Chapter 375: The Engagement Banquet
Jade Scripture City, Zhou Family Residence.
Red silk hung high, lanterns bright as daylight—the entire estate was immersed in a festive atmosphere.
Today was the engagement banquet for Zhou Moran, the eldest son of the Zhou family, and Lin Xinyao, the eldest daughter of the Lin family. All the major families in the city had sent representatives to offer their congratulations. Guests gathered like clouds, creating an extraordinarily lively scene.
Zhou Moran wore a dark red brocade robe with a jade belt cinched at his waist. Standing in the center of the hall, he accepted everyone's blessings with a smile on his face. His gaze swept toward the entrance from time to time, waiting for that familiar figure to appear.
"Miss Xinyao has arrived—"
Following the servant's loud announcement, the hall immediately grew somewhat quieter. Everyone's eyes turned toward the doorway.
Lin Xinyao wore a light pink long dress with delicate butterfly embroidery at the hem. A white magnolia hairpin adorned her hair, swaying gently with each graceful step she took. It set off her snow-white skin and bright eyes with sparkling teeth. A shallow smile played at her lips, but her gaze immediately fell upon Zhou Moran.
Zhou Moran's heart warmed slightly. Just as he was about to step forward, he saw his father, Zhou Hong—the current head of the Zhou family—suddenly step onto the high platform at the center of the hall and raise his hand to signal for quiet.
"Today is my son's engagement banquet. I am honored by everyone's presence." Zhou Hong's voice was resonant, his face bearing a smile. "However, before that, I have one more matter to announce."
He turned slightly and beckoned toward the side of the hall: "Qingyang, come here."
Zhou Moran's pupils contracted slightly.
A youth in a plain white robe walked out slowly. His features were delicate, his figure somewhat slender, and his face carried a modest smile. He walked to Zhou Hong's side and respectfully bowed.
"This is Zhou Qingyang, the son of my old friend." Zhou Hong patted Zhou Qingyang's shoulder, his tone solemn. "Back then, if not for Qingyang's father sacrificing his life to save me, I would have long since perished. Today, I announce before everyone—from this day forward, Qingyang shall be a son of the Zhou family, equal to Moran, both sons of myself, Zhou Hong!"
The hall immediately erupted in sounds of admiration.
"The Zhou family head values loyalty and righteousness—truly admirable!"
"Young Master Qingyang appears to be a dragon among men; he will surely achieve great things in the future!"
Zhou Qingyang lowered his head slightly, seeming somewhat embarrassed as he said softly: "Qingyang does not deserve such praise..."
Zhou Hong laughed heartily, added a few more ceremonial words, and then signaled for the banquet to officially begin.
Zhou Moran watched all of this coldly, laughing inwardly.
It was this engagement banquet.
The first time Zhou Qingyang framed him was also here.
He remembered it clearly—in his previous life, Zhou Qingyang deliberately approached Xinyao, his words filled with admiration, provoking his jealousy and causing him to step forward to intervene.
Then, under the pretext of offering a toast, Zhou Qingyang deliberately knocked over the wine pot, spilling the wine on himself, and put on an act of being an innocent victim.
At that time, everyone thought he was acting out of jealousy. Even Xinyao stood on Zhou Qingyang's side for the first time, looking at him with disappointment in her eyes.
In this life, he would absolutely not let Zhou Qingyang succeed!
The banquet officially began. The guests raised their cups and exchanged pleasantries, laughing and talking. Zhou Moran kept a constant watch on Zhou Qingyang's movements. Sure enough, before long, Zhou Qingyang walked toward Xinyao.
"Miss Xinyao." Zhou Qingyang cupped his hands slightly, his smile warm. "I have long heard that the Lin family's sword techniques are exquisite. Might I ask for some guidance?"
Lin Xinyao blinked, seeming somewhat surprised, but still replied politely: "Young Master Qingyang is too kind. If there is an opportunity, we shall certainly spar."
Zhou Qingyang's smile deepened. Just as he was about to say something more, Zhou Moran had already quietly walked to the two of them.
"Qingyang." His tone was flat. "Father was looking for you just now. It seems there is an important matter to discuss."
Zhou Qingyang was startled. He turned to look in Zhou Hong's direction and indeed saw Zhou Hong beckoning to him. He could only smile apologetically at Xinyao: "Then Qingyang will take his leave first. I shall ask for the young lady's guidance another day."
After Zhou Qingyang left, Xinyao looked at Zhou Moran curiously: "Moran, what does your father want with Young Master Qingyang?"
Zhou Moran smiled slightly: "I don't know either. Perhaps it is about his cultivation matters."
He brushed past the topic lightly and turned to chat with Xinyao about other things.
Not far away, Zhou Qingyang stood beside Zhou Hong, but his gaze flicked toward Zhou Moran and Xinyao from time to time, a hint of gloom flashing in his eyes.
The toasting segment soon arrived.
According to convention, the Zhou family juniors needed to toast the guests as a sign of courtesy. Zhou Qingyang held a wine pot, a modest smile on his face, and walked toward Zhou Moran.
"Elder brother." He bowed slightly. "Qingyang offers you a toast."
Zhou Moran had already seen through his tricks, but his expression remained unchanged as he reached out to accept the wine cup.
Just as Zhou Qingyang was about to pour the wine, Zhou Moran suddenly turned his wrist, and the wine cup landed steadily on the tray in Zhou Qingyang's hand.
"Qingyang came from afar. This first cup should be my toast to you."
With that, he proactively picked up the wine pot, personally filled a cup for Zhou Qingyang, and then poured one for himself.
A hint of panic flashed in Zhou Qingyang's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and forced a smile: "Elder brother is too kind."
The two raised their cups and drank together. Zhou Moran maintained a smile throughout, not giving him any opportunity to take advantage.
Zhou Qingyang's plan was completely foiled, and he could only retreat in disappointment.
Zhou Moran watched his retreating figure, the coldness in his eyes deepening.
This was only the beginning.
In this life, he would not give Zhou Qingyang any more chances!
...
The engagement banquet proceeded smoothly.
Zhou Moran finally breathed a secret sigh of relief. It seemed that in this life, he had successfully avoided Zhou Qingyang's trap. But then he suddenly heard a clear, cold voice from behind—
"Moran."
He turned around to see Liu Yunyao standing by a corridor pillar, dressed in white as pure as snow, her brows carrying a somewhat complicated expression.
Zhou Moran's heart softened.
This time, with his engagement to Xinyao, Yunyao must be feeling terrible. After all, the three of them had grown up together since childhood, and they had once shared those hazy promises.
He sighed and walked toward her: "Yunyao, I..."
He had just wanted to say that even if he married Xinyao, he would certainly not let her down.
But Liu Yunyao turned slightly, signaling him to follow.
Zhou Moran suspected nothing and followed her to a secluded corner.
"Yunyao, even if I am engaged to Xinyao..."
Just as Zhou Moran gathered his courage to speak again, a familiar figure suddenly emerged from behind Liu Yunyao—
Zhou Qingyang!
Zhou Moran's gaze instantly turned cold.
"Moran." Liu Yunyao spoke softly. "Just now, your younger brother told me that he doesn't know where he offended you. He wanted to offer you a toast, but you refused."
She raised her eyes to look at Zhou Moran, a trace of confusion in them: "I remember—you're not such a narrow-minded person."
Zhou Moran's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze sweeping over Zhou Qingyang's seemingly innocent face.
Nice move, kid. You insist on framing me, don't you?
Fine. This time, with Yunyao as a witness, let's see what other tricks you can pull!
He suddenly smiled, his tone gentle: "He wants to toast me? Then Yunyao, why don't you join us? Consider it an apology from me as an elder brother for my younger brother's misunderstanding."
Liu Yunyao was slightly startled, but nodded happily: "Good. This is the Moran I know."
Seeing this, Zhou Qingyang immediately stepped forward, a humble smile on his face: "It is Qingyang's honor that elder brother is willing to show his face."
As he spoke, he picked up the wine pot, preparing to pour wine for Liu Yunyao.
However, just as he was pouring the wine—
"Yunyao!"
Another crisp voice came from the side.
Liu Yunyao subconsciously turned her head, looking toward the source of the voice—it was Lin Xinyao.
And in that very instant, the corner of Zhou Qingyang's mouth imperceptibly curved up, his wrist gently trembling—
Splash!
The wine pot tilted, and all the wine spilled onto himself!
His white robe was instantly soaked through with wine, looking utterly disheveled.
Zhou Qingyang looked shocked, then gazed at Zhou Moran with grievance, his voice trembling: "Elder brother... why did you..."
Zhou Moran: "..."
What the hell... You're just going to force it, huh?
...
Unlock 30 chapters instantly (for the price of the old 20-chapter tier) and get 50–55 new chapters every month.
If you're enjoying the story, consider supporting me here:
patreon.com/Alex_Cruise