LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 288: Save the Money for Getting Married!
"Alas, Old Mr. Bai has become so muddled!"
Ouyang Shu deeply sighed. He and Old Mr. Bai had been friends for many years, and now, seeing the Bai Family in such disarray, unable to help, he felt quite distressed.
"Father, everyone has arrived!"
Ouyang Rong announced, pushing the door open.
"Let's go. Today, I will introduce you to some of the big shots from Forty-nine City. Should your business extend here in the future, you will inevitably need to greet them."
Ouyang Shu patted Song Yun on the shoulder and stood up, heading toward the banquet hall.
Today, the Ouyang Family's various courtyards were festooned with colorful lanterns; passing through corridor after corridor, they entered the hall where the Ouyang Family usually held their private banquets.
At that time, the hall was packed with people chatting in groups. As soon as they saw the elder Ouyang enter, the room immediately fell silent.
Ouyang Shu took the seat of honor at the front, while Ouyang Rong slowly ascended the stage to take on the role of the host.
"Dear guests, welcome to my father's birthday feast today. I hope everyone enjoys themselves, eats and drinks well, and leaves with pleasant memories!"
With the opening remarks concluded, it was time for the most important part of the event: the presentation of birthday gifts!
One should know that anyone who could attend today's banquet was a distinguished person in their own field. They were known for their generous gifts.
As one gift after another was presented and the givers named, their faces glowed with pride, basking in the honor this brought them.
"Next up, we have the representative from the Hu Family, Young Master Hu Shengpeng, presenting his gift!"
A young man stood up from the crowd, slowly walking onto the stage holding a gift box, and took the microphone handed to him by Ouyang Rong, saying, "Knowing that Elder Ouyang likes painting and calligraphy, I have specially found an authentic piece by Wang Xizhi, hoping you will like it!"
Once these words were spoken, there was a stir below. Even those who were not interested in calligraphy on a regular day knew how rare and precious a genuine Wang Xizhi piece was!
To be aware, Wang Xizhi, as a master of calligraphy, had inspired countless with just his Preface to the Orchid Pavilion, and here was the Hu Family, securing such a rare treasure for Elder Ouyang!
Was that not a signal from the Hu Family to the Ouyang Family?
After all, the top three families in Forty-nine City were the Bai Family, the Hu Family, and the Ouyang Family.
But with the Bai Family on the verge of decline, an alliance between the Hu and Ouyang families would surely deal a heavy blow to the Bai Family!
Pushing them out of the top ten!
If that was the case, they had to prepare well for this grand banquet when they returned!
After all, if the bigwigs were to eat meat, they should at least let others have some soup!
Bai Jingbing, sitting among the crowd, watched Hu Shengpeng's gift with a mix of emotions. Originally, Bai Weiguo should have personally given his birthday wishes, but because of an unexpected business trip, Bai Jingbing had to fill in.
He saw Elder Ouyang eagerly opening the gift and couldn't help but feel a jumble of emotions.
In the past, whether the Bai Family attended any banquet, they were always esteemed and seated in the place of honor. But today's arrival at the Ouyang Family was met with indifference; after instructing the servants to lead them into the banquet hall, there was no further concern shown.
This attitude was undoubtedly dismissive of the Bai Family, filling Bai Jingbing's heart with countless thoughts.
Perhaps, the glory days of the Bai Family were coming to an end!
But what he didn't know was that the Ouyang Family's cold treatment of the Bai Family members was simply because they saw Song Yun being slighted and wanted to get even on his behalf!
"Indeed, this is an authentic Wang Xizhi piece, but why does this piece of calligraphy look so familiar? Have you perhaps sneaked out your grandfather's treasured collection, young man?"
Ouyang Shu, examining with a magnifying glass, observed that the strokes on this piece of calligraphy were full of vigor and the parchment was perfectly preserved. If auctioned outside, it would fetch at least several hundred million!
"As long as you like it, even if I get a beating when I go back, it would be worth it!"
Hu Shengpeng had a way with words, causing everyone present to burst into laughter.
"You rascal!"
Ouyang Shu scolded with a smile, "Well then, the old man will accept it. If you really get beaten when you go back, come to the Ouyang Family to recuperate!"
"Definitely!"
Hu Shengpeng's eyes gleamed. This statement was loaded with deep meaning; it seemed his mission for today had been accomplished!
"Next up, the young master of the Wu Family, Wu Batian, will present his birthday gift!"
Wu Batian stood up carelessly, lacking the demeanor of a young master from a noble family. If he were outside, he would definitely be mistaken for a street ruffian.
He waved his hand, and two bodyguards in suits came out from the corner pushing a cart. Something was placed on the cart, but it was tightly covered with cloth.
Seeing the cart wheels creaking under the weight, it was clear that whatever was on it was anything but light!
"The younger generation wishes Grandpa Ouyang many happy returns on this day, and endless joy year after year! To express my sentiments, I present a golden Buddha statue!"
As he finished speaking, he yanked off the cloth, revealing the golden Buddha, studded with countless gems, blinding everyone present under the midday sun!
It was extremely valuable!
If Wang Xizhi's calligraphy earlier was valued at several billion, then this golden Buddha was like delivering the cash directly to you!
"This golden Buddha weighs 500 pounds and took half a year to complete. I hope Grandpa Ouyang likes it!"
Wu Batian's eyes were filled with pride. In his view, what was the use of those paintings and calligraphy? Wasn't gold much more real?
The audience below began whispering among themselves. Although Wu Batian's behavior had ruined the Wu Family's reputation, it seemed their family wealth was still quite substantial!
"Batian, this gift is far too valuable. I can't take advantage of a junior like you. I'll have your Uncle Ouyang Rong give you the money spent on crafting the golden Buddha afterwards," Ouyang Shu said.
Ouyang Shu didn't exactly dislike the gift, but he certainly didn't love it. After all, for them, gold and money were just numbers on paper. If Ouyang Shu wished, he could forge a golden Buddha every day.
Having his face rubbed the wrong way, Wu Batian's expression fell immediately. He pursed his lips and said, "How can I take money for a congratulatory gift? Do you think our Wu Family..."
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"Batian! Grandpa Ouyang cares about you! After all, you're grown up, and when the time comes to marry and start a family, it's going to cost a lot of money. Having such an elder diligently helping you, aren't you going to thank him right away?"
Hu Shengpeng interrupted Wu Batian before he could finish his sentence. Knowing the temper of this lad, his next words might well have been: Do you look down on our Wu Family? Once that sentence was spoken, it would be like putting Grandpa Ouyang on the grill!
Do you still expect the Ouyang Family to show you a happy face then?
Dream on!
"Right, that's exactly what Sheng Peng meant. Don't think too much into it!"
Ouyang Shu said with a chuckle, "Your grandparents and I have been friends for many years. Naturally, I wouldn't swindle money from a junior. Take grandpa's advice, go down later and save the money for your future wife!"
"Then I'll gladly accept Grandpa Ouyang's kindness," Wu Batian replied.
Wu Batian still had the look of someone who was owed millions by everyone as he left.
Fortunately, everyone in Forty-nine City knew about this brat's attitude and didn't take it to heart.
"Next, Mr. Song Yun from Magic Capital will present his gift!"