At this moment, a young girl named Xiao Jing, dressed in a simple yet elegant gown, sat quietly in a corner holding a cup of coffee, her demeanor somewhat shy and timid, easily evoking a sense of pity in those who looked upon her.

Once it was confirmed that Wang Guan had no particular connection to the girl, Bei Ye started finding her much more agreeable.

“Anyone who can attend this banquet is certainly no ordinary person. Besides, there’s a guest list; we can just ask Young Master Su later to find out,” Hao Baolai chuckled. Young Master Su referred to Su Wenyi, and as the host of the banquet, he would naturally know the background of every guest. Otherwise, he wouldn't feel secure inviting them to the birthday celebration.

“Actually, there’s no need to go to such trouble.”

Just then, Wang Guan paused in consideration, suddenly turning with a smile, “Bei Ye, could you do me a favor? Go and chat with that young lady, find out a bit about her background.”

“Me?” Bei Ye looked somewhat surprised and hesitant.

“Yes, I’d like to go myself, but I was worried you wouldn’t be comfortable with it,” Wang Guan said with a light laugh.

“Nonsense, I’m not uncomfortable at all…” Bei Ye rolled her bright eyes, yet she gracefully stepped toward the young girl.

Only then did Wang Guan explain to Uncle De, “Uncle De, I think many things should be approached directly. Perhaps getting straight to the point solves the issue immediately; beating around the bush only leads to confusion.”

“That makes sense.” Gao Dequan nodded gently, though he still held some concern, “But that young lady isn't simple either. I fear Bei Ye might fail to uncover her details and instead reveal our own intentions.”

“It’s fine.” Wang Guan was confident. “Uncle De, you mustn't underestimate Bei Ye. Working at the trading company these last two or three years, she’s dealt with all sorts of people. She knows what can be said and what must be kept confidential.”

“Furthermore, even if the girl finds out, so what? If she wants to buy my Heiding tea caddy, then it is only right and proper that I investigate her background.”

As they spoke, the young girl glanced over. Wang Guan lightly raised his cup in acknowledgment. She indeed showed no unusual reaction, instead continuing her pleasant conversation with Bei Ye. What they were discussing was unclear, but they certainly seemed to be warming up to each other.

Not long after, the two of them walked over together.

Seeing this, Wang Guan was slightly taken aback, then smiled, “Miss Jing?”

“My name is Yao Jing.” The young girl was very demure, her voice clear and crisp. “Well, have you considered letting me have the item?”

The word ‘let’ confirmed that Yao Jing was indeed an expert in this field.

“I haven’t thought about that for now,” Wang Guan stated honestly. “I’m just very curious how someone your age has developed an interest in antiques and porcelain.”

“Isn’t the same true for you?” Yao Jing’s expression was calm, carrying a hint of natural innocence. “I know you…”

“Xiao Jing.”

Just then, a young man hurried over, appearing deeply concerned, and instantly positioned himself in front of Yao Jing. He then looked at Wang Guan and the others, his eyes filled with vigilance.

“So it’s you.”

Not only did the young man recognize Wang Guan, but Wang Guan also recognized him—the same man he saw shopping with Qiao Yu yesterday.

“Mr. Meng…”

A thought flashed through Wang Guan’s mind, and he smiled, “What a coincidence. I didn't expect to run into Mr. Meng here.”

“Meng Jian.”

The young man introduced himself, though his expression didn't show much surprise. He then added courteously, “The banquet is about to begin, so I apologize for not staying longer. Please forgive me.”

As he spoke, Meng Jian tugged lightly at Yao Jing, leading her away briskly. Watching them leave, Wang Guan vaguely sensed something unusual, particularly from Meng Jian, who seemed somewhat wary of him.

After a moment of thought, Wang Guan turned back and asked, “By the way, what did you find out?”

“Nothing.”

Bei Ye shook her head, frowning slightly. “She’s very guarded. She only told me her name and that she has returned from overseas.”

“Overseas?”

In that instant, Wang Guan felt he was grasping something, but it remained veiled, fuzzy, and indistinct—just beyond his comprehension.

“If you can’t figure it out, don’t dwell on it.”

At the same time, Gao Dequan called out, “Let’s go, it’s time to take our seats.”

Wang Guan quickly looked up and surveyed the scene. The guests gathered in the hall were being led by attendants to their seats in an orderly fashion. It seemed there were strict rules about which status of person should sit where.

Of course, Wang Guan didn't need to worry about these arrangements; the Su family would certainly have managed everything meticulously. While it might not satisfy everyone, it was unlikely to cause any disputes.

Thanks to Hao Baolai, or perhaps due to Gao Deben, Wang Guan and his party were seated quite close to the head table, separated by only one table. What was quite surprising, however, was that Elder Yan was also seated among them.

Setting aside Elder Yan’s status and prestige, given his age and relationship with Old Master Su, sitting at the head table was a sure thing that no one could object to. Therefore, seeing him seated here naturally caused surprise among the group.

Hao Baolai immediately smiled upon seeing this. “Elder Yan, why have you come over here to rest? Let me help you over…”

“Don’t bother,” Elder Yan said, leaning on his dragon-headed cane and smiling. “I’ll stay here. There’s nothing much to talk about up there with them. It’s more comfortable here, and I can chat with you all for a bit.”

Since Elder Yan was staying put, not even Su Wenyi himself could persuade him otherwise. He could only offer a helpless smile and find someone else to fill the vacant seat at the head table.

Of course, this was just a small interlude; everyone simply laughed it off and didn't give it much thought. Soon enough, all the guests were seated, and a group of beautiful waitresses began filing in carrying platters of various dishes…

It was rumored that for this birthday banquet, the Su family had booked the entire staff of a major hotel, even hiring master chefs from the Eight Great Cuisines of China and their assistants, who rehearsed for a full three days before launching the grand celebration today.

At this moment, everyone could see the waitresses weaving through the tables like fluttering butterflies, a dizzying sight, yet they moved without a single mistake. As for the dishes presented on the tables, needless to say, coming from the masters of the Eight Great Cuisines, every dish possessed perfection in color, aroma, taste, and presentation, its fragrance tantalizing and mouthwatering.

Then, bottles of fine spirits began to be uncorked—Wuliangye, Kweichow Moutai, Jiannanchun, Xinghuacun, Yanghe Daqu, and so on. There were also lower-proof wines like Huadiao yellow wine and grape wine, suitable for elderly and female guests.

In short, the aroma of various alcohols soon permeated the hall, their intoxicating scents intertwining. Even guests who weren't fond of drinking found themselves involuntarily swallowing, eager to sample the spirits.

As the waitresses poured the drinks, Elder Yan stated plainly, “I’m old now and can’t handle strong liquor. Pour me a cup of Huadiao.”

Wang Guan actually wanted to follow suit, but pride held him back. He could only watch helplessly as the beautiful waitress poured him a thimble-sized cup of the fifty-two-proof Daqu. If the cup hadn't been so small, he surely would have secretly dumped it out and asked for plain boiled water instead.

The pouring of drinks was the final preliminary step. After every guest received a cup of wine or a beverage, the waitresses retreated, signifying that the banquet was about to commence.

Just then, Old Master Su, supported by his granddaughter Su Yu, walked out with a ruddy complexion. He stepped up to the podium to personally deliver his speech, thanking everyone for coming.

Clap, clap, clap, clap…

Soon after, amidst enthusiastic applause, Old Master Su concluded his speech and sat down happily at the head table.

The very instant Old Master Su was seated, Hao Baolai sprang to his feet, raising his glass and laughing, “Old Master Su, allow me to toast you. May your fortune be as vast as the Eastern Sea and your life as enduring as the everlasting pine on the Southern Mountains!”

A plant, everyone inwardly thought, an absolute plant. Yet, the majority of people stood up anyway, raising their glasses to wish Old Master Su endless prosperity and longevity.

In reality, Hao Baolai wasn't a plant; he had simply preempted the role of the plant. After all, the customary flow of a birthday banquet required a toast of congratulation before the feasting officially began.

Setting aside the bitterness of the actual plants, Old Master Su, smiling broadly amidst the well-wishes, rose and spoke a few words of gratitude before draining the white liquor (or water?) in his cup. Then, Old Master Su signaled everyone to sit down and was the first to pick up his chopsticks, officially commencing the banquet.

Immediately, the hall buzzed with clinking glasses and lively conversation. Not only were there bursts of laughter and cheer, but celebratory music also drifted through the hall. Good wine, delicious food, coupled with pleasant music, naturally drove the atmosphere at the tables toward its peak.

Of course, the true climax—the main event of the birthday celebration—would arrive after three rounds of drinks and five tastes of food. Simply put, it was when everyone was sufficiently full, at least four-fifths, making it the perfect time to enjoy the spectacle.

At this juncture, someone—whether a professional plant or someone like Hao Baolai determined to steal the spotlight—stepped forward without hesitation to present a birthday gift to Old Master Su.

Truthfully, many at the tables cursed this behavior under their breath. After all, when guests arrived on the island and were met by the Su family representatives, they had already handed over their gifts. Only these attention-seeking individuals had saved their tribute until this moment, choosing to present it to Old Master Su in full view of everyone.

However, it could not be denied. Those who dared to present gifts in such a manner undoubtedly offered something extraordinary. If the item was mediocre, instead of stealing the show, they would likely become the target of ridicule.

Regardless, the first item presented was indeed quite precious: a Ruyi scepter carved from jade. It was at least fifty centimeters long, one end about the size of a palm, and the other shaped like a cattail fan. The jade was pure white, shimmering with a translucent luster under the lights, exuding an aura of exquisite luxury.

An item like this, even if the jade material wasn't the absolute top grade, would easily be worth several hundred thousand yuan.

Yet, the presenter seemed aware that while this item was valuable, it probably sat somewhere in the middle of the offerings—not the best, but certainly not the worst. Thus, he showed no air of triumph, merely presenting the gift with a smile, offering a felicitous wish that the Old Master’s desires would be fulfilled as he wished (ruyi), before gracefully stepping back.

Furthermore, when faced with such a precious gift, Old Master Su merely smiled faintly. He did not feign modesty by refusing it, but simply waved his hand slightly, and someone naturally stepped forward to receive it.

However, everyone present knew clearly in their hearts that this was merely the beginning… (To be continued)