my father's assets.*

Qin Zhanchao led Jiang Huaiyuan's family of four to Old Master Qin. After offering birthday wishes, the old man warmly pulled Jiang Ruotang aside, asking about his studies, grades, and future aspirations.

Jiang Ruotang answered gracefully, firmly stating his unwavering goal of attending the Central Academy of Fine Arts.

Old Master Qin chuckled, "Ruo Tang's artistic scores are outstanding, and he's even won major awards, right? But I’ve heard the academic score requirements for the Central Academy of Fine Arts are quite high too!"

Standing nearby, Jiang Huaiyuan quickly added, "Ruo Tang has been studying diligently all year, scoring around 500 in all three practice exams."

Old Master Qin laughed heartily, "Then it seems almost certain he’ll make it."

Jiang Ruotang rubbed the back of his head, "You’ve all showed your hand. If I fail the college entrance exam, won’t I become the joke in Dad’s WeChat feed?"

Old Master Qin immediately retorted, "Who dares laugh at you? Old Man Qin will handle them personally!"

Everyone laughed, the scene appearing harmonious—though only the Qin grandfather and grandson truly knew the undercurrents.

Out of the corner of his eye, Jiang Ruotang noticed Zhao Zhangfeng being approached by a foreigner. With his rudimentary English limited to the "how are you" on repeat, Zhang Feng was visibly flustered.

"Grandpa Qin, all you adults do is grill me about the college entrance exam—it’s too much pressure. Can I go find Zhang Feng?"

Old Master Qin waved him off cheerfully, "Go on, go on. Take this rare chance to relax—eat, drink, and don’t worry about a thing!"

"Oh, I almost forgot—Grandpa Qin, may your fortune be as vast as the eternal East Sea, and your longevity as enduring as the evergreen Southern Pine!"

Jiang Ruotang gave a proper cupped-hand salute, eliciting a hearty laugh from Old Master Qin and drawing the attention of nearby guests.

(stage whisper) "Looks like the Jiang family isn’t too bothered about losing the chairman position?"

"To be fair, the Qins have been more than generous, shielding Jiang Huaiyuan for nearly two decades. Now that he’s stepped down, he can live carefree like Liu Shan (the carefree last ruler of Shu Han)—honestly, it’s a silver lining!"

"Besides, Jiang Huaiyuan’s son is into art, and his stepson is into sports—neither is business material. Having future generations under the Qin family’s protection might not be a bad thing!"

Qi Yanfeng, chairman of Hongtian Borui, overheard these murmurs while mingling and let out a faint chuckle.

*Jiang Ruotang—not cut out for business?*

In terms of investment vision and conceptual thinking, few here could rival him.

Qi Yanfeng was almost curious to see the expressions on these people’s faces when the "little sweet fruit" revealed his identity as the shadow investor.

Jiang Ruotang walked up behind Zhao Zhangfeng and realized the foreigner wasn’t speaking English but French, rambling at length.

"Perfect timing! Tell this guy I don’t understand him and to find someone else to talk to!"

Today was Zhang Feng’s splurge day—no dietary restrictions—so he’d undoubtedly planned to pile his plate with petit fours and hide in a corner to indulge.

In his past life, Bai Yingchuan often attended fashion weeks and endorsements requiring French, so Jiang Ruotang had learned enough to get by. Though limited, it should suffice here.

Jiang Ruotang spoke in French: *[Apologies, but my brother has no interest in modeling. His heart is set on becoming a basketball player. Perhaps one day he’ll appear in the NBA—then, sir, you can invite him to model for your brand.]*

The designer dude enthusiastically replied at length, his rapid speech making it hard to catch every word. Jiang Ruotang grasped keywords—something about Zhang Feng’s blend of youthful innocence and sexy edge creating a uniquely compelling aura, destined to make him a darling of the fashion world.

Jiang Ruotang put on a sorry face. *[But his passion for basketball is unshakable. So root for him to become a sports star—then your brand can collaborate with his club, forcing him into paid gigs like runway shows.]*

The man went on and on, eagerly adding Jiang Ruotang’s contact and even attempting a hug.

Zhao Zhangfeng instantly stiffened, shoving Jiang Ruotang behind him.

"What’s this? Hands off him!"

"It’s fine—foreigners just greet like this!" Jiang Ruotang laughed.

Zhang Feng scowled. "Greeting or not, no way! He’s definitely eyeing you—got the hots for you!"

Jiang Ruotang’s eyes sparkled. "Zhang Feng… you think I’m good-looking?"

"W-Who said that?! You’re just a pasty twig! It’s Jian Sha who keeps going on about your ‘peach-blossom eyes’ like some romance novel trope or whatever… ‘all that dazzling blossoms’ crap—"

Zhang Feng tripped over his words, his ears burning.

"I don’t care—you just called me pretty!"

*And I’m totally screenshotting this for Lu Guifan later.*

Cackling, Jiang Ruotang picked up a plate and started eating.

"Wish Cai Cai, Jian Sha, and the homeroom prez were here. So much good food…" Zhang Feng sighed.

"They’re in class. Jian Sha just texted—wants us to take pics so she can live vicariously through this ‘fancy rich-people party’ for her writing."

"Food now, ‘gram later."

Just then, a dark chuckle sounded behind Jiang Ruotang.