Before long, Xiao Xun's maternal uncle, Liu Wencheng, also arrived at the villa with his wife.
The first thing he saw was Xiao Xun, Liu Shijia, and his sister and brother-in-law sitting in a corner, but he didn't go over to say hello, acting as if they didn't exist. Only when he saw Liu Wenbin did he immediately put on a smiling face, fawning over him like a house steward.
As for Xiao Xun's family in the corner, he couldn't be bothered to acknowledge them.
"Little sister, when did you arrive? Why are you sitting here? I almost didn't see you."
After chatting with Liu Wenbin for a while, Uncle Liu Wencheng then walked over with a smile.
Auntie said indifferently, "Second brother's eyes are full of Big Brother, so how could he see us?"
Liu Wencheng chuckled awkwardly and didn't bother to defend himself. In his eyes, there was nothing worth explaining when facing a bunch of poor relatives.
He glanced at Xiao Xun and a hint of disdain flashed across his face. "Little Xiao, still holed up at home playing games?"
"Little Xiao, have you forgotten to greet your Uncle?" Auntie pinched Xiao Xun, who was spacing out, and whispered.
"Uncle."
Xiao Xun deliberately pretended to snap back to attention and called out indifferently.
Liu Wencheng said, "Young people should take care of themselves, but it's enough to be neat and not sloppy. Don't compare yourselves to others. You don't earn money, so why buy such expensive clothes?"
Xiao Xun looked bewildered, "Are the clothes I'm wearing very expensive?"
"Not very expensive, they are super expensive."
Liu Wencheng suddenly felt uncomfortable. His own attire was probably not even a fraction of theirs. The huge contrast made him feel a strong sense of jealousy.
Although they hadn't been in contact much over the years, he still knew roughly how they were doing.
Xiao Xun must have bought them with a credit card, deliberately coming to show off, and then planned to return them after the banquet. The tags must still be on.
The more he thought about it, the more he was convinced. His arrogant confidence gradually returned, and he frowned, "It's your eldest uncle's birthday. We're grateful just to be able to come. Why do you need to buy such luxurious items for a bit of face? Are you trying to show off in front of the family? We know your situation."
Xiao Xun was puzzled and also felt a bit displeased. He had never seen his uncle offer any help, only to nag.
Xiao Xun couldn't stand his nagging uncle any longer and frowned, "Uncle, did I offend you somewhere? How I dress doesn't seem to affect you, does it? You've been criticizing me for a long time."
Liu Shijia was about to say something for Xiao Xun, but was interrupted by a phone call.
Liu Wencheng proudly put on an air of seniority. "How can you be so impolite, child? I'm doing this for your own good, so you don't become a laughingstock. Everyone here is from prominent families. Even if we're poor, we should be poor with dignity."
Xiao Xun was speechless. Was his uncle saying this loudly on purpose to make them a laughingstock to outsiders?
Liu Wenbin walked over. "What's wrong? Why the shouting?"
Liu Wencheng said righteously, "Nothing, Big Brother. I was just teaching the younger generation that even if they have no money, they shouldn't overspend to save face."
Xiao Xun said, "It's not like that. It's because I'm attending Uncle's birthday. I know everyone here is either rich or influential, and I didn't want to embarrass Uncle, so I gritted my teeth and bought something expensive."
Liu Wenbin nodded. "Young people shouldn't be so wasteful. Wear clothes that match your circumstances. Don't spend all your hard-earned money for a moment of face. The banquet is about to start. Find your own seats."
Just as the banquet was about to begin, Liu Wenbin's son, Liu Shaoyu, entered with a young man, looking proud. "Dad, look who I've invited."
Liu Wenbin quickly went to greet him. Upon seeing the guest, he was overjoyed. "Young Master Chen, your presence at my banquet truly brightens my humble abode. Please, come in."
"It's actually Young Master Chen. I never expected Liu Wenbin's son to be acquainted with such a person. Remarkable." President Li and President Zhao, who had spoken earlier, whispered to each other.
"The Chen family is very famous in G City. The higher-ups have even given them special treatment. Just this network alone is beyond our reach. Liu Wenbin is truly formidable. We should get closer to him in the future."
"Exactly, exactly. The Chen family's assets will eventually belong to this Young Master Chen. Now that the Liu family has this connection, their future prospects might not be much worse than ours."
Although they spoke softly, their words could still be heard. Liu Wenbin felt his face gain honor, and his head instinctively lifted higher.
Xiao Xun followed their gaze and frowned. The supposedly promising Young Master Chen was actually Chen Xingsheng. It was indeed a narrow path for enemies.
No wonder he hadn't come looking for trouble after being beaten up.
However, Xiao Xun had no intention of causing trouble. As long as Chen Xingsheng didn't provoke him, he wouldn't go looking for him. Otherwise, no matter who his father was, he would beat him so badly that even his mother wouldn't recognize him.
The more people praised him, the more face Liu Shaoyu felt, and the more he wanted to please Chen Xingsheng.
He knew that Chen Xingsheng liked young girls the most, so he immediately went to his cousin Liu Shijia, who was on the phone.
Without a word, he pulled Liu Shijia up. "Cousin, let's go. I'll introduce you to Young Master Chen. If he takes a liking to you, your family will be blessed."
Liu Shijia pouted, hung up the phone, and flung Liu Shaoyu's hand away. "I don't want to meet any Young Master Chen."
"Why are you being so stubborn? If you can meet Young Master Chen, you won't have to work for the rest of your lives. You can buy mansions and luxury cars as you please. Your cousin is doing this for your own good."
Auntie's eyebrows furrowed, and she was about to speak.
Xiao Xun stood up and directly knocked Liu Shaoyu's hand away, frowning. "Cousin, is it appropriate for you to have her meet such unsavory people?"
Liu Shaoyu looked disdainful and sneered, "Xiao Xun, are you tired of living? How dare you call Young Master Chen unsavory? Believe it or not, with a single word from Young Master Chen, you won't be able to make a living in G City anymore. Besides, I'm doing this for your cousin's future. What are you interfering for?"
Auntie frowned. "Shaoyu, I think Xiao Xiao is right. We can't afford to associate with those wealthy families. There are so many women in the world, why must you use your cousin to try and please that young master?"
"Cousin, I... I didn't mean that."
What he thought would be easily accomplished turned into a snub, and he was embarrassed in front of everyone. Liu Shaoyu's expression turned ugly.
He dared not say anything harsh to his aunt, so he turned all his anger towards Xiao Xun, looking at him with disdain and sneering, "You're wearing a suit and think you're someone important. Someone like you will never be able to associate with any influential people in your life."
Xiao Xun said frankly, "The so-called connections, the so-called associations, are only possible when one's own strength is comparable to the other party, allowing for equal communication. Otherwise, you're just a dog to the rich."
Upon hearing this, Liu Shaoyu felt directly insulted as a lackey. His expression hardened, and he snorted, "If it weren't for the fact that you're my cousin, and it's my father's birthday today, I would have taught you a lesson!"
"If it weren't for Uncle's birthday today, I'd also like to teach you a lesson."
This cousin had always looked down on his family since he was young, and always acted arrogant whenever he saw him.
"What's wrong, Liu Shaoyu? Who are you talking to?" Chen Xingsheng also walked over leisurely.
However, the moment he arrived, he froze. "Do you know each other?"