Chapter 87: The Betrothal Ceremony

When Jiang Yu returned home, it was already past seven in the evening.

The Jiang family compound was ablaze with light. This courtyard had once belonged to a wealthy tycoon during the Republican era. As times changed, the owner sold the deed for a pittance and fled with his family.

It was Jiang Yu's great-grandfather who bought the estate, reportedly for just ten silver dollars.

From then on, the Jiang family took root in Yun City, gradually rising step by step to their present status.

Entering the main hall, Jiang Yu found many gathered for dinner, lively and cheerful. In the past few months, the Jiang family's standing had soared—after several major contracts, they had netted tens of millions.

Compared to half a year ago, their business had multiplied several times over. Now, when they went out, even those who used to look down on them treated them with respect and courtesy.

Grandfather Jiang's face was ruddy, his spirit vigorous.

"Jiang Yu?"

Zheng Xuan called out in surprise.

Everyone turned their heads, only then realizing Jiang Yu had somehow appeared behind them.

Grandfather Jiang smiled. "Sit down and eat."

Jiang Yu smiled back. "Yes, Grandpa."

He said so, but after sitting, he did not reach for his chopsticks, instead watching the others with curiosity. Everyone seemed especially happy tonight. Zheng Xuan in particular wore a sweet smile, her gaze toward Jiang Shaoqi tender and affectionate—could there be good news?

Grandfather Jiang spoke: "Jiang Yu, I heard from your uncles that they ran into you while traveling in Yuzhou. The school also said you took a long leave, haven't attended classes in over two months."

His words carried a hint of reproach.

For most matters, Grandfather Jiang would not inquire, but a student skipping school for a lengthy leave to wander about? On learning of this, he couldn’t simply pretend nothing had happened.

After all, Jiang Yu was his grandson.

Jiang Yu gave a faint smile. "There was something to handle in Yuzhou. I went to take care of it."

Second Aunt immediately sneered, her tone mocking. "What business could a kid like you possibly have? Don’t you know how dangerous it is outside? If something happened to you, your parents would make trouble at home again."

Facing his second aunt, Jiang Yu responded coolly, "What I do is none of your concern."

Second Aunt's face flushed, neck bulging, about to retort when Second Uncle scolded, "Enough, just eat. With so many dishes, can't you keep your mouth busy?"

Second Aunt trembled with anger, muttering, "Ill-mannered brat."

At those words, Jiang Yu's expression grew cold, murderous intent surfacing. He tolerated her for the sake of kinship, but her repeated provocations tried his patience; were she anyone else, Jiang Yu might have long since struck.

Second Uncle spoke earnestly, "Jiang Yu, whatever happens, Second Aunt is your elder. How can you speak so? If we ask, it’s only out of concern."

"Concern? Such hollow concern is not worth having," Jiang Yu snorted.

As the atmosphere threatened to freeze, Grandfather Jiang frowned. "Jiang Yun, say less. If Xiao Yu has turned out this way, shouldn’t you reflect on yourself? While I’m alive, you dare suppress him everywhere. If I die, will you drive him out?"

Jiang Shaoqi quickly smoothed things over. "Grandpa, my father didn’t mean that. Please don’t be angry. Let's talk about tomorrow’s engagement ceremony with Zheng Xuan instead."

Jiang Yu was surprised—no wonder everyone was so cheerful tonight. It turned out Jiang Shaoqi was to be engaged to Zheng Xuan tomorrow. The timing matched the days he'd recalled.

Once the engagement ceremony concluded, it wouldn’t be long before they held the wedding in Jin City.

Jiang Shaoqi spoke with a smile, "Xuan Xuan, have your friends all arrived?"

Zheng Xuan nodded. "They’re here today. I arranged for them at a hotel, so they can join the engagement feast first thing tomorrow."

Jiang Yun nodded, reminding her, "Xuan Xuan, those are all children of Jin City’s elite. Make sure they’re well accommodated, don’t let them feel slighted. I heard Young Master Han from Jin City is here too?"

At his words, the faces around the table shifted.

Jiang Lingxing frowned. "Young Master Han? Han Dishou’s son?"

Zheng Xuan smiled, nodding with pride. "Yes, that's him."

Jiang Yun regarded her gravely—he hadn’t expected her family connections in Jin City to be so formidable, even knowing someone of Han Dishou’s stature. Back in the seventies, Han Dishou became Jin City’s richest man with a fortune of a billion.

So many years had passed, the Han family’s business spanned Jin City and neighboring districts. Han’s assets must now exceed four billion at least.

Though the Jiang family had risen rapidly, they were still decades behind such a colossal dynasty. People like Han Dishou likely wouldn’t even notice them.

"Young Master Han attending our engagement feast brings great honor to the Jiang family," Jiang Shaoqi’s smile deepened.

He and Zheng Xuan were already husband and wife in all but name; this prestige ultimately landed on him. If he could get close with Young Master Han and his circle, Jiang Shaoqi would soon join the ranks of the elite youth.

Zheng Xuan’s parents smiled. "Connections, after all, are just embellishments. What becomes of these two depends on their own efforts. One must forge oneself strong. Without ability, knowing Jin City’s richest man means nothing."

Their words held humility, but everyone could hear the pride beneath.

In truth, tomorrow’s engagement was a contest of connections. Elders had their networks, youth their circles—the more prominent the guests, the greater the honor.

The wedding day would be the main event. The Jiang family, busy expanding, would take the opportunity to invite guests en masse, flaunt their connections, and showcase their strength.

"So soon to be married?" Jiang Yu asked.

Instantly, the smiles on Zheng Xuan’s parents vanished.

Originally, Jiang Yu was Zheng Xuan’s fiancé—now that role belonged to Jiang Shaoqi. And tonight, in his presence, they discussed the engagement.

Zheng Xuan’s father, somewhat guilty, spoke quietly, "Jiang Yu, marriage is a matter of mutual affection. If Xuan Xuan liked you, I wouldn’t oppose the match."

Zheng Xuan’s mother echoed with a smile, "Yes, I hope this won’t affect you too much, Jiang Yu. We truly do owe you."

Her smile was far more insincere than her husband’s.

Jiang Yu took a deep breath, thinking, "Tomorrow’s engagement—my parents likely won’t dare attend. Otherwise, they’d become the laughingstock of Yun City."

He could well imagine how remorseful his parents would be upon hearing the news. Regarding Zheng Xuan’s withdrawal, they’d surely blame themselves entirely.

Zheng Xuan pursed her lips, saying nothing. For some reason, seeing Jiang Yu brought to mind the figure riding the wind and waves at Yujiang.

And on the rooftop of Huating Tower, that electrifying, radiant being.

She shook her head forcefully, willing herself not to daydream.

"Shaoqi, how about you—are your preparations ready?" Zheng Xuan asked offhandedly.

Jiang Shaoqi nodded. "Don’t worry. The Yuan family and Li Hao will send representatives, and the two heiresses of the Xia family will come as well."

The elders' lips curved in satisfaction.

Today, the Jiang family had grown to a stature that even Li Hao must respect.

Having Yun City’s elite send representatives meant recognition of the Jiang family's status.

Everyone knew that for a clan to enter the top tier, their own say meant little; only the acknowledgment of the upper echelon made them truly first-rate.

"Shaoqi, Grandpa bought you a villa as an engagement gift. After you and Xuan Xuan marry, you’ll have homes on both sides."

Zheng Xuan’s mother smiled, "We also bought the two children a Maserati, a token of parental affection."

Together, the gifts were worth millions.

Jiang Lingxing looked displeased, turning to the silent Jiang Ziyue. "Dad, aren’t you being a bit partial?"

Grandfather laughed heartily. "Once Ziyue gets married, I’ll gift her a villa too."

Suddenly, Zheng Xuan looked up at Jiang Yu. "And you? Didn’t you say you’d give me a grand gift on my wedding day? I’m curious—what will it be?"

Everyone chuckled, glancing at Jiang Yu. What grand gift could he possibly give? Surely just empty boasts to save face.

Jiang Yu replied calmly, "You’ll know what the gift is on your wedding day."