If the Chu family was known throughout the underworld of Long Country, then the Huangfu family was equally renowned in Long Country's business circles.
The Huangfu family was hailed as the foremost commercial family in Donghai, and one of the wealthiest families in all of Long Country. Their ventures spanned multiple sectors including finance, technology, energy, and real estate. They had capitalized on every wave of Long Country's development, and had now expanded their industries abroad.
Huangfu Manor was the stronghold of the Huangfu family. Located by the sea on the eastern side of Donghai, it was built against a mountain, sprawling over a hundred acres. Besides a main building, it boasted dozens of villas in various styles, as well as facilities like a golf course and a riding arena.
Huangfu Weixia's eighteenth birthday banquet was held at Huangfu Manor.
One reason was that her residence with her parents at Villa No. 8, Tan Gong, was too small to host a birthday party.
Another was that it was the decision of Old Master Huangfu; he wanted to throw a grand birthday banquet for Huangfu Weixia.
Now that she had broken through to the nine-star martial artist realm, Huangfu Weixia was one of the most core members of the younger generation of the Huangfu family. Old Master Huangfu's actions were a sign of his high regard for her.
Furthermore, Old Master Huangfu also wished to use this occasion to gather all the titans of the upper society in Donghai and even the Dragon Triangle to mingle and converse at Huangfu Manor.
In the upper echelons of society, such gatherings signified business opportunities and wealth.
For instance, a casual remark from a high-ranking official in the government could reveal the future development trends and directions of an entire industry.
Of course, these influential figures in the Dragon Triangle would not mingle with the younger generation like Huangfu Weixia.
Huangfu Weixia's birthday banquet was divided into two venues: the younger generation would have a party in the villas, while the elders would gather in the banquet hall.
After cutting the cake, Huangfu Weixia would proceed to the banquet hall to meet the important figures from various fields.
Although Huangfu Weixia's birthday party was not scheduled to officially begin until eight o'clock, by seven o'clock, the villa hosting the party was already packed.
This was because Old Master Huangfu had invited nearly all the dignitaries from the Dragon Triangle, which also meant that many young people were attending Huangfu Weixia's birthday party – the influential figures had brought their children along.
The garden of the villa had been temporarily converted into a party venue, with a stage erected and equipped with lighting and sound systems for guests to dance.
As the party had not yet officially commenced, no one was dancing on the stage. The elegantly dressed guests, holding glasses of red wine, stood in small groups, conversing with each other. The "Da Feng Novel Network" was visible.
The Huangfu family's servants, dressed in uniform attire, moved through the crowd, serving the guests.
In a corner of the garden, a renowned band from abroad was playing light music.
The atmosphere in the garden was pleasant.
Although eighty percent of the guests had already arrived, Huangfu Weixia, the guest of honor, was not in the garden. Instead, she was in a room on the second floor with her close friend Chu Weiyang.
"Weiyang, I really admire you for being able to wear high heels so often. Once I put on heels, I can't walk properly. Coupled with an evening gown, I don't even dare to walk with big strides; it feels like a death sentence."
In the room, Huangfu Weixia complained to her best friend.
Due to the birthday party, she was wearing a red evening gown and red high heels today, an unusual sight. Her hair was also styled up, and she had applied exquisite makeup. She looked completely transformed, exuding less of her usual heroic spirit and more of a woman's delicate charm.
"Weixia, you're impatient, and you practice martial arts. High heels and evening gowns really don't suit you."
Chu Weiyang forced a smile. She and Huangfu Weixia were polar opposites.
As the most popular female artist in Long Country, she frequently attended various events and banquets, virtually living in high heels and evening gowns every day.
Today, she was wearing a white evening gown and pale pink high heels. Paired with her exceptionally pure and beautiful face, she looked like a princess from a fairy tale, utterly captivating.
Besides her pure looks, she had been doted on by Chu Wansong since childhood. She was simple-minded and kind, earning her the nickname "Snow White" from her fans and peers in the entertainment industry.
As Chu Weiyang finished speaking, Huangfu Weixia was about to complain further when the room door was pushed open, and a young man in a white tuxedo walked in.
The young man possessed handsome features, a slender build, and an extraordinary aura. He was the type of man who would instantly become the center of attention for women wherever he went.
In other words, even if he were not of the Huangfu family lineage and was an ordinary person, he could live very well in this world relying on his looks alone.
He was Huangfu Yingjun, Huangfu Weixia's brother and one of the most core members of the younger generation of the Huangfu family. He was a strong contender for the future successor of the Chu family and was hailed as one of the leading figures of the younger generation in Long Country's business world!
"Excuse me, Weiyang, for interrupting."
Huangfu Yingjun entered the room and first offered Chu Weiyang an apologetic smile.
When he spoke, his gaze was gentle, seemingly non-aggressive, yet it subtly permeated Chu Weiyang's heart like spring rain.
"It's alright, Brother Yingjun. You all talk."
Chu Weiyang smiled purely and was about to get up.
"Weiyang, you don't need to get up; I only have a few words to say."
Seeing this, Huangfu Yingjun took a step forward and naturally took Chu Weiyang's delicate arm.
"Oh... alright, Brother Yingjun."
Huangfu Yingjun's action made Chu Weiyang startled like a fawn. She somewhat flusteredly withdrew her arm, and her body instantly tensed up.
"Brother, just talk, don't take advantage of Weiyang."
Huangfu Weixia couldn't stand it.
She knew that her brother had been interested in Chu Weiyang since they were children.
This interest had grown with age.
"Weixia, what nonsense are you talking about?"
Huangfu Yingjun subtly let go of Chu Weiyang and chided Huangfu Weixia with a frown. Then he said, "I heard that you invited that Jiang Wuming to your birthday banquet tonight?"
"Did Chu Feng tell you?"
Upon hearing this, Huangfu Weixia immediately realized something.
"You don't need to ask who told me. How could you do this?" Huangfu Yingjun questioned.
"It's my birthday banquet today. It's my freedom to invite whomever I want to my birthday banquet. Why can't I do this?" Huangfu Weixia frowned, somewhat displeased.
"You should know that Jiang Wuming crippled Wang Zhisheng's hand not long ago, and also killed Lin Zhiping from your school. He didn't even give Ye Rui and Uncle Wang Lin any face," Huangfu Yingjun stated, also frowning, and reprimanded, "Tonight, Uncle Wang Lin, Ye Rui, and Wang Zhisheng are all here. If Jiang Wuming appears, everyone will be reminded of what happened a few days ago, and Ye Rui and Wang Zhisheng will definitely lose face…"
"What does their losing face have to do with me? I didn't invite them, and they don't have to be here!"
Huangfu Weixia responded sternly, her displeasure growing more evident.
Because, for her, Jiang Wuming was the most important guest tonight!
Let alone Ye Rui and Wang Zhisheng, even all the guests downstairs combined were not as important as Jiang Wuming by a tenth!