Chapter 27: Laughing Heartily to the Heavens as I Step Out! (First Release)

The distinguished young master of the Xia family had been grievously insulted.

“Heh, who would have thought that Xia Shenghui, having just returned to the country, would immediately run into a brash fool so ignorant of his own limits? This will be interesting—how will Xia Shenghui teach this boy a lesson?”

“Though Xia Shenghui’s standing isn’t quite on par with the likes of Xia Ning or Xia Qinghan, those favored daughters of heaven, his position within the Xia family is still formidable. He’s notorious for holding grudges. Of all those present, who has the background to match his? Offending him might result in a beating and an apology at best, but if he’s truly angered, it could well bring calamity upon one’s whole family.”

“That’s right. In high society gatherings like this, a single careless word can ruin your future, let alone brazenly offending a powerful figure.”

As hushed conversations buzzed around the hall, a question drew everyone’s attention.

“Who is that guy? Not only does he show up to a banquet out of dress code, but he also dares insult Xia Shenghui, knowing full well who he is?”

Tonight, Xia Ning had invited every scion of the prominent families of Cloud City; nearly every young person of any background was present. Even among the wealthy, there were ranks, and many of the most privileged young men didn’t recognize Jiang Yu.

After all, given the Jiang family’s current status, there were many circles beyond their reach.

“Wait—isn’t that the infamous wastrel from the Jiang family, Jiang Yu?”

Someone recognized him, exclaiming in surprise. Others who found Jiang Yu’s face familiar began to recall.

“Yes, it’s Jiang Yu. I knew he looked familiar.”

The conversations around him made Xia Shenghui’s face flush with anger, the air of a gentleman dissipating entirely. He narrowed his eyes and repeated, “Boy, hand me that glass of red wine, then get out of this banquet as the price for offending me. Do that, and I’ll let the rest slide.”

Jiang Shaoqi’s smile only grew wider.

Xia Shenghui was taking this seriously now.

Jiang Ziyue was so angry she didn’t know what to do. Her gaze toward Jiang Yu was pleading, “Jiang Yu, can’t you just back down for once? Even just this once? Apologize to Young Master Xia, then leave.”

Jiang Yu’s expression remained calm as he replied softly, “I told you, he doesn’t deserve an apology.”

To repeatedly humiliate Xia Shenghui, and that in front of so many, was a blow to the Xia family’s dignity that cut deepest.

Zheng Xuan sneered, “Jiang Yu, do you realize your ignorance could bring disaster to the Jiang family? This isn’t just about you being stubborn anymore; it could escalate to the family level at any moment.”

“Hurry up and apologize to Mr. Xia Shenghui!”

Amid the chorus of harsh, commanding voices, Jiang Yu laughed. “I’m actually curious to see how this is supposed to endanger the whole family.”

At that moment, Jiang Shaoqi hit upon the crucial point. “How did Jiang Yu even get in here?”

“How else? He must have slipped in while no one was looking. The other night at dinner, you all mentioned Miss Xia Ning’s birthday banquet. Some may speak carelessly, but others listen with intent…”

At this, Zheng Xuan shot Jiang Yu a meaningful look.

“Where’s the manager? I think we’d better check Jiang Yu’s invitation, just in case someone’s tried to sneak in.”

Jiang Shaoqi smiled at Jiang Yu, as if to say, “Let’s see how you get out of this one.”

Having offended Xia Shenghui, tonight you’re sure to endure the most humiliating experience of your life.

The manager hurried over, sweating profusely. “Young Master Xia.”

Xia Shenghui said coldly, “Check how this guy got in. If he snuck in without an invitation, you can pack up and leave too.”

“This is Miss Xia Ning’s private banquet today—not just anybody is qualified to be here.”

Zhang Shaoqi poured a glass of red wine, smirking as he added, “Anyone invited by Miss Xia Ning tonight is worth at least tens of millions; each one is a person of stature. Letting in a useless cripple like Jiang Yu really brings down the tone of this event.”

“It’ll be a stain on the banquet that can never be wiped away.”

Seeing Jiang Yu pushed to the center of the storm, the manager dared not be careless. He had just heard Xia Shenghui himself say that if this matter wasn’t handled, he’d be out of a job on the spot.

He looked sternly at Jiang Yu. “Sir, everyone attending tonight has an invitation from the Xia family. Where’s yours? Please show it to me.”

Under the scrutiny of the crowd, Jiang Yu slowly shook his head.

“I don’t have an invitation.”

An uproar broke out in the hall.

In one corner, Xia Qinghan turned to a suitor beside her and asked curiously, “Is that the Jiang Yu who ranked first in the recent exams?”

The man at her side replied, “That’s him. Normally, Miss Xia Ning would only invite Jiang Ziyue and Jiang Shaoqi. Jiang Yu has already been abandoned by the Jiang family; he has no status or power and wouldn’t be on the guest list.”

Xia Qinghan mused, “How does a so-called ‘useless’ person manage to come first in the exams?”

Her companion laughed quietly, “So what if he’s book-smart? In this crowd, top exam scores mean nothing. See anyone standing up for Jiang Yu? Everyone’s mocking him from Xia Shenghui’s side.”

“These days, it’s no longer the age for burying one’s head in books. Academic achievements are just for nerds in the eyes of these trust-fund kids. Connections, background, talent, and personal strength—that’s what determines social standing. Even if Jiang Yu keeps his grades up and gets into a famous university, at best he’ll end up at some well-known company.”

“Compared to the heirs here tonight, that’s not worth mentioning.”

Xia Qinghan nodded. “Still, I’m curious—if Jiang Yu is as useless as they say, how did he manage to get first place? Interesting.”

Her companion continued, “Just watch—Xia Shenghui won’t let this go tonight. Humiliated by a castoff in front of so many, if he doesn’t make a statement, no one will respect him.”

Xia Ning shook her head. “It’s not so simple. There’s a quiet sharpness to Jiang Yu; he doesn’t look like an idiot. If he’s here tonight, there’s probably more to it than sneaking in. Maybe there’s still a twist to come.”

…

All eyes turned to Jiang Yu.

He was now surrounded by the crowd. Many who were on good terms with Xia Shenghui verbally attacked him, eager for a chance to put Jiang Yu in his place.

With Jiang Yu’s response, the manager broke out in a cold sweat.

No invitation?

It was true—he’d sneaked in. If Miss Xia Ning investigated, at minimum he’d be guilty of negligence.

Before things escalated, the manager wanted nothing more than to expel Jiang Yu as quickly as possible.

“Hmph! Do you know what kind of occasion this is? Without an invitation, you dare sneak in for food and drink. Apologize to Young Master Xia and get out of here. Otherwise, if I call the police, I won’t be responsible for what happens.”

Faced with countless hostile voices, Jiang Yu’s expression never changed. He tilted his head and asked the manager, “Oh? Are you sure you want to throw me out?”

“Just so you know, if I leave, I won’t be coming back easily.”

At his words, many people burst out laughing.

Is this boy some comedian invited by Old Sun?

He won’t come back so easily if he leaves?

Who does he think he is?

Xia Shenghui’s gaze darkened, and he said through clenched teeth, “Boy, do you even realize what you’re doing? Do you know who you’re talking to?”

Jiang Yu shook his head. “I don’t know who I’m talking to. All I know is, if I leave, every one of you will regret it.”

“Regret?”

Zheng Xuan bit her lip, shaking her head with a wry smile.

Jiang Yu’s character hadn’t changed a bit—still all bluster, never paying attention to time or place.

Jiang Yu turned to Jiang Ziyue. “Let me ask one last time: even you want me to leave?”

Jiang Ziyue hesitated.

Looking into Jiang Yu’s cold eyes, an inexplicable emotion welled up within her—a feeling she couldn’t name or describe.

After a moment, she bit her lip and said, “Yes, I want you to leave before things get worse. It’s for everyone’s good. I don’t want your stubbornness to bring unnecessary trouble to the Jiang family.”

“You might not be able to help the Jiang family, but at least don’t bring us trouble. I’m begging you, okay? I thought you’d changed, but you’re as stubborn as ever. Even when I plead with you to apologize, you ignore me.”

Disappointed, Jiang Ziyue lowered her head.

Jiang Yu looked at the crowd and burst out laughing, his voice booming like thunder, making everyone’s ears ring.

“Ha! Very well! Since I am not welcome here, I shall leave.”

With those words, he straightened his back and strode away, resolute.

Xia Shenghui watched Jiang Yu’s departing figure, sneering, “You think this is over just because you left?”

The tension dissipated, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief—they had finally rid themselves of this troublesome fool.

He had sneaked in, yet acted as if he was doing them a favor by being there.

On the other side, Xia Qinghan felt a pang of disappointment.

It seemed she had overthought things. She had expected a twist, yet Jiang Yu, under relentless exclusion, had slunk away.

“Perhaps I was reading too much into it. Maybe he really is just a useless person.”

With that, Xia Qinghan lost interest in the matter.

…

More than ten minutes later.

Xia Ning’s boudoir.

Clatter!

The wooden comb slipped from her hand and fell to the floor, yet Xia Ning didn’t even notice.

“Yes, Miss. After being humiliated repeatedly by Xia Shenghui and the others, Mr. Jiang left in anger.”

For a moment, Xia Ning bit her lip so hard the pain pierced to the bone.

“Hurry. Bring Mr. Jiang back to me. Otherwise, every staff member at Silkway Hotel can prepare their resignation letters. And as for those who got involved—let them be ready to face the Xia family’s wrath!”