With Cao Xueyong having made all the arrangements, Han Lang finally breathed a sigh of relief.
However, Tang Haoran was not one to stay quiet. He leaned closer to Old Master Cao’s ear and said,
“Old Cao, with such a meticulous and thoughtful granddaughter, you must be waking up with a smile every night, dreaming sweet dreams, right?”
Speaking of Cao Xueyong, Old Master Cao beamed with pride. He chuckled and replied,
“Of course! My girl is much more obedient than your daughter, wouldn’t you say?”
Tang Haoran looked exasperated. “Mine is a complete tomboy! She’s never home, always off playing with swords and spears. It’s enough to make an old father worry himself into gray hairs! But speaking of which, Old Cao, does your granddaughter have a boyfriend yet?”
Old Master Cao’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “What? Are you thinking of arranging a marriage?”
Hearing that the Tang family might be seeking a marital alliance with the Cao family, Han Lang couldn’t contain his gossip. While pouring wine for everyone, he chimed in,
“That would be wonderful! But Brother Tang, with Miss Tao’s beauty, you’ll have to select the most outstanding young talents from your Tang family for her to choose from! Otherwise, I suspect Old Brother Cao won’t agree, haha…”
Tang Haoran glanced at Han Lang, not directly responding, but instead turned to chide Old Master Cao.
“Old Cao! Looking at Brother Han’s old-fashioned demeanor, have you been corrupting him?”
At this, Old Master Cao became displeased. “What’s corrupt about it? In my eyes, he’s much more outstanding than those young talents from your Tang family!”
He then turned back to Han Lang and said, “Brother Han, if you’re willing, I won’t consider the Tang family anymore. Wouldn’t it be even better to have a marriage within the family?”
Tang Haoran not only didn’t mind Old Master Cao’s disparaging remarks about the Tang family’s young talents but quickly chimed in, “Exactly! If you’re still not satisfied, my tomboy daughter is also quite attractive. You can consider her as well!”
Han Lang was stunned.
How did the conversation turn to him?
Fortunately, Liu Xiangdong intervened and saved him.
“Hey, hey, what are you two talking about! Although the young sir is excellent, our country’s laws do not permit polygamy. Even if you want to find a good son-in-law, you can’t disregard the law!”
Tang Haoran, however, seemed unconcerned. “Look, look! He’s using that bureaucratic mentality to pressure us again. Old Cao, don’t you think he deserves a punishment?”
“Holding a private gathering and acting official, he definitely deserves punishment! Pour him some wine quickly!”
Their banter once again sent everyone into fits of laughter.
The atmosphere became even more jovial.
As they chatted, the chef from Lehao Grand Hotel arrived with various ingredients, along with some dishes already prepared at the hotel.
With wine and food, the room soon echoed with the clinking of glasses.
After a couple of glasses of aged wine, everyone’s faces were flushed, and they spoke with great animation.
Just as the atmosphere reached another peak, Han Zhongyi and his wife returned home, weary from their journey.
“Dad, Mom, you’re back!”
Han Lang quickly stepped forward to greet them.
However, Han Zhongyi and his wife were completely bewildered, asking with confusion,
“Lang’er, who are these…”
Han Lang then realized and hurriedly introduced them.
“This is Mr. Zhang Jianguo, President of Le City Construction Group!”
“This is Mr. Liu Xiangdong, Secretary of the Le City Party Committee!”
“This is Elder Sun Liansheng, Chairman of the Le City Traditional Chinese Medicine Association!”
“This is Tang Haoran, head of the Tang family, one of the four major families in Le City!”
“This is Old Master Cao of the Cao family, also one of the four major families in Le City!”
…
“Boom! Boom! Boom!…”
The thunderous names that entered Han Zhongyi’s and his wife’s ears left their minds blank with shock. Their expressions even shifted from initial surprise to utter astonishment!
These were all prominent figures in Le City!
They were people they had never dared to even think about interacting with on a daily basis!
Even being able to connect with one of them would have been a tremendous opportunity for the Han family.
Let alone having them all gathered together as honored guests of the Han family.
Han Zhongyi looked at Han Lang with disbelief, stammering,
“Lang’er, are… are they all your friends?”
“Yes! Not only that, but Old Brother Cao and Brother Tang are also my sworn brothers!”
Han Lang said this with pride. However, to his surprise, Han Zhongyi, after his initial shock, sternly admonished him.
“Lang’er! How can you be so disrespectful? Old Master Cao and Patriarch Tang have extraordinary status and are elders. How dare you consider them brothers?”
“This…”
Han Lang didn’t know how to explain to Han Zhongyi.
If he told him directly that the two of them insisted on being his brothers, Han Zhongyi would likely give him a rap on the head!
“Oh, Old Han…”
Tang Haoran couldn’t stand this timid demeanor and was about to call out “Brother Han,” but as he opened his mouth, he felt something was amiss.
Han Zhongyi was, after all, Han Lang’s father. Calling him “Brother Han” would be somewhat awkward.
So he quickly corrected himself.
“Well, my dear brother! Don’t be so rigid in your thinking! I am willing to call each other brothers, and there’s nothing inappropriate about it!”
Old Master Cao also added, “Yes, Old Han! Titles are just labels. Whatever feels more intimate is fine. You’ve lived most of your life; your thinking should be more open!”
Facing their admonishments, Han Zhongyi quickly replied with a smile, “Yes, yes, you two are right to teach me. My thinking is indeed too rigid.”
He then turned to Han Lang and said, “Lang’er, since Old Master Cao and Patriarch Tang think highly of you, I won’t dwell on this matter. However, you must always maintain the proper respect in your heart!”
“Yes, Dad! I understand!”
Seeing that Han Zhongyi was no longer fixated on the issue, Tang Haoran enthusiastically invited him again.
“Alright, alright! We’re having a great time drinking here! If you need to lecture your son, do it tomorrow. Come over and have a few drinks with us first!”
With Tang Haoran leading the way, others also pulled and pushed the somewhat reluctant Han Zhongyi to the table.
Zhang Jianguo poured him a drink and said,
“Brother Han, you don’t need to be polite with us! Don’t let their status and prestige fool you; none of them are serious when it comes to doing things!”
Han Zhongyi, receiving the wine with both hands, flattered and repeatedly agreed with a smile.
Han Lang being able to befriend these people already made him overjoyed.
“Ah, ah, Han understands! No need for politeness, everyone! Han will drink a penalty cup!”
With that, he downed the wine in his cup.
Then, he quickly picked up the wine bottle and respectfully poured wine for everyone in turn.
The atmosphere slowly returned to its previous joviality.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Su Su quickly pulled Luo Jiaying aside and asked excitedly,
“Xiao Ying, when did Lang’er become acquainted with so many influential people?”
Luo Jiaying awkwardly scratched her head and replied with difficulty, “Uh, I’m not sure either. Perhaps… they are all patients of the Celestial Physician Pavilion?”
“But you’ve been staying at the Celestial Physician Pavilion too. You don’t know?”
Seeing Su Su’s endless questioning, Han Kang couldn’t stand it anymore.
“Alright, Mom! Stop pestering Xiao Ying! When you have time tomorrow, why don’t you just ask Brother directly? If you have this much energy now, why not prepare some hangover tea for the guests?”
Su Su suddenly realized.
“Yes, yes, yes! They’ve come all this way, we can’t neglect them. I’ll go prepare it now!”
With that, she turned and left.
Seeing this, Luo Jiaying quickly followed, “Auntie Su, shall I help you?”
“Xiao Ying is so sensible!”
…
As the two left, only Han Kang and Cao Xueyong remained in the main hall.
“Oh dear, this day has exhausted me! I’m telling you, Han Kang, I never imagined that I, the President of Mond Group, would one day be reduced to a mere waitress at a banquet!”
Cao Xueyong said as she slumped onto the sofa, rubbing her lower back.
Han Kang chuckled. “What can be done? Who told you your grandfather and the biggest big shots in Le City are sitting inside? Is your back okay? I know some Chinese therapeutic massage. Do you need me to give you a massage?”
Cao Xueyong looked shocked. “You know Chinese therapeutic massage? Did you learn it from Han Lang?”
“No! I taught myself when I was bored. It has nothing to do with my brother!”
Cao Xueyong smiled charmingly. “Alright! Then I’ll let you have your way today. I really feel like my back can’t take it anymore!”
Saying that, she lay down.
Han Kang walked over with a speechless expression, gently massaging her while replying with dissatisfaction.
“The way you say that, it’s as if I’m taking great advantage of you. You need to realize that you’re enjoying it, while I’m the one working hard!”
Cao Xueyong chuckled. “How am I not giving you an advantage? The people who want to touch me are lined up all the way to Germany. Stop pretending to be a victim when you’re the one benefiting!”
Han Kang’s face darkened.
“Alright, alright, you’re a precious gem. If I touch you, I’ll gain immortality, okay! Honestly…”
…