The Tang family banquet hall was filled with the elite and wealthy.
Rong Wangtian casually walked around the venue and had already exchanged over a dozen business cards, a fruitful endeavor.
Rong Ruoyao stayed obediently by his side, her sweet and well-mannered demeanor earning her praise from many of the distinguished ladies present.
She scanned the banquet hall again and again but couldn’t spot Rong Yu anywhere.
Her mind raced with questions—where was Rong Yu right now? Who was she with? And what new connections had she made?
"Yaoyao, Old Master Hai has arrived," Rong Wangtian said, picking up a glass of champagne. "Our Rong Corporation has risen to new heights thanks to Hai Corporation. Come with me to greet him."
Hai Corporation was one of the four great families of Haicheng, a prestigious and illustrious dynasty far beyond Rong Ruoyao’s reach.
If she could earn Old Master Hai’s favor, she might finally secure her place among the elite socialites.
With a practiced, sweet smile, she followed Rong Wangtian as they approached.
"Chairman Hai!" Rong Wangtian greeted warmly. "I didn’t see you all evening and thought you hadn’t arrived."
Old Master Ji glanced at Rong Wangtian.
So this was the man—the biological father of his mother.
What a disgrace of a father.
With a cold snort, he walked away.
Rong Wangtian was baffled.
He recognized Old Master Ji—they had crossed paths at a previous gathering—but they had never spoken.
Had he somehow offended him?
Was it because he had greeted Old Master Hai first and neglected Old Master Ji?
"That’s just how he is," Old Master Hai said mildly. "We were just discussing how fortunate you are to have such an accomplished daughter, unlike my own disappointing grandson."
Rong Ruoyao’s heart leaped with delight.
A man of Old Master Hai’s stature had actually spoken about her in private?
"This is my daughter, Yaoyao," Rong Wangtian introduced. "She’s been well-behaved and dutiful since childhood. It’s an honor for her to receive your praise."
Old Master Hai studied Rong Ruoyao, then frowned. "Don’t you have another daughter named Rong Yu?"
Rong Wangtian’s smile froze.
How did Old Master Hai know Rong Yu’s name?
Ah, right—she had attended tonight’s banquet.
He recalled an incident over a month ago when he had brought Rong Yu to a high-profile event. In front of everyone, she had boldly addressed Old Master Ji by his full name, causing Ji Zhiyuan, the CEO of Ji Corporation, to storm off in anger.
Had Rong Yu managed to offend Old Master Hai this time as well?
That eldest daughter of his was nothing but trouble.
"Chairman Hai, Rong Yu is my eldest," Rong Wangtian began carefully. "Her mother and I divorced long ago, and she grew up in the countryside without proper upbringing. She lacks refinement and often embarrasses herself. If she has offended you in any way, please forgive her. I’ll discipline her properly when we return."
Old Master Hai’s words of praise for Rong Yu died in his throat.
A genius like her, dismissed by her own father as unrefined?
True, the girl had called him by his full name the first time they met—a breach of etiquette—but looking back, it somehow felt fitting.
Geniuses weren’t meant to be bound by rules.
Seeing Old Master Hai’s darkening expression, Rong Wangtian grew uneasy. "Next time—no, tomorrow—I’ll bring Rong Yu to personally apologize. You may reprimand her as you see fit—"
"Enough," Old Master Hai cut in coldly. "You’re far too harsh on your own flesh and blood."
He glanced at Old Master Ji, who responded with a disdainful roll of his eyes.
Suddenly, it clicked why the old man adored Rong Yu yet refused to collaborate with Rong Corporation.
Couldn’t he have given a hint?
His expression turned icy. "The first phase of our collaboration with Rong Corporation has revealed certain shortcomings. We’ll hold off on signing the second-phase contract for now."
Rong Wangtian stood rooted in shock.
He had only come to strengthen ties with Hai Corporation—how had things spiraled into losing the next contract?
What had he said wrong?
All he did was criticize Rong Yu.
Shouldn’t that have pleased Old Master Hai? Why this outcome?
"Chairman Hai," Rong Ruoyao interjected quickly, "could you specify where Rong Corporation fell short? My father will make the necessary improvements."
Old Master Hai gave her a dismissive look and walked away without another word.
Rong Ruoyao was mortified.
Hadn’t Old Master Hai praised her earlier? Weren’t their collaborations secured because of her excellence?
Why had he looked at her with such disinterest?
Rong Wangtian was in disarray. "Yaoyao, let’s try again—"
Rong Ruoyao pressed her lips together. "If Old Master Hai says there are flaws, then there must be."
"I personally oversaw every batch of parts in the factory. How could there be issues?" Rong Wangtian muttered. "There must be another reason..."
Rong Ruoyao sighed. "Rong Corporation has only worked with small and mid-sized enterprises before. A giant like Hai Corporation naturally has higher standards. It’s clear we lack the foundation to seize such opportunities."
As father and daughter left the banquet hall, their expressions were grim.
Just as they descended the steps, two figures hurried toward them—Hong Xia, the wife of Rong Yu’s cousin Yu Qingbai, and her father, Hong's Father.
After yesterday’s full-moon banquet, Hong's Father had been blacklisted by Manager Zheng.
Clearly, the severed business ties were due to Rong Corporation’s influence.
Desperate, he had scoured every connection and learned that Rong Wangtian would attend the Tang family’s banquet. He had waited outside for over two hours, finally catching them as they exited.
"Chairman Rong!"
Hong's Father rushed forward eagerly.
Rong Wangtian didn’t recognize him.
Hong Xia spoke up. "Rong Yu really should have invited you to our wedding when I married Yu Qingbai."
Rong Wangtian’s brow furrowed.
Yu Qingbai—Yu Shun’s son.
These were the Yu family members?
"What do you want?" he snapped.
Hong's Father pleaded, "Could you speak to Manager Zheng of Ji Corporation? Tell him Rong Yu is family to us Hongs. Please don’t cancel our contract..."
