Chapter 183: Chapter 175 The Wang Family’s Extravagance
As Qu Yongbo expressed this, the thoughts of the other Xia Family brothers became active. When Xia Xue returned last night, she agreed to get engaged at the Elder Xia’s birthday celebration today. However, listening to Xia Xue’s tone, the engagement was certain, but as to who she would get engaged to, that would be decided later. Could it be that Xia Xue and Qu Haobo are already together?
To say the least, compared to the Wang Family, the Qu Family is certainly one to two levels higher. The Wang Family, at best, is merely considered a local tycoon in Yanjing, while the Qu Family looks out over all of Huaxia, only that the Qu Family has no influence in Yanjing. Yanjing, however, is the Wang Family’s territory. As the saying goes, a strong dragon cannot suppress a local snake.
And Elder Xia also intended to ally with the Wang Family through marriage. Now that Qu Yongbo expressed such intentions, it’s unclear whether it’s good or bad for the Xia Family.
"That would really be Xia’s honor. Please, please!" Xia Yusheng naturally didn’t reveal any details. Tonight will be lively, that can be guaranteed. There’s some anticipation as to what kind of surprises that young man named Xiao Lin will bring to him.
"Brother Xia, you’re too modest!" Qu Yongbo said faintly as he walked, his face still showing that light smile.
As for the gifts from the Qu Family, they were personally handed to Xia Yusheng by Qu Haobo, who said, "Uncle Xia, here’s a small token of our appreciation. Please accept it!"
Xia Yusheng didn’t hesitate, smiled, nodded, and humbly said, "Secretary Qu, you really shouldn’t have. Your presence already brings supreme honor to our Xia Family, there’s no need to go to such expense!" Even though he said this, he still took the red envelope handed over by Qu Haobo and then had someone below take it directly to the gift registration area to account for it.
"Qu Yongbo, one million nine hundred ninety-nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine, wishing Elder Xia longevity!" After verifying the check inside the red envelope, the person at the gift registration area loudly announced.
This gift is the second-largest given tonight so far, and the difference far exceeded the third place. The Xia Family brothers felt quite overwhelmed, especially Xia Yusheng, who didn’t expect the Qu Family to be so generous and promptly said to Qu Yongbo, "Secretary Qu, this gift is too heavy, too heavy!"
"I was afraid Younger Brother Xia would find it insufficient!" Qu Yongbo joked, causing the Xia Family brothers to repeatedly say they wouldn’t dare.
As everyone was speaking, a motorcade suddenly appeared outside the villa entrance, with more than a dozen cars, looking quite impressive, causing guests who hadn’t entered yet to step aside. Those familiar with these cars were surprised, wasn’t this Wang Zhantian’s motorcade from the Wang Family?
Upon seeing the motorcade at the entrance, Xia Yusheng instructed the middle-aged man next to him, "Fourth Brother, first take Secretary Qu inside to speak with the Elder, I’ll go welcome the guests with Big Brother and Third Brother!" Then he apologized to Qu Yongbo, "Secretary Qu, sorry, I have to go out to greet guests, we’ll talk later!"
"Alright, Younger Brother Xia, you’re too polite!" Qu Yongbo also recognized it was the Wang Family motorcade, but his facial expression remained unchanged, still wearing that light smile. It’s unknown what he was thinking, but Qu Haobo gave a not-so-friendly glance at the motorcade.
A total of more than twenty people descended from the Wang Family motorcade, led by the current family leader Wang Zhantian and his wife. Beside Wang Zhantian and his wife were two people, one was Wang Zhanting, a flag-bearer figure for the Wang Family in Yanjing’s political scene, current Minister of Organization of Yanjing Municipal Committee, holding a deputy provincial-level position. After the reshuffle, he might assume the position that Qu Yongbo currently holds or possibly be transferred to the Ministry. However, it is certain that by this time next year, if Wang Zhanting hasn’t made any mistakes, he will undoubtedly be a full ministerial-level high-ranking official.
The other one was Wang Shumin, known as Fatty Wang in the business world. Fatty Wang’s business talent has been recognized over the years, only he is a bit overweight, looking somewhat wretched. Even so, with Fatty Wang’s family background and his talent, he has captivated many of Yanjing’s young ladies from prominent families. Fatty Wang has always been in love with Xia Xue from the Xia Family and is indifferent to other women.
By this display, it’s obvious the Wang Family came for Xia Xue, bringing many of their direct relatives. If it hadn’t been whispered from the Xia Family that Xia Xue and Fatty Wang would be engaged on Elder Xia’s eightieth birthday, it’s not that Wang Zhantian wouldn’t mobilize, but even Wang Zhanting might not attend such a banquet.
The Xia Family wasn’t particularly surprised by the Wang Family sending such a lineup to celebrate Elder Xia’s birthday. After all, rumors of Xia Xue’s engagement with Fatty Wang had already spread, and Fatty Wang is the leader of the third generation of the Wang Family. His business acumen in recent years is evident, leading the Wang Family, which had been in decline for over a decade, back into rapid development. It is highly likely that within five years they will economically surpass the third-ranked Sun Family.
The Wang Family sending such a lineup to celebrate Elder Xia’s birthday was certainly respectful, it was a statement to others that the Xia Family would henceforth be under the Wang Family’s protection. Anyone wishing to cause trouble for the Xia Family should consider who’s standing behind them.
"Brother Wang, Sister Wang, you’ve really gone out of your way, I truly feel unworthy, truly unworthy!" Xia Yusheng saw Wang Zhantian and his wife come personally, bringing along so many relatives and friends, almost all of Yanjing’s Wang Family top members were here. This was indeed giving face to the Xia Family. Moreover, Xia Yusheng’s attitude towards Wang Zhantian was far more enthusiastic than towards Qu Yongbo. Just by calling him Brother Wang instead of Secretary Qu, it was evident.
"Younger Brother Xia, there’s no need to be so formal. After all, family shouldn’t speak like outsiders. It’s Elder Xia’s birthday, and we juniors are obligated to come and celebrate with him." Wang Zhantian, tall and powerful, stood at almost 1.9 meters. Though lean, he exuded an unmistakable air of authority befitting the head of a household. In contrast, his son Fatty Wang bore little resemblance to his father; had Fatty Wang resembled him more, perhaps his relationship with Xia Xue wouldn’t be as it is now.
The Wang Family didn’t just come with many people; they also brought plenty of gifts — no less than twenty large boxes, each sealed with striking red labels, a symbol of the most traditional birthday greetings.
The Xia Family’s younger members hurried to organize the Wang family’s gifts for registration and placement. Fatty Wang stopped them, saying, "Brother Xia, this particular box isn’t part of Elder’s birthday presents. I’ll need it later!" Fatty Wang pointed to a crystal box encrusted with tiny diamonds.
"Is Young Master Wang planning to give it to my second sister?" Xia Family’s fourth sister asked with a hint of jealousy. "But, the top prize today might not go to Young Master Wang!"
Though the Wang Family brought many gifts, most were traditional birthday offerings. For ordinary families, it might be a lot, but for such wealthy families like the Wang Family and Xia Family, gifts worth a mere one to two hundred thousand aren’t significant.
"The top prize today isn’t going to me? Who could offer such lavish birthday presents?" Fatty Wang pondered as Xia Family’s fourth sister mentioned this; his heart sank. The Wang Family had spent generously, more than three million on gifts alone. Who could compare with the Wang Family’s gesture? Even if someone had the capability to give more, did they not realize today’s occasion was about an alliance between the Wang Family and Xia Family? In terms of gift amounts, the Wang Family surely aimed to take the lead.
"Fourth sister, watch your mouth!" At hearing Xia Family’s fourth sister speak, Xia Liang glared at her, then told Fatty Wang, "Young Master Wang, don’t mind her nonsense; these gifts are more than valuable enough. She’s just an ignorant child." Xia Liang felt a little uneasy himself, as Xiao Lin had given such a huge gift and hadn’t had the chance to speak with Uncle, unsure of Xiao Lin’s background.
"Brother Xia, don’t deceive me. I genuinely want to know who might surpass us in gift-giving? Qu Haobo?" Fatty Wang asked Xi Liang, but his eyes were on Xia Family’s fourth sister.
After Xia Liang’s scolding, Xia Family’s fourth sister dared not speak again. However, feeling Fatty Wang’s gaze upon her, she fumbled nervously, "Young Master Wang... I... I was just babbling. Please don’t mind me! But it’s not Qu Haobo!" Afraid to meet Fatty Wang’s eyes, she seemed to feel they could peer into her thoughts.
"If not Qu Haobo, then who? Someone from the Huaxia family? Since when have Huaxia and your Xia Family become so close? The Chen Family’s? Or perhaps the Sun Family’s?" Fatty Wang questioned persistently.
Xia Family’s fourth sister was nearly in tears, overwhelmed by Fatty Wang’s intense scrutiny. She looked to Xia Liang for help, who sighed quietly, about to speak as Wang Zhantian called Fatty Wang over, "Ah Min, come over. Let’s go in and offer birthday wishes to Elder Xia. We’ll leave everything else to the others."
Fatty Wang certainly wouldn’t ignore his father Wang Zhantian’s words; he glanced at Xia Family’s fourth sister, then turned to walk toward Wang Zhantian, pondering who could have claimed the top prize.
At this moment, the people at the gift table finished organizing presents and money, announcing, "Wang Family, Wang Zhantian, cash gift of 13,145,200 yuan! Presents: a pair of jade corals..."
Upon hearing the declaration of the Wang family’s gifts and cash, the reaction around was rather lukewarm. Earlier, someone unknown had offered over a hundred million in cash gifts, overshadowing the Wang family’s contributions, which were within expectations, without causing the earlier astonished reactions.
"Ah Min has certainly put thought into this!" Xia Yusheng remarked, hearing the cash amount, praising Fatty Wang’s efforts.
"This child has always had a deep affection for Xia Xue. Today, he finally fulfilled his dream!" Wang Zhantian said, smiling.
The villa’s hall wasn’t too large; only VIPs could enter. Though the Wang Family brought many people, most were there to help transport gifts and demonstrate the family’s sincerity. Those who could enter the hall with Xia Yusheng were Wang Zhantian, his spouse, Wang Zhanting, and Fatty Wang; the others stayed outside.
There weren’t many people in the hall, about twenty, scattered around Elder Xia. Naturally, the one speaking with Elder Xia was Qu Yongbo. The Wang family of four entered and were quite surprised to find Qu Yongbo present.
"With so many esteemed guests here, shouldn’t Xia Xue be called down to meet them?" Elder Xia remarked upon observing the Wang Family’s arrival, addressing Xia Yusheng. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian () to cast your recommendation and monthly votes; your support is my greatest motivation.)
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