The Rong Family's car was parked by the roadside.
Rong Ruoyao, dressed in an elegant floral dress, looked exceptionally refined as she approached the banquet hall entrance. Her sharp eyes caught sight of a solitary girl walking ahead.
She froze for a moment.
Wasn’t that Rong Yu?
The Tang Family had sent out invitations far and wide, but each invitation allowed a maximum of only two guests. Thus, her mother had instructed her father to bring her along to broaden her horizons.
What was Rong Yu doing here?
“It really is your sister,” Rong Wangtian frowned. “This isn’t the kind of place she should be.”
He strode forward, catching up to Rong Yu in a few steps and grabbing her shoulder.
Rong Yu had grown up in an era of turmoil—domestic unrest and overseas Chinese facing oppression, with frequent covert attacks. She had secretly trained herself in martial arts, though not to an exceptional level, it was enough for self-defense.
In an instant, she twisted her body, seizing the wrist of the person behind her. Just as she was about to flip them over her shoulder, she recognized the face and released her grip, her brows furrowing involuntarily.
Rong Wangtian was stunned.
This daughter of his was far stronger than he’d expected.
Truly, a child raised in the countryside had nothing but brute strength.
“There’s a grand banquet here tonight. No one enters without an invitation,” Rong Wangtian said, suppressing his temper. “Instead of focusing on your studies, what are you doing sneaking around here?”
Rong Yu frowned. “If you can come, why can’t I?”
“How is that the same?” Rong Wangtian’s anger flared, but remembering the high-profile guests milling about, he lowered his voice. “Ruoyao scored first in the monthly exams and is guaranteed a spot in a top-tier university. She’s here to relax after her hard work. But you? You’re ranked last in your class—utterly disgraceful. All you do is embarrass the Rong Family. Leave now before anyone notices, or I’ll have to discipline you in public!”
“That’s right, Sister,” Rong Ruoyao chimed in. “Many of the Rong Family’s business partners will be here tonight. If they see the eldest daughter of the Rong Family being thrown out by the Tang Family, Father will lose face. Can’t you think about him for once?”
What she really feared was Rong Yu sticking close to their father inside the banquet. If he introduced her as his other daughter, everyone would know they were sisters.
Even though Rong Yu was gaining popularity now, Rong Ruoyao had no intention of being associated with her.
Rong Wangtian’s expression darkened. “Ruoyao is more sensible than you. When will you ever stop making me worry?”
“Then stop worrying,” Rong Yu smirked. “Don’t worry, I won’t disgrace the great CEO Rong.”
“You—” Rong Wangtian caught the mockery in her tone and took a deep breath. “I don’t expect you to be outstanding. Just don’t cause trouble at such an important event, alright?”
The Tang Family’s invitations were typically beyond the reach of families like the Rongs.
The only reason they’d received one was because of their recent collaboration with Hai Corporation. As a partner of Hai Corporation, the Tang Family had extended a courtesy invitation, allowing them entry to this exclusive gathering.
This banquet was an opportunity for Rong Wangtian to network with CEOs of major corporations—potential future partners.
If Rong Yu ruined this for him, he couldn’t imagine how furious he’d be…
He was about to grab her arm and drag her away when a butler-like figure strode out from the banquet hall.
“Which one of you is Miss Rong?” the butler inquired.
Rong Wangtian turned.
Wasn’t that the Tang Family’s butler?
Had he come to personally escort Ruoyao?
Was Ruoyao so outstanding that even the Tang Family knew of her?
“That would be me,” Rong Ruoyao said, lifting the hem of her dress as she stepped forward. “Is there something you need?”
The butler bowed slightly. “You are the eldest daughter of the Rong Family, Rong Yu, correct?”
Rong Ruoyao’s sweet smile instantly faltered. “R-Rong Yu?”
This butler was here for Rong Yu?
A nobody from the countryside, a high school repeater—why would the Tang Family’s butler personally come for her?
How was this possible?
Rong Wangtian was equally stunned.
He’d assumed Rong Yu was crashing the event.
But she was actually invited?
What was going on?
Rong Yu didn’t spare the father-daughter pair a glance as she walked up to the butler. “The old master sent you to fetch me, didn’t he?”
The butler immediately confirmed her identity and gestured respectfully. “Miss Rong, this way, please.”
Without even needing to present an invitation, she was escorted inside.
Rong Wangtian swallowed hard. “Ruoyao… how does your sister know the Tang Family’s butler?”
“I… I don’t know…”
Rong Ruoyao bit her lip.
Could it be that Ji Zhouye, the third-generation heir, had pulled strings for Rong Yu?
The two stood in shock for a long moment before composing themselves and presenting their invitation to enter.
The banquet hadn’t officially begun yet, and Tang Che hadn’t made his appearance. Rong Yu was led by the butler toward a private lounge on the balcony.
Inside the lounge sat three elderly men.
One was Ji Shunying, the patriarch of the Ji Family.
Another was Hai Dadun, the head of Hai Corporation.
The last was Sima Gang, the elder of the Sima Family.
The three had grown up together—childhood rivals, lifelong competitors, and even in old age, they still measured themselves against one another, none willing to admit defeat.
“Old Ji, I saw you in a scandalous tabloid just the other day,” Hai Dadun laughed heartily. “At your age, harassing young girls? Have you no shame?”
Sima Gang fanned the flames. “Quite the playboy, aren’t you?”
Ji Shunying rolled his eyes. “Do you two live under a rock? Didn’t you see the follow-up? Keep spreading rumors, and I’ll have you both arrested.”
The other two were just teasing him, and once the topic ran its course, they moved on.
Hai Dadun asked, “Haven’t seen you around lately. What big project are you investing in? Share the details—let us give you some advice.”
Ji Shunying immediately perked up. “Let me introduce you to someone—”
Sima Gang raised a hand. “Hold on—what does ‘introduce’ mean?”
“What kind of fossil are you? You don’t even know what ‘introduce’ means?” Ji Shunying scoffed, pulling out his phone and showing them a photo. “You’ve seen Ji's Entertainment’s talent show, right? This contestant, Rong Yu, is exceptional. Her performances light up the stage—she’s one of a kind. A fan favorite, guaranteed not to disappoint.”
Hai Dadun: “…”
Sima Gang: “…”
Had this old man lost his mind? Spouting internet slang they couldn’t even understand.
“Wrinkled old man like you, chasing after celebrities? Ridiculous.” Hai Dadun smirked. “These so-called stars are all manufactured—one face on TV, another in private. Don’t go wasting your pension on some young idol.”
Sima Gang nodded. “Old Ji, you’ve never been the sharpest tool in the shed. Listen to your elders—”
“Who isn’t sharp?”
The door opened, and Rong Yu walked in.
Ji Shunying immediately put on a pitiful expression, as if to say: Mom, look, these two keep bullying me.
Rong Yu studied the two men.
Hai Dadun, who had been scrawny as a child, was now a plump old man.
Sima Gang, who had always been short—well, he still was…
