Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
At this moment, the hall was filled with guests gathering in groups of two or three, chatting among themselves. Some other guests were standing along at the balcony admiring the night view while discussing business propositions on the phone, and some were searching for the perfect lover on the dancing floor. There were no less than three to four hundred people. Including the waiters and waitresses shuffling among them, the scene appeared extremely lively.
With Tang Muxin helping him discreetly, Hong Dali was able to tell that the guests present included political figures, business tycoons, celebrities, and even mafias who were known to be in charge of several areas. Hong Dali deduced that these people probably controlled 40% of Tianjing City and were intimidatingly known as people of the upper class.
Hong Dali mumbled to himself, “Who could be so affluent to gather these people here?” Earlier, Liu Mingxin did not mention who the organizer was, but only said that it was a private event. It seemed that this was far from it.
The most dazzling star at the event was Tai Yajing. She had a head full of golden, wavy locks which fell on her shoulder, beautiful as silk. Her thick lashes, charming eyes, plump and full lips exuded charisma at every second. A cropped light purple jacket complemented her good figure perfectly. Along with a warm yellow velvet knee-length dress and long black boots, even Hong Dali could not disagree. It was no wonder Tang Muxin liked her so much. This star definitely had the confidence to be so proud.
Upon seeing her childhood idol, Tang Muxin was quite excited, pulling Hong Dali and wanting to run towards Tai Yajing. “It’s Miss Tai Yajing. Dali, can I go ask for her autograph?”
“Is there a need to be so excited…” It was no wonder Hong Dali was uninterested. He was not familiar with the celebrities in this world. If it were Andy Lau, he might have run faster than Tang Muxin.
At this moment, Tai Yajing was overwhelmed with the situation, there was no way she could pay any attention to Tang Muxin. Besides, Tang Muxin did not bring any pen or paper, there was nowhere for Tai Yajing to sign on. Hong Dali hummed as he said, “Wait for a while. If you approach her now, she’s sure to reject your request.” He looked over to the next table and his eyes brightened up. “Oh, there is a lot of delicious food there. Let’s eat something first.”
It was embarrassing to be eating something at a place like this. Tang Muxin looked left, and then right, her face red with embarrassment. She pulled Hong Dali discreetly, saying, “Are you crazy? You will be laughed at for eating here.”
Hong Dali mumbled, “My role today is to be a prodigal son. What are you worrying about? If the food is delicious, I will reward them.”
Tang Muxin felt helpless and decided to give up. They had a motive for appearing today, after all.
At the dinner table, Hong Dali sat with Tang Muxin, along with nine smart lackeys preparing utensils for him. Even Ling Xiaoyi especially took out a white handkerchief to tuck into Hong Dali’s collar. The scene blinded the rich and influential people around and their 24K gold-plated eyes. With a few more people sitting beside Hong Dali, it would look like The Last Supper scene.
This charity dinner was like a business-oriented seminar; no one was really interested in the food. Everyone was busy looking for new partners, getting to know some big shots, talking to strangers who might seem useful in each other’s business, or simply going after beautiful women. But Hong Dali’s exaggerated moves had attracted many people’s attention.
As Hong Dali was about to eat, he heard a chuckle. “Hey, isn’t this my brother Dali? What are you doing here? Not squandering at Ye Lai Xiang?”
The voice sounded familiar. Hong Dali turned around to see his family brother, Hong Anbao.
It was not unusual for Hong Anbao to turn up there, but Hong Dali naturally did not have any kind words for him. “Why can’t I be here?” As he spoke, he started eating. A female lackey presented him with a rather pleasant-looking dessert. Satisfied with her performance, Hong Dali said, “Um, not bad. Five thousand.”
The female lackey was jubilant as she backed off.
“Hahahaha, you’re still such a wastrel!” Watching Hong Dali, Hong Anbao laughed till he couldn’t straighten his back. He pointed at Hong Dali and said, “I finally understand. I was wondering why you would come here. It seems you’re here to squander. Speaking of which, how much are you planning to spend at the auction later?”
“My actions are for you to see, idiot.”
Hong Dali did not say a word, but Tang Muxin was furious. “How does it matter to you how much we want to spend?”
“Alright, this has got nothing to do with me. I’m just asking.” Hong Anbao sniggered. “Dali, have you reached the point that you have to rely on a woman to protect you? Aiya, what a pity.”
Hong Dali mumbled something but appeared to look shocked. “No. Do you mean others can’t even say anything now? How did you know I was here for the auction? Give me a moment. I left the house in a hurry without having dinner. Do you want to grab a bite with me?”
Hearing Hong Dali’s invite, Hong Anbao took two steps backward. “I don’t want to embarrass myself. To eat at a gathering like this, you’re embarrassing our family.”
Hong Dali laughed and said, “Isn’t it the same where we eat? The ambiance here is elegant and lively. It’s not bad. I can eat while watching others dance. If someone dances well, I could tip them. Isn’t that good?”
Hong Anbao was red with anger and was sweating.
He had wanted to ask Tai Yajing for a dance earlier to show off his dance moves which he had practiced so hard. After hearing what Hong Dali said, he didn’t dare to enter the dance floor. If Hong Dali suddenly called out “Nice moves, five thousand,” there would be nowhere he could hide.
The scariest thing was, Hong Dali was completely capable of doing that…
As they stared each other down, a delicate voice came from behind. “Master Anbao, why did you ignore me? This is?”
Hong Dali turned around and was elated. It was Tang Muxin’s idol, Miss Tai Yajing.
“Oh, nothing. This is my wastrel brother, Hong Dali.” Hong Anbao smiled. “Dali, this is Tai Yajing. I suppose there is no need for more introductions?”
Hearing that this was the famous prodigal son in the whole of Tianjing City, Tai Yajing smiled. “I have heard so much about you, Young Master. You’re really as I have heard.” As she said this, her eyes wavered between Hong Dali and the dinner table, jesting as she spoke. Her face did not hide the fact that she was belittling Hong Dali.
Hong Dali sniffed. It seemed these two people had something going on. They had just met, but her words were cold and harsh, clearly not respecting Hong Dali. Wasn’t this the best time to show off his squandering? Hong Dali snapped his fingers. “This sister is quite pretty. Tip her twenty thousand!”
