Xiao Xin patted Fu Yan's hand that was resting on his belt: "What's with the early start? Stop being so lustful, get up and get down to business."
Fu Yan gave a muffled "oh," and hearing the nasal tone in Xiao Xin's voice, he rubbed his eyes and asked, "Brother is sick, do you still have to attend the banquet?"
“It’s not that I want to go,” Xiao Xin said, tossing one of the suits to Fu Yan. “It’s that you have to go.”
He seemed to have thought of something, raising an eyebrow at Fu Yan: "Or do you not want me to go?"
Fu Yan fiddled with his suit jacket, his voice muffled: "Can't I not go, brother... why do I have to go?"
“If we don’t go, we’ll both die. I have nothing, so it doesn’t matter if I die. But you, you might die a more miserable death,” Xiao Xin replied, adjusting the buttons on his shirt.
Fu Yan frowned and looked at Xiao Xin: "Why am I worse off?"
"Because your family is a big cake, everyone can get a slice when you die..."
Upon hearing this, Fu Yan frowned even more deeply. After hesitating for a second, he said firmly, "Okay, I understand."
After they finished getting ready, since they weren't very hungry, they ate something to tide them over.
Xiao Xin's expression was indifferent, and he seemed to have no emotion.
His face was just too pale, looking bloodless.
Fu Yan stared at his face, his eyes full of worry. Just as he was about to say something, Xiao Xin handed him a pair of Bluetooth earphones: "These are earphones. We'll use them to stay in touch at any time."
He glanced at Fu Yan uncertainly: "Do you know how to use it?"
Fu Yan had played the game before, and immediately nodded: "Yes, brother."
“Okay.” Xiao Xin nodded and took a pair for himself.
After the two finished dressing and tidying themselves up, he put on a mask and asked Fu Yan, "Is there anything else you need to bring?"
Fu Yan shook his head, Xiao Xin nodded, and told Fu Yan to go first while he closed the door.
…
When the car is on the road, Xiao Xin is the one who drives, because Fu Yan can't.
Fu Yan sat in the passenger seat and watched Xiao Xin sneeze several times, his brow furrowing slightly.
When Xiao Xin drove to the hotel, several luxury cars were already parked at the entrance.
He stopped the car and let Fu Yan get out first.
Fu Yan got out of the car and took a step back to wait for Xiao Xin.
Xiao Xin followed closely behind and got out of the car, handing the keys to the person who came to greet him.
The two men, dressed in black suits, attracted the attention of many onlookers with their tall stature and handsome faces.
However, Xiao Xin only showed his eyes; most of the people's gazes were fixed on Fu Yan, who was standing next to him.
Fu Yan didn't mind their scrutinizing gazes at him at all; as long as Xiao Xin was by his side, he felt at ease.
Fu Yan's composed demeanor was accentuated by his expensive attire, making him appear even more imposing. Coupled with his height of 1.93 meters, his aura exuded an unparalleled sense of oppression.
Xiao Xin glanced at the stern-faced Fu Yan and suddenly felt very safe walking next to him.
He withdrew his gaze and led Fu Yan to sit down in their seats.
Yu Muqing sent a message to Xiao Xin, saying that he was on a business trip out of town and that the congratulatory gift for Grandpa Jiang had been sent to the backstage area through someone. Therefore, Xiao Xin only needed to deal with the people who came to chat up Fu Yan.
Fu Yan and Xiao Xin sat at the round table. It was almost time for the banquet, and the other tables were almost full, but their table was only occupied by Xiao Xin and Fu Yan.
Fu Yan sighed, finally unable to bear the questioning looks from others, and whispered in Xiao Xin's ear, "Brother, why are there only the two of us at this table?"
Xiao Xin replied, "This table is for the Fu family. You're the only one from the Fu family here right now, so it's normal that they find it strange. Just stay put and don't talk if you can avoid it. Just say whatever I tell you to say."
Fu Yan lowered his eyes and nodded: "Okay, I understand, brother."
The banquet is about to begin, and waiters have already started serving dishes on the tables.
Jiang Yuming, followed by two bodyguards and leaning on canes, walked in through the main gate, and all eyes were immediately on him.
Jiang Yuming is Jiang Yuqing's grandfather, and today is his 80th birthday.
Jiang Yuming is still vigorous despite his old age and currently holds real power in the Jiang family. If Fu Yan hadn't lost his grandson, he wouldn't still be unable to retire.
When he was young, Mr. Jiang was a decisive and efficient person, and no one present dared to disrespect him.
The Jiang family holds a prominent position in City A, so after a brief moment of quiet commotion, the meeting place returned to calm.
Everyone held their breath, watching Jiang Yuming's every move.
The old man walked steadily, leaning on his cane, and slowly walked to Fu Yan before stopping.
He glanced coldly at Fu Yan in his seat, scoffed, and his mustache twitched. His eyes were full of mockery as he looked at Fu Yan.
Fu Yan stood up, remembering Xiao Xin's instructions, and politely nodded, saying, "Grandpa Jiang..."
Jiang Yuming snorted again: "Hmph, I didn't expect you to dare to come."
Fu Yan looked at the anger in his eyes and was confused. He frowned and was about to ask why when Xiao Xin subconsciously tugged at his clothes and shook them.
Fu Yan understood, his brows relaxed, and he looked at Jiang Yuming and said, "Grandpa Jiang, I have prepared a small gift for you. It is in the back room. Please accept it."
Jiang Yuming snorted angrily again, leaned heavily on his cane, and left Fu Yan with a displeased expression.
Fu Yan smiled outwardly, but inwardly he had rolled his eyes countless times.
Was he living too comfortably and came here to suffer?
Seeing his sullen face, Xiao Xin patted Fu Yan's back and praised him softly, "The puppy did a great job just now, it's none of your business from now on."
After giving gifts and having a meal, as long as no one causes trouble, Fu Yan can generally attend the banquet smoothly.
Fu Yan glanced at him indifferently and forced a smile: "I didn't like what happened just now..."
He didn't like it; he just felt awkward feeling like that version of himself.
He vaguely felt that he must not have been like that before.
Xiao Xin, puzzled, asked him, "Why don't you like it?"
"Forced smiles, compromises, and having to read other people's faces... this isn't like me..." Fu Yan said.
Xiao Xin paused in his tea-drinking motion. What Fu Yan was saying seemed to be a reflection of himself all along.
Fu Yan used to be arrogant and disdainful of others, so this behavior will definitely make him feel awkward.
Xiao Xin took a sip of tea and said understandingly, "Nobody likes it."
However, in order to make a living, people will always end up living the kind of life they dislike the most.
He also longed for a carefree life, but reality was taking him further and further away from his dream.
As they were talking, Jiang Yuming, holding a picture book in his hand, walked towards them.
Xiao Xin saw Jiang Yuming first. He nudged Fu Yan with his elbow, signaling Fu Yan to look back. Fu Yan stood up and looked at Jiang Yuming, asking, "What's wrong, Mr. Jiang..."
With a "thud," Jiang Yuming threw the painting in his hand at Fu Yan's feet, glaring at him with fury: "You think you can bribe me with a painting? Let me tell you, it's impossible! I won't forgive you unless Yuqing comes home!"
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