If you compare Xiao Jinyan and Xiao Shenxing side by side, the difference is obvious.

One was diligent and studious from a young age, not lustful for women, and decisive in his actions. He was the object of admiration for countless girls in Haishi, a prince charming-like figure. The other was lazy and incompetent in his childhood, but as an adult, he barely managed to gain a place in the chaotic world of Haishi through his connections. He was also addicted to various places of pleasure and debauchery, and was no different from other playboys.

Given the stark difference between these two grandsons, one would expect anyone to favor the former. However, the patriarch of the Xiao family did the opposite, disliking Xiao Jinyan and doting on Xiao Shenxing.

This can truly be called one of the greatest unsolved mysteries.

All of this stems from Xiao Jinyan's father.

Xiao Jinyan's father, who is also the eldest son of the Xiao family patriarch.

In his youth, Xiao Jinyan's father was just like Xiao Jinyan now—spirited, a promising young man, and the successor the old man trusted most.

The old man had arranged everything, including Xiao Jinyan's father's marriage.

The daughter-in-law chosen by the old man is the beloved daughter of a high-ranking government official. Their union would be a powerful alliance. If the marriage goes through, the Xiao family will naturally rise to a higher level.

But who would have thought that Xiao Jinyan's father, who usually obeyed his grandfather in everything, would go against his grandfather on this one matter? Not only did he refuse to marry the daughter of a high-ranking official, but he also secretly pledged his life to another ordinary woman, and even had a child with her.

He brought the woman and their child back to the Xiao family. When high-ranking government officials heard about this, they naturally called off the marriage.

A perfectly good marriage was ruined, and the Xiao family's bright future was also delayed. The old man was furious and tried every means to separate Xiao Jinyan's father and mother.

Ultimately, the mother could not overcome her grief and committed suicide shortly after giving birth to Xiao Jinyan. From then on, the father was devastated and soon followed his mother in death.

The old man was devastated by the loss of his most cherished and hoped-for son, and he vented all his resentment and dissatisfaction on Xiao Jinyan, who was still an infant.

Therefore, no matter how diligent or outstanding the young Xiao Jinyan was, his existence would only remind the old man of that painful past, making him think of that disobedient and unfilial son who broke with him for a woman.

As a result, the old man was always dissatisfied with Xiao Jinyan, but doted on his other grandson, Xiao Shenxing.

The old man glared angrily at Xiao Jinyan and scolded, "Xiao Jinyan, what did Shen'er mean by that? Is this related to you? Are you deliberately going against this old man? Are you just like your dead father, always contradicting me?!"

Before the matter was even cleared up, based solely on Xiao Shenxing's ambiguous words, the old man reprimanded Mu Nanxun mercilessly in front of so many people.

This old man's favoritism is truly remarkable.

Even an outsider like Yi Yi felt indignant on Xiao Jinyan's behalf.

Xiao Jinyan was already used to it, and even when the old man scolded him in front of so many people, there was no unusual expression on his face.

He slowly took a sip of red wine, then slammed the glass down on the table.

The main hall was quiet, and everyone was waiting for Xiao Jinyan's response.

Therefore, the sound of Xiao Jinyan putting down his wine glass was exceptionally clear, causing some people's hearts to tremble.