It was the eldest son of the Jiang family.
It was the Old Madam’s birthday feast today, but Master Jiang had a very important meeting in the morning, so he rushed over after settling those matters.
Everyone praised Master Jiang for being filial after learning what he did. He prepared the birthday feast for his mother despite his hectic schedule, and he even rushed over after work.
People had that tendency to act that way, especially once they had some achievement. Others would praise him as long as he did something extra, but most people had forgotten that this should be the responsibilities of a filial son.
Why was it even praiseworthy?
President Zhao turned around when he heard the voice, and he smiled immediately when he saw that it was Master Jiang, Jiang Yanming. “President Jiang!”
Jiang Yanming felt embarrassed when he heard the greeting ‘President Jiang’. His company had some achievements, but it was nothing compared to Zhao Group. Besides, Master Jiang had been wanting to collaborate with Zhao Group, but Zhao Group had been distant and unresponsive, as if they were not bothered with him.
This time, for example, Jiang Yanming held a birthday feast for his mother, and he did not expect President Zhao to show up for support. Jiang Yanming was flattered in that instant, and he was at a loss for words due to unbridled joy.
“President Jiang, you organized a birthday feast for the Old Madam, I see.”
President Jiang rubbed his nose in embarrassment. “That’s right. President Zhao, why are you free to drop by today?”
“Well, it so happens that I’m discussing a business deal nearby. I stopped by on the way since it sounded lively here.”
“In that case, why don’t you come in to have some drinks?” Jiang Yanming invited President Zhao tentatively.
President Zhao smiled, but he did not agree to his invitation; instead, he looked at Xiao Su.
His questioning look was so obvious that Jiang Yanming noticed it immediately too; President Zhao was asking Xiao Su for his approval.
Jiang Yanming followed President Zhao’s gaze, and he noticed that the person he was staring at was a young man. However, Jiang Yanming knew instinctively that the man must be a powerful figure since President Zhao of Zhao Group placed so much emphasis on him.
As a keen businessman, he immediately invited Xiao Su too. “Sir, you must be President Zhao’s business partner. Today is Old Madam’s birthday feast. Why don’t you come along and have a drink or two?”
In all honesty, Xiao Su was planning to return to the company to work after discussing this project. After all, he had a lot of unsettled work in the company.
However, for some reason, despite rejecting the invitation in his mind, he grunted instead, “Mm-hmm.”
Did I just agree to it?
Xiao Su was shocked, and he narrowed his eyes in suspicion simultaneously. Why did I agree to it?
Xiao Su instinctively glanced at Jiang Xiaobai.
Jiang Yanming was quite happy. In the beginning, he noticed that the young man seemed stern and unsmiling, and so he was ready to be rejected. Jiang Yanming did not expect the young man to accept the invitation.
The prospects and possibility of collaborating with Zhao Group seems promising this time.
“Please, come in with me.”
Everyone noticed Jiang Yanming once he entered the venue. They surrounded and greeted him. After some small talk, Jiang Yanming wished Old Madam Jiang a happy birthday.
He was dressed formally, and he was speaking with confidence and ease. Hence, Old Madam Jiang soon forgot all about the unhappy incident caused by Jiang Xiaobai and Jiang Mei.
She was all smiles when she saw her outstanding eldest son; in fact, she was filled with pride and relief.
After wishing Old Madam for her birthday, Jiang Yanming introduced President Zhao to everyone. The crowd gasped in admiration when he introduced him as President Zhao of Zhao Group.
After introducing President Zhao, Jiang Yanming introduced Xiao Su. He had no choice but to signal Xiao Su with his gaze, ‘Sir, how should I address you?’
President Zhao looked pumped; just when he was about to reveal Xiao Su’s identity, Xiao Su broke the silence calmly. “Xiao Su.”
He merely gave his name without introducing his background. Hence, President Zhao stopped himself just in time before it was too late.
On the other hand, Jiang Yanming was stuck in an awkward position because he did not expect Xiao Su to not offer his background. Furthermore, he merely provided his name.
However, Jiang Yanming was quick to respond; he explained in a hurry, “This is President Zhao’s friend and business partner, Mr. Xiao.”
Those who were present did a double take at the young man when they heard that.
He had a tall figure and a handsome but cold face. The scar across his face made him look even more distant, as though he wasn’t an approachable person. However, his aura attracted everyone around him, and they couldn’t help but look at him.
The crowd was a smart bunch. Everyone knows who President Zhao is. Hence, someone who has the capabilities to talk business with President Zhao while appearing so calm and relaxed must be a powerful figure; in fact, the man couldn’t be doing too bad himself.
At that moment, the corners of Jiang Xiaobai’s lips started twitching involuntarily.
Can someone tell me why Xiao Su showed up here out of the blue? Didn’t he say that he’s off to discuss business? Why is he here at my granny’s birthday feast?
Well, here’s the problem. Should I pretend that I don’t know him? What should I do?
Just when Jiang Xiaobai was in a dilemma, Du Xiaoyu appeared at her side stealthily. “What’s going on? Isn’t that Xiao Su? Why did he show up with Uncle Yanming?” she asked in a whisper.
Jiang Xiaobai cleared her throat when she heard that. “How would I know?”
“Didn’t you say that he’s your boyfriend? Who would know the answer if not you? Did he not tell you?”
Jiang Xiaobai was rendered speechless by her questions.
Jiang Xiaobai explained hastily since she was afraid her mother might become suspicious, “Well, he told me he was busy with work when I invited him, and that was why I was considerate enough to let him be absent this time. I only knew that he had work, but I wasn’t quite sure what it was about. They must have dropped by after talking business since he showed up together with Uncle Yanming and President Zhao. Didn’t you hear Uncle Yanming asking him who he was? He must have been talking business with President Zhao before coming over together.”
She was quick to respond, and she lied her way out smoothly.
Du Xiaoyu responded suddenly, “In that case, you should greet him. He is your boyfriend after all.”
The corners of Jiang Xiaobai’s lips twitched. “Mom, I don’t think that’s appropriate. He is Uncle Yanming’s guest now. What would others think of me if I were to greet him right now?”
Smack!
Du Xiaoyu smacked Jiang Xiaobai on the back of her head. “You’re such a naughty girl. He is your boyfriend and a guest of your Uncle Yanming. What is wrong with chatting with your boyfriend? Have you been lying to me?”
“Mom, why would I lie to you? He really is my boyfriend, but I’ll attract too much attention if I were to come forward now. Can we meet him later? Don’t worry. I told you he’s my boyfriend, so he won’t go anywhere, alright?”
However, Du Xiaoyu refused to be further deceived by Jiang Xiaobai. Therefore, she folded her arms in front of her chest, and she spoke to her while wearing a stern expression, “Fine. In that case, don’t go and talk to him. I’d like to see your boyfriend’s character. I’d like to see if he’ll take the initiative to talk to you.”
Jiang Xiaobai was dumbfounded at her reaction.
My mother has countless tricks up her sleeve. I have nothing to say anymore.
“Suit yourself,” Jiang Xiaobai answered helplessly.
The birthday feast officially started since Jiang Yanming had arrived. Everyone took their seats, and the hotel started to serve the dishes.
When they were choosing seats, Jiang Yanming invited President Zhao to the main table. Xiao Su was with President Zhao, and so he was invited along too.
During that time, Du Xiaoyu stared at Xiao Su unblinkingly. “Your boyfriend looks as if he didn’t see you at all, Xiaobai. You had better explain yourself; did you ask him to pretend to be your boyfriend just to deceive me?”
