Chapter 93 Jiang Li's Birthday Banquet

This venerable artist, renowned for both his virtue and talent, possessed remarkable accomplishments in calligraphy and had trained many famous disciples. Xu An’an held him in deep admiration and respect. She was more than happy to help by running an errand for him.

After washing her face, Xue Shengnan appeared much more refreshed. She brought out a gift.
“It’s an inkstone,” she said.
“Thank you for your trouble. Once I’ve rested and returned, I’ll treat you to a meal.”
Xu An’an hesitated, as if wanting to say something, but in the end she remained silent, feeling it best to let Xue Shengnan have some peace for now.

After accepting the gift, Xu An’an took her leave. Once in the car, she reported the address and learned that this esteemed artist lived in a wealthy villa district. She recalled that Jiang Li also owned several properties here.

At the gate, Xu An’an asked the security guard to notify the household, explaining her appointment. The guard made a call and soon let her in.

Having studied the layout of the entire villa complex, Xu An’an realized she would have to walk almost half an hour to reach Villa 23 on foot—her legs felt like they might give out! But she had no choice but to walk.

Passing by Villa 1, Xu An’an noticed an array of luxury cars parked at the entrance. It seemed a banquet was underway. She remembered that, according to the map, Villa 1 was the largest and most opulent. Curiosity got the better of her, and she stole a glance.

Many guests were laughing and chatting in the garden, with an eight-tiered cake displayed at the center—clearly a birthday celebration. Suddenly, Xu An’an recalled that Jiang Li’s birthday was approaching, perhaps even today, though she couldn’t remember the exact date. Was it today?

Her question was answered when she overheard someone say, “It took me a great deal of effort to find this birthday present—I hope Second Master will like it.”
“You can’t go wrong with antiques or rare items,” another replied.

But Xu An’an had her own task and didn’t linger.

Unbeknownst to her, a tall figure stood on the balcony above, taking in the entire scene below—and naturally, he didn’t miss Xu An’an’s presence. Seeing her walk away without a second glance, the man’s handsome face darkened. He had just helped her with something, yet she hadn’t even joined his birthday celebration and simply passed by. Truly a heartless little thing!

Xu An’an delivered the inkstone, conveyed Xue Shengnan’s regards, and then left—only to face another long walk. The elderly artist was considerate and asked his grandson to drive Xu An’an back.

His grandson was a bright, energetic young man, barely an adult.

He greeted her with a sunny smile: “Sister, hop in!”
Xu An’an accepted the offer without hesitation.

Almost at the main gate, the car broke down. The young man apologized profusely.

Xu An’an waved it off. “It’s just a few more minutes on foot. You should hurry and call for a tow.”

“Sister!” The young man hurriedly stopped her, shyly holding out his phone. “Could I have your contact information? I promise I won’t message you every day or pester you—I just want to be friends, is that okay?”

Looking into those earnest, pleading eyes, Xu An’an found it hard to refuse. She cheerfully gave him her contact details. The young man was overjoyed and even gave Xu An’an a spontaneous hug, then blushed furiously. “Sorry, I—”

“It’s fine, I’ll be going now.” Xu An’an frowned slightly. She wasn’t fond of physical contact with strangers, but this little brother was truly innocent.

Nearing the main gate, someone called out to her. It was Assistant Wang, out of breath from running.

“Miss Xu… What a coincidence! Are you here for Second Master’s birthday banquet as well? The party isn’t over yet!”

“Ah? I’m not—”

“Are you lost? Let me take you there!”

And so, Xu An’an was led into Villa 1 by Assistant Wang, drawing plenty of attention. After all, no one arrived late to Jiang Li’s birthday banquet, let alone appeared halfway through. People discreetly sized her up.

Not far off, Xu Wanwan was sulking. “Mom, I’m your only daughter. Don’t you want me to have a good life? If I could be with Second Master, you’d have nothing to worry about for the rest of your days!”

Shen Ying looked unwell, her stomach aching terribly. Yet her troublesome daughter kept her from leaving easily. At last, unable to bear the pain, she said, “Wanwan, help me to the lounge.”

When there was no response, Shen Ying turned to find that Xu Wanwan had vanished without a trace.

Xu Wanwan had already spotted Xu An’an and followed her, but was stopped at the staircase.

“Move aside!”

“Apologies, Miss. Second Master has said that guests are to remain in the garden downstairs,” the bodyguard replied.

“Why were others allowed to go up just now? She’s my sister—I have something to discuss with her!” Xu Wanwan had no choice but to admit their relationship.

The bodyguard still refused, telling her to call if she needed anything.

Seeing the imposing man before her, Xu Wanwan dared not force her way through, but she was unwilling to give up—until she spotted Jiang Yu.

“Young Master Jiang!”

“Did my sister come with you? I thought I saw her going upstairs.”

Jiang Yu was taken aback. “Impossible. My uncle forbids anyone from going upstairs—you must be mistaken.” Though he said this, doubt crept into his mind. He thought he had just seen Xu An’an.

“I’ll call her now.”

Upstairs, Xu An’an answered Jiang Yu’s call after a brief hesitation. “What is it?”

Her tone displeased Jiang Yu. “I am your fiancé—can’t I call you without a reason?”

“If you have something to say, say it. I’m too busy to chat.”

“You—” Before he could finish, she hung up.

Jiang Yu stared in disbelief at the disconnected call. Since when did Xu An’an dare speak to him like this?

At that moment, Xu An’an was indeed busy—busy searching for Jiang Li.

“Second Master was just here,” Assistant Wang explained. “He saw you and asked me to fetch you, but now he’s nowhere to be found.”

“With so many people downstairs for his birthday, he must be among them.”

“Impossible. Second Master can’t stand such lively affairs. Every year he just makes a brief appearance for the cake, then disappears.”

“Maybe something came up and he left in a hurry?” Xu An’an thought that sounded exactly like Jiang Li.

“Could it be…” Assistant Wang suddenly had an idea, but quickly dismissed it.

Xu An’an pressed him, “Assistant Wang, if you’ve thought of something, just say it. Otherwise, how are we supposed to look for him? We need at least a direction.”