"Fine, fine, you really see us as obstacles because of this woman. Now you're even starting to guard against us. Do as you wish." Hu Li's mother glared angrily at Hua Yan before drifting away.
Hu Er, who had just entered the room, asked, "Master, what now?"
"Return to your positions until the banquet is over. Find a few skilled people to protect Xiao Yan."
Hua Yan did not object to Hu Li's arrangements, knowing well that although she had some skills, she couldn't withstand the tactics of a formidable woman like Hu Li's mother. The piercing look in her eyes when she left showed how deeply she resented Hua Yan.
However, it seemed there was no clear right or wrong in all this. "Hu Li, are we still attending the banquet?"
"Yes, we still have many guests to entertain." Hu Li patted her head and smiled.
Hua Yan, Reid, and Hu Er then descended the stairs together. Hu Li stayed busy accompanying his mother, while Hua Yan and the others found a quiet corner to sit in, watching the mingling crowd like a play.
Many people tried to take the opportunity to probe Hua Yan, but she easily dismissed them with a few words, or Hu Er, with his icy demeanor, scared them away.
"These people really do exploit every opportunity," Reid joked while admiring the stunning figures of the women around.
Hu Er sneered at the women occasionally glancing their way and said, "Women who don't know their place."
"Hu Er, look at Reid enjoying himself. Why do you have such a bias against women? Were you hurt by a woman, losing all feeling for them?" Hua Yan teased as she ate the tangerine Hu Er had peeled for her.
Reid, who had been watching the beauties, suddenly interjected, "There are medical cases of this happening. Though there's no complete cure, one method works quite well."
"What method?" Hua Yan asked curiously.
"Going with the flow. When someone is emotionally hurt by the opposite sex, they might turn to the same sex. The best thing family and friends can do is offer their blessing. Even if their sexual orientation shifts, they can still be healthy in other aspects."
"What are you talking about? I'm not gay!" Hu Er hurriedly defended himself.
Reid and Hua Yan just stared at him, laughing silently. Flustered and red-faced, Hu Er stormed off to help Hu Li, leaving Hua Yan and Reid in fits of laughter.
Hu Li glanced over and saw the disgruntled Hu Er trailing behind him. He guessed Hua Yan and Reid must have teamed up to tease the usually stoic Hu Er, and this realization lightened his mood amidst the tiresome socializing.
Hu Li's mother, however, grew even more displeased with Hua Yan. She blamed Hua Yan for Hu Li's rebellious behavior, despite Hu Li helping her entertain guests, which offered her some solace and satisfaction.
Some prominent figures, initially hesitant about collaborating with the Hu family due to the apparent discord, saw Hu Li and his mother hosting guests together and were reassured. They respected the Hu family more for their professionalism, even in personal disagreements.
"I had thought of introducing my precious daughter to Mr. Hu, but it seems he already has a beloved companion. What a pity," a real estate tycoon said, half-jokingly.
Hu Li's mother showed a brief hint of gloom but quickly regained her composure. Hu Li maintained a reassuring smile and replied, "With such a talented father, your daughter will surely have many outstanding suitors who will make her happy."
"That's what I like to hear. I toast to Mr. Hu!" The tycoon downed his glass of wine in one go.
Hu Li, pleased to secure another ally, felt more eager to spend time alone with Hua Yan, his smile broadening as he emptied his own glass.
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In the bustling banquet, the well-dressed guests didn't notice the Cheng siblings' worried expressions after receiving a phone call. Hua Yan, who had been observing them, noticed immediately.
She called her secretary to inquire and quickly learned of a major issue with the Cheng family's jadeite raw materials. Cheng Jie had rushed to have the raw materials processed to boost their jade company's growth. Initially, some of the raw materials showed minor flaws, but tonight, the pieces cut from the supposedly best raw materials all had widespread flaws, rendering them nearly worthless.
The Cheng family had invested two-thirds of their liquid assets in these materials, resulting in a significant loss. Cheng Jie managing not to faint at the banquet was commendable.
The Cheng siblings left the banquet in a hurry, and Hu Li, noticing their departure, asked Hu Er what had happened. Hu Er returned after a brief absence and explained the situation. Hu Li couldn't help but connect this incident with Hua Yan, puzzled by his own reaction.
While he pondered, a powerful and influential figure, Huang San, approached Hu Li. Without waiting for a response, Huang San grasped Hu Li's hand adorned with a ring.
Instantly, Hu Li's brows furrowed, displeased with Huang San's abrupt action. Huang San's eyes widened in surprise. He had heard rumors that the Hu family's young master had cold hands, akin to a vampire from a book.
Moreover, throughout the banquet, Hu Li did not shake hands with any guest, which further cemented Huang San’s suspicions. Being daring and audacious, Huang San, in a moment of heated impulse, took advantage of Hu Li's distraction to grasp his hand. Contrary to his expectations, Hu Li's hand was warm and smooth, even more normal than his own.
Hu Li's mother, standing beside him, quickly saw through Huang San’s ploy. Her face darkened as she cast a sharp gaze at Huang San. It was at this moment she noticed the white jade thumb ring on Hu Li’s hand, misty and pure. Her well-trained eyes immediately recognized that this jade ring was on par with the Purple Gold Crown ring. She became curious about who had gifted her son such a precious item.
Hu Li disliked physical contact with others, so his mother hadn’t noticed the normal temperature of his hand. Instead, she interpreted Huang San’s surprise as him discovering the secret of Hu Li’s cold body, making her ponder strategies to deal with it.
“Mr. Hu, I apologize for my rudeness just now,” Huang San said, quickly recovering and offering a sincere apology.
“It’s a small matter, Chairman Huang. No need to worry,” Hu Li replied, holding the jade ring and thinking of Hua Yan. In a good mood, he didn’t pursue Huang San’s offense.
“People say Mr. Hu’s extremities are unusually cold, but today, in my impulsiveness, I found that rumor to be false. Your hands are perfectly normal, even healthier. Such rumors can be damaging. Let’s proceed with further discussions on our collaboration with Asia Pacific tomorrow,” Huang San said, now more favorably inclined towards Hu Li due to his gracious response.
Hu Li’s mother was puzzled upon hearing Huang San mention the normal temperature of Hu Li’s hand. Given the setting, she refrained from checking Hu Li’s hand temperature herself. The Hu family, wealthy and powerful, had long struggled with Hu Li’s icy body temperature. Despite significant investments in medical research, the issue remained unsolved. Hu Li’s mother wondered if she was hallucinating.
After conversing with Huang San for a while longer, Hu Li and his mother retired to a lounge. Hu Li sat on a large sofa while his mother took his hands, feeling them carefully.
“Son, why are your hands warmer now? Though the one without the ring is cooler than the other, it’s still a pleasant surprise. After all these years, there’s finally some hope,” she said, joyfully holding his hands.
“It’s the ring,” Hu Li said, handing his mother a tissue.
“You mean this ring?” she asked in disbelief. Looking at it again, she felt the mist inside the jade seemed even more mystical than before.
“Yes,” Hu Li replied, his face softening as he smiled.
“This ring must be priceless!” his mother exclaimed.
“Indeed, it’s invaluable,” Hu Li said quietly.
“Where did you get it? I haven’t heard anything about it, and the company’s finances don’t show a large expenditure.”
“Hua Yan gave it to your son,” Hu Li said proudly.
“Hua Yan… You’re not lying to me, are you? How could she possibly own such a treasure?” his mother said, more shocked than disbelieving.
Hu Li smiled, either mocking those who underestimated Hua Yan or simply proud. “I have no reason to lie about this.”
Leaving his stunned mother behind, Hu Li went out and took Hua Yan to dance the first dance of the night. Under the sparkling lights, they danced gracefully, like spirits in a forest. Their synchronized movements drew admiration from all around.
“Xiao Yan, will you really marry me?” Hu Li whispered in her ear as they danced, still anxious despite the engagement ring on her finger.
Sensing his insecurity, Hua Yan hugged him tightly and said, “Silly, I’m willing to be your bride!” She then ignored the crowd and kissed him passionately.
The stunning, fiery scene drew cheers and applause, raising the excitement of the dance floor. Some couples even imitated them, dancing and kissing.
It wasn’t indecent but a display of love, warming themselves and inspiring others.
Hu Li’s mother watched from the staircase, her expression complex. She found herself unable to fully understand Hua Yan. She instructed the person behind her, “Investigate Hua Yan further. I want to know what others don’t.”
“Yes,” the person replied, disappearing quickly. Hu Li’s mother then returned to her room for a private discussion with Hu Li’s father.