As time passed, more and more people arrived at Jin Ding Mountain Villa.
Everyone who could enter Jin Ding Mountain Villa today was wealthy and held considerable influence in their respective regions.
Representatives from prominent families and factions in Jiangnan Province had also arrived!
The Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce, Wang Liang and others…
And the Qiao family from Lin City, Qiao Shanhe, along with his good friend, the influential figure in the Jiangnan military district, Zhu Rong!
This demonstrated that the Yang family’s influence in Jiangnan was extraordinary.
Tonight’s grand event was also extraordinary.
In a short while, a string of voices rang out.
"The Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce specifically presents a pair of jade Buddhas, wishing Master Yang longevity as boundless as the Eastern Sea and as enduring as the Southern Mountains!"
"Jiangnan Company presents a pair of jade Ruyis, wishing Master Yang that all his endeavors be as smooth as a Ruyi!"
"Chang Hai Industries presents a cash gift of eighty-eight million eight hundred and eighty thousand, wishing the Yang family continuous prosperity!"
...
"Lin City Bing Qing Cosmetics presents a string of prayer beads, wishing Master Yang many happy returns of the day!"
Prayer beads?
Others were giving gold, jade, or cash. What was with these prayer beads?
Soon, the crowd erupted.
"Bing Qing Cosmetics sending prayer beads, what does that mean?"
"Exactly, at such a birthday banquet, presenting this kind of thing, isn't it meant to be insulting?"
"Bing Qing Cosmetics, which Bing Qing Cosmetics!"
"I don't know!"
Discussions arose…
These voices also reached Chen Fan and Xia Bingqing.
Xia Bingqing felt a bit awkward, not expecting them to make a fuss about their gift again!
"Chen Fan, this…"
Chen Fan said, "No need to pay attention to these louts. What's the point of arguing with them!"
"But…"
Before she could finish, the sycophants of the Yang family couldn't contain themselves.
As the saying goes, the emperor is not anxious, but the eunuchs are!
"Bing Qing Cosmetics sending prayer beads, I think it's inappropriate!"
"It's too insulting!"
"That's right…"
"Where is the representative of Bing Qing Cosmetics!"
"Presenting prayer beads to the elder, are you deliberately trying to disgust us!"
Accusations flew…
Xia Bingqing prepared to step forward, but Chen Fan pulled her back, saying calmly, "In this situation, how can a woman like you step forward?"
"Shall I?"
Chen Fan's serious demeanor made Xia Bingqing fall for him again.
This guy, when he gets serious, he’s quite imposing!
Chen Fan stepped forward and said, "The gift we give is a token of our regard. As the saying goes, a thousand-mile gift is a feather; though the gift is light, the sentiment is heavy. Why should all you distinguished figures, so high and mighty, be so aggressive?"
The surrounding magnates had mixed feelings upon seeing Chen Fan.
Qiao Shanhe and Zhu Rong wore expressions of admiration.
Wang Liang and others looked as if they had eaten a dead mouse!
Elder Yang Er’s gaze held a hint of warmth. This young man, with such remarkable martial prowess at such a young age, was truly extraordinary!
Chen Fan didn't give the onlookers a chance to speak and addressed Master Yang directly, "Master Yang, you are a distinguished figure who has seen much of the world. Tell me, is it acceptable for me to present a string of prayer beads?"
Yang Si Tian’s face was calm as he replied, "Yes… why wouldn't it be? Gift-giving is entirely based on personal sentiment, there’s no need to magnify this matter!"
Chen Fan said, "Thank you!"
Yang Si Tian’s words directly rebuffed those below.
However, they dared not speak out in anger and all lowered their heads in shame.
Yang Si Tian, knowing Chen Fan was no ordinary person, became instantly interested and said, "I’d like to see how ordinary this string of prayer beads is!"
"Bring it up!"
The etiquette staff did not dare to delay, holding the plate with both hands and presenting it…
The people in the audience also revealed expressions of onlookers, with many naturally hoping that the exquisite box contained something worthless!