The banquet at the An family's residence tonight was ostensibly to introduce their recently reunited daughter. In truth, An Weiming intended to leverage the occasion to curry favor with the influential figures present.
When Old Master An was still alive, the An family held a certain standing among the capital's elite. However, a few years after his passing, when his son-in-law took over his position, the An family began to show signs of decline.
This is why An Weiming sought to capitalize on Old Master An's lingering prestige by forging connections with these dignitaries. In a few more years, Old Master An's influence would surely wane.
In the past, Old Master An had maintained a degree of acquaintance with the Ye family. Today, Ye Jinghuai attended primarily out of respect for those past ties, going through the motions.
The reason so many of the capital's powerful figures were present was due to their past connections with Old Master An. Most held the current An family in disdain. Old Master An had dedicated his life to his work, only to see it all fall into the hands of his son-in-law.
"An Cheng, the banquet is about to begin. Why haven't you changed your clothes yet?" An Weiming looked at An Cheng, who was dressed in a hoodie and jeans, with evident distaste.
"Xiao Cheng, Auntie knows you don't like these things, but this is basic banquet etiquette. You grew up in the countryside, and no one taught you. Even if you dislike it, just endure it for tonight, and it will be over," An Yaxin persuaded gently.
By today's standards, An Yaxin could be described as hopelessly smitten. Once the esteemed heiress of the An family, she willingly became a mistress, transforming from the rightful heir of the An family into a mere appendage to a man. Now, she was hosting a banquet under the An family's name for the daughter of her husband's ex-wife.
After all, An Cheng was merely An Weiming's daughter, not Old Master An's granddaughter, and therefore not a true An family heiress.
An Weiming: "Yaxin, there's no need to be so polite with her. This child is becoming increasingly unruly. I really don't know how her mother raised her."
An Yaxin: "Husband, Xiao Cheng is your daughter after all. If she doesn't understand, you can just teach her slowly. Besides, don't we have our Mi'er? Mi'er, you must take good care of your sister tonight."
"I don't want to take this country bumpkin. She won't even wear an evening gown. How embarrassing!" An Mi said with clear reluctance.
"Mi'er!" An Yaxin deliberately darkened her expression.
"Alright, stop your act. Director An, I know exactly what you're plotting. Even if I don't attend today's banquet, you'd still hold it as planned. Also, you are not worthy of mentioning my mother!"
An Cheng had initially intended to ignore the passive-aggressive trio. However, when An Weiming dared to bring up her mother, she could no longer tolerate it.
"You! I'm telling you, hurry up and change your clothes, and don't let people say our An family lacks manners! Even if you just make an appearance and leave, no one will say anything," An Weiming said, pointing a finger at An Cheng, his voice filled with anger.
"An family? Is it your An, or Aunt An's An?" An Cheng retorted with a sarcastic smile.
"You!!" An Weiming's blood pressure spiked, and he faltered for a moment.
"Husband!" "Dad!"
The two women rushed to help An Weiming drink water and take his medicine.
"I'm fine, do as you please!"
Seeing An Cheng's unyielding demeanor, An Weiming no longer bothered and, supported by the two women, they walked out.
An Cheng's expression grew increasingly sarcastic, her eyes betraying no emotion.
"Second Brother, this An family is getting more and more unreliable. The guests have been here for quite some time, and the hosts haven't shown up."
Ye Jingzhi surveyed the surroundings with dissatisfaction, muttering and impatiently tugging at his tie, though not too forcefully. He detested wearing suits and ties, but they were basic social etiquette.
He could have arrived in casual wear, and given the Ye family's status, no one would dare to comment. However, that would also be disrespectful to others, and the Ye family had not raised him to be so arrogant.
"If you don't like it, why did you still come?" Ye Jinghuai couldn't be bothered to retort.
"I'm just worried about you bringing Nuan Nuan out," Ye Jingzhi said, looking at Nuan Nuan in his arms and making a funny face.
"Hahaha~ Uncle, again!"
Nuan Nuan sat obediently on Ye Jinghuai's arm, playing with Ye Jingzhi.
Ye Jinghuai had initially planned to come alone, make a brief appearance, and leave. However, before they left, Nuan Nuan inexplicably insisted on coming along. Once Nuan Nuan wanted to come, others also wanted to join.
However, the An family did not possess enough influence to warrant several young masters from the Ye family attending simultaneously.
In the end, Ye Jinghuai chose Ye Jingzhi, who was still a student. This way, it wouldn't appear as if the Ye family was paying excessive attention to the An family's reunited daughter, and he would have someone to keep an eye on Nuan Nuan.
Ye Jingzhi, under the murderous gazes of the other two, happily followed along.
Indeed, bringing Nuan Nuan had its advantages.
At the very least, many people, seeing that he was accompanying a child, did not dare to approach him presumptuously. Ye Jinghuai also found himself more relaxed, free from the need to force smiles and engage in pleasantries.
"I am Nuan Nuan's father. What exactly are you worried about?"
"Second Brother, with so many people here today, what if you get caught up in socializing and can't get away?" Ye Jingzhi said, extending his hand for Nuan Nuan to play with his fingers.
Ye Jingzhi's fingers were long and slender, and he had calluses from training on his hands. Nuan Nuan, curious, kept poking at these calluses with her finger.
"Nuan Nuan, you must stick close to Papa and Uncle today, understand?" Ye Jinghuai cautioned carefully, as this was not a banquet hosted by the Ye family.
"Mm-hmm~ Nuan Nuan is just here to accompany Papa, and won't go anywhere else," Nuan Nuan said solemnly, looking up.
"Nuan Nuan is so good," Ye Jinghuai said happily, kissing her forehead.
"Hehe, Uncle is here to accompany Nuan Nuan," Ye Jingzhi chimed in.
"Uncle is so good~ Mwah~"
Mimicking Ye Jinghuai's earlier action, Nuan Nuan praised Uncle and gave Ye Jingzhi a kiss.
"Thank you, Nuan Nuan," Ye Jingzhi continued to chuckle foolishly beside them.
Ye Jinghuai silently took out a handkerchief and wiped Nuan Nuan's mouth.
"Second Brother, is that really necessary?" Ye Jingzhi's pupils dilated in shock.
"There are too many bacteria on your face. I'm afraid Nuan Nuan might get a stomachache later," Ye Jinghuai carefully put away the handkerchief and turned, holding Nuan Nuan.
Nuan Nuan, resting on her father's shoulder, made a heart gesture to Ye Jingzhi. Ye Jingzhi caught it from afar, and they shared a knowing smile.