219: Chapter 217: Competing in Glamor 219: Chapter 217: Competing in Glamor Struggling with the heavens, the earth, and people—there’s endless joy in it.
Encountering a rival is also like finding a confidant.
As the saying goes, ‘Great talents are loneliest,’ to meet one’s match is actually just like encountering a bosom friend.
Of course, Tangyu doesn’t regard Zhou Tao as a rival; he is far from qualified.
At most, he is just a minor diversion when bored.
Naturally, Tangyu knew when Zhou Tao and his companions came over, they surely didn’t have good intentions, but he was also happy to play along with them.
After all, he didn’t know anyone else here, and just eating in silence would be dreadfully dull.
Besides, when provocation comes knocking, there’s no reason for Tangyu to show weakness.
“Brother Shuang, Brother Tao, you guys are here too.” A voice came over, and a figure approached the table with a face full of ingratiating flattery.
As he arrived at the table and saw Tangyu sitting there, his face suddenly changed, becoming rather intriguing.
Tangyu looked over and saw that the newcomer was Chu Fei.
Chu Fei had intended to sit at this table, but seeing Tangyu, he was also taken aback.
Although his heart harbored more resentment toward Tangyu, seeing him in person right now, he felt somewhat intimidated.
Thinking of Tangyu’s tactics made him feel a chill in his heart.
Because of the last incident, he had been severely scolded and even hit by his father.
His family’s company had also suffered significant impact and heavy losses.
So his hatred for Tangyu was intense, like he was grinding his teeth in anger.
Of course, this hatred could only be buried deep in his heart, daring to be revealed only when alone.
There was not a single time he didn’t fantasize about how to thoroughly defeat Tangyu.
Seeing Chu Fei’s expression, Luo Shuang immediately thought that it seemed he also had some issues with Tangyu.
A flurry of thoughts went through his mind.
Chu Fei’s face alternated colors before saying, “Brother Shuang, Brother Tao, I’ll go sit over there.” After that, Chu Fei slinked away.
Zhou Tao’s eyes also flashed an unusual light as he watched Tangyu, wanting to know how Tangyu managed to intimidate Chu Fei to this extent.
Although Chu Fei was a nonentity, his Chu Family wasn’t so weak that anyone could bully them like this.
As for the stares from Zhou Tao and his two companions, Tangyu didn’t pay them any heed.
With these three overhead, Liu Shanshan was clearly very restrained, sitting in silence and even lowered her head to take out her phone and play boringly.
“Oh, Brother Tangyu.” Suddenly, a voice filled with a bit of surprise came through.
Hearing this voice, Tangyu slightly raised his eyes and turned to look, only to see a familiar figure striding over.
It was Yang Xiaoyu, the grandchild of the old man he had saved that day at the Haidong Aquatic Pavilion.
Yang Xiaoyu quickly came up to Tangyu, his face showing a few traces of excited glee, “Brother Tangyu, it really is you.
I thought I had mistaken someone else, it’s so great to encounter you here.
I’ve been quite busy recently, I intended to find you much earlier.”
Yang Xiaoyu was exceptionally excited, as if he were reuniting with a brother after many years apart.
“Hmm, Yang Family’s Third Young Master, Yang Xiaoyu!” Zhou Tao also furrowed his eyebrows, fixing his gaze on Yang Xiaoyu, and his expression darkened.
“Hehe, you’re here too, quite the coincidence.” Tangyu smiled and said.
He had a good impression of Yang Xiaoyu, who felt to him like a genial younger brother.
Though they had only met once, a good impression isn’t necessarily correlated with the number of meetups.
This was probably what they mean by ‘an instant connection at first sight.’
“Hehe, yeah, I’m representing my father.
He’s somewhat acquainted with the president of Longhai Technology, so he sent me to deliver a gift.
I originally planned to leave right after delivering the gift, but I didn’t expect to see you, Brother Tangyu.
Your table isn’t full yet, right?
I’ll sit here too,” Yang Xiaoyu said.
“Sure, sit over here,” Tangyu nodded and replied.
Yang Xiaoyu immediately sat next to Tangyu and took a moment to glance at Liu Shanshan sitting beside Tangyu, smiling again.
Then he raised his eyes to meet Zhou Tao sitting opposite him: “Oh, aren’t you that—Zhou Tao, right?”
“Yeah, it seems the esteemed Young Master Yang has a short memory,” Zhou Tao said with a light smile.
“Hehe no, we’ve met a few times; I remember you.
Sorry, I was so caught up talking with my Brother Tangyu just now that I really didn’t notice you.
I thought I wouldn’t meet anyone I knew here, but it turns out there are a few after all.
Are you and my Brother Tangyu acquainted?” Yang Xiaoyu said with a smile.
Zhou Tao couldn’t help but sneer coldly, his lips curling slightly.
He wondered how Yang Xiaoyu, the Third Young Master of the Yang Family, ended up being so close to Tangyu, even calling him ‘brother’ so affectionately?
Could it be that Tangyu has some connection with the Yang Family?
If that was the case, he would have to carefully strategize if he wanted to deal with Tangyu and not act recklessly.
If he inadvertently got Yang Xiaoyu involved, handling the situation would become complicated.
“Yes, of course we know each other,” Zhou Tao replied.
“Hehe, that’s really too much of a coincidence; let’s have a good few drinks later,” Yang Xiaoyu said.
Hearing the proposal of drinking, Zhou Tao smiled and replied, “Alright, for such a good occasion, of course we should enjoy a few drinks.” Zhou Tao gave Du Xiaowen and Luo Shuang a knowing look.
Tangyu smiled lightly, Yang Xiaoyu was too straightforward, not noticing the hostility Zhou Tao had for him.
“Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen, may I have a bit of your time?” A sonorous voice suddenly came from the speakers.
The previously bustling hall immediately quieted down, and eyes turned toward a stage set up in the middle of the hall.
Tangyu also looked over.
The birthday celebration of a rich family’s daughter indeed puts on quite a show, setting up a big stage that suggested a lineup of performances was planned.
At that moment, an emcee was standing up there, enthusiastically engaging with the audience.
As for all this, Tangyu wasn’t really in the mood to enjoy it.
“This seems to be a famous host from Donglin City’s radio station; they even invited him over,” Liu Shanshan suddenly said.
Tangyu responded with a smile and a shake of her head, “The world of the rich is just different.”
“Yeah, a rich person’s birthday party costs millions, sometimes even tens of millions.
This one birthday could probably support many families for a whole year,” Liu Shanshan nodded in agreement.
The host delivered some splendid opening remarks, which were truly captivating.
Accompanied by his sonorous voice and a symphony, a middle-aged man in his fifties slowly made his entrance, arm-in-arm with a young woman.
Without a doubt, this man had to be the CEO of Longhai Technology, and the woman at his side was his daughter and today’s star.
Dressed in a snow-white princess evening gown, Zhu Yanfang definitely looked noble and luxurious, dazzling the entire room and inciting widespread envy.
The sweet, happy smile on her face made many onlookers stare in a daze.
Tangyu took a moment to size her up and felt that while she was pretty, she wasn’t exceptionally outstanding—at least not when compared to Liu Shanshan.
However, her elegant and luxurious attire significantly boosted her appearance.
Just her evening gown alone was probably worth millions, not to mention the magnificent diamond necklace gracing her neck—a truly priceless piece.
Zhu Yanfang’s entire ensemble could very well be worth an eight-figure sum.
With so much money spent, it would be surprising if she didn’t look glamorous and radiant.
Following this were several ceremonial activities, which Tangyu found so dull that he turned his head away, no longer interested.
Yang Xiaoyu only glanced at the proceedings before losing interest, curling his lip, “It’s just an 18th birthday celebration, and they’re treating it like a grand coronation.
Such a show-off.
No matter how lavish the dress, it’s just gilded on the surface.”
Tangyu smiled and gave Yang Xiaoyu a look, noting that his standards seemed quite high.
After some time, the main course was served; there were only six people at the table.
“Young Master Yang, you seem to be having a great time today, why don’t you keep Tangyu company and drink a few more rounds later?” Zhou Tao suggested.
Yang Xiaoyu, naive to any ulterior motives, replied with a laugh, “Of course, I should!
Today, with this occasion, let’s enjoy a few drinks with big brother Tangyu.”
“Alright,” Tangyu did not refuse.
Zhou Tao chuckled to himself, thinking today four of them would drink to one’s fill; he couldn’t believe they wouldn’t get Tangyu completely drunk.
First, they’d get him wasted, then see what would happen.
Yang Xiaoyu was indeed quite enthusiastic, promptly opening two bottles of clear liquor.
He handed one to Tangyu and kept one for himself, then filled Tangyu’s glass.
“Zhou, you should drink as well.
Later we can all have a few rounds together,” Yang Xiaoyu said.
“We’ll drink, of course.
It’s my first time drinking with Young Master Yang, and I intend to keep up with you to the fullest.
Today, let’s not go home until we’re drunk, shall we?” Zhou Tao proposed.
Yang Xiaoyu was about to agree, but then he seemed to remember something and immediately shook his head, saying, “I can’t get too drunk; a reasonable amount of fun is enough.
If I truly get drunk and go home, I’m afraid my grandfather would scold me.
I can’t really hold my liquor; at most, I can handle two bottles.
Today I’m in a good mood, so let’s stick to two bottles, but really, no more than that, Zhou, I hope you understand.
We’ve got two other brothers here; we can all drink together and have fun without necessarily getting drunk.”
“Eh, Young Master Yang, I have to disagree with you there.
Only by not stopping till we’re drunk can we truly enjoy ourselves.
Today is a rare opportunity, we’re celebrating after all.
People ought to drink more when they’re cheerful,” Zhou Tao argued.
Seeing Zhou Tao provoke Yang Xiaoyu, Tangyu knew that Yang Xiaoyu wasn’t one for schemes, and probably would end up drunk if goaded.
Tangyu smiled faintly and said, “Why are you so excited, Zhou?
If we enjoy the drink, that’s what counts, there’s no need to get drunk.
If you really feel that way, I can drink a few more rounds with you, Zhou.
I don’t have anything important when I go back today.”
“Heh, that would be fantastic, Tangyu.
I think I’m just craving a good drink today; please bear with me,” Zhou Tao replied with a smile.
The dishes continued to arrive, each one a delectable delight.
“Shanshan, here’s some beverages.
Have a drink,” Tangyu said.
Liu Shanshan nodded, and Tangyu considerately opened a beverage and poured a glass for Liu Shanshan.
Noticing Tangyu’s thoughtful gesture, Yang Xiaoyu grinned slyly, nudging Tangyu and giving him a knowing look that seemed to ask: Is she your girlfriend, big brother Tangyu?
Tangyu didn’t want to explain right there and then, and since he didn’t say anything, Yang Xiaoyu didn’t press further.
As the banquet began, the atmosphere at the venue sprang back to life.
The stage featured dancers and singers to liven up the mood.
Not only were famous radio hosts in attendance but also several celebrities, including a top-tier star, making the birthday party incredibly illustrious.
Though not only second and third-tier but even a top-tier celebrity was present, Tangyu and his companions sat quietly in a corner, watching the spectacle unfold before them.