Qin Tuyi, though sixty years of age, bore remarkably few wrinkles on his face. His thick black hair made him appear younger, like a robust middle-aged man.
His expression was solemn, and without sparing Zhang Fan more than a glance, he walked with steady steps directly out of the villa.
Most of the Qin family members were also surprised, considering the elder’s attitude towards Zhang Fan. After all, they believed that even though Qin Luoshui was the apple of their family's eye and exceptionally talented, she was already outstanding, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call her both beautiful and intelligent.
Given Zhang Fan's current achievements, he was undoubtedly a suitable match for Qin Luoshui, making it a perfectly matched union. And judging by Qin Luoshui's demeanor, she seemed to like Zhang Fan, so Qin老爷子 should have been pleased.
However, it seemed things were not as they had imagined.
Qin Junhao, following closely behind a middle-aged man in a purple robe, cast a sidelong glance at Zhang Fan as he passed, a soft snort escaping his lips. A slight smirk played on his mouth, as if in mockery.
"Zhengwen, please entertain Mr. Zhang on behalf of the elder. There are many guests outside, so I will head out first." Qin Shuming stood up, gave Zhang Fan a polite nod, then said a word to Qin Zhengwen before following Qin老爷子 towards the villa's exit.
Qin Mo also exchanged a greeting with Zhang Fan before following his father out.
As Qin老爷子 departed, the Qin family members followed suit, leaving Zhang Fan and a few others alone in the vast hall.
"Classmate Zhang Fan, I had only heard of you through Uncle Lin before. It's a pleasure to finally meet you today." Qin Zhengwen, who was over six feet tall, stood before Zhang Fan, his head a good half-head taller.
Qin Zhengwen was dressed in a well-fitting black suit. His eyes were deep, and his demeanor was elegant. He looked at Zhang Fan with a faint smile.
"I've also always wanted to meet Luoshui's father. Today, my wish has been granted," Zhang Fan replied with a smile, appearing calm and unperturbed by meeting an elder for the first time.
Li Songlan stood by, observing the young man quietly. When she had first met him, she thought his composed demeanor was simply a result of his youth and inexperience.
But now, Li Songlan finally understood why this young man possessed such composure at such a tender age; it was because he truly had the capability to back it up.
"Dad, why is Grandpa acting so strangely today? He didn't even accept the gift I gave him," Qin Luoshui pouted, clearly displeased.
Qin Zhengwen glanced at Zhang Fan, hesitated, and finally shook his head. "Let's discuss it after the banquet. There are many guests today, and the banquet will begin shortly. We should head out."
"Okay." Although Qin Luoshui was upset, she knew this was not the time to be sulky. She could only link her arm with Zhang Fan's and obediently follow them out of the villa.
…
The birthday banquet was a buffet-style affair. On a lawn area of the estate, two neat rows of crystal dining tables were set up, laden with a lavish spread of food and drinks. Guests milled about the estate in small groups, engaged in conversations related to their respective fields.
As Qin Tuyi made his appearance, many of the guests ceased their chatter and turned their attention to him, awaiting the birthday celebrant's address.
Zhang Fan, uninterested in such formalities, directly pulled Qin Luoshui to a corner, took some pastries, and began to savor them slowly.
Although Qin Tuyi appeared to have retired and was living a life of leisure, the entire Qin family still operated under his influence.
Even though Qin Zhengming was the current head of the Qin family, he still needed to seek Qin Tuyi's opinion before making any major decisions.
Qin Tuyi stood at the front of the estate, looking at the assembled guests. A faint smile graced his fair, sharp features. He had hosted many such banquets over the years, but this one felt different.
As usual, the opening pleasantries were identical to those of the previous year, and many guests could have mentally recited them.
Just as everyone thought the speech was concluding, Qin Tuyi's tone shifted. With a meaningful expression, he announced, "Finally, on this special occasion of my sixtieth birthday, I, this old man, intend to announce a joyous event for our Qin family."
"Not long ago, the Bai family from the Southwest formally proposed to our Qin family, and we have accepted. From this day forward, the Qin family and the Bai family of the Southwest will officially become in-laws..." Qin Tuyi's voice boomed throughout the estate.
Upon hearing this news, the assembled guests were taken aback. Once they processed the information, they rushed forward to offer their congratulations.
Even most of the Qin family members standing behind Qin Tuyi were stunned; they were only hearing this crucial news for the first time today.
"Is my little sister finally getting married?" Qin Shuwen, upon hearing the news, naturally assumed that her younger sister, Qin Zimo, was the one to be married into the Bai family of the Southwest.
Most of the guests also shared this belief. After all, Qin Zimo was nearing thirty and still unmarried, so the sudden announcement from Qin老爷子, while abrupt, seemed logical.
The Bai family of the Southwest was unfamiliar to most in Yan Jing. Many ordinary people hadn't even heard of them, and in their eyes, the Bai family paled in comparison to the prestigious Qin family of Yan Jing.
However, in Yan Jing's upper circles, only a select few knew that the Bai family of the Southwest was a formidable power whose strength and heritage were in no way inferior to the Qin family of Yan Jing.
The Bai family of the Southwest was an ancient lineage, even more deeply rooted than the four major families. During the Republican era, this family had already achieved immense growth.
Legend had it that the ancestors of the Bai family were masters of the art of Gu in China. When the Japanese army invaded the Southwest, their primary target was to eliminate the Bai family, known as the foremost family of the Southwest, to intimidate the region and swiftly conquer it.
The Japanese army rampaged through the Southwest, directly attacking Baijia Village, seemingly unstoppable.
Tens of thousands of Japanese soldiers surrounded Baijia Village, issuing a final ultimatum: if they did not surrender within seven days, the Japanese army would storm the village and carry out a brutal massacre.
As everyone worried, something unexpected occurred.
Every day, hundreds of Japanese soldiers stationed outside Baijia Village died under mysterious circumstances. Autopsies revealed that the hearts of these deceased soldiers were completely empty.
This bore a striking resemblance to the local legend of the heart-devouring Gu worms. Initially, the Japanese army refused to believe in the existence of Gu worms, but this situation persisted for a full week.
Without engaging in battle, the Japanese army lost several thousand soldiers. Such a terrifying number sent the Japanese forces into a panicked retreat that very night, and they never dared to set foot on Baijia Village territory again.
Whether this story is true or not, no one can verify, but the power of the Bai family is undeniable. In the Southwest, the Bai family's influence was comparable to that of the four major families in Yan Jing.
"I wonder which member of the Bai family it is?"
Just as the guests were pondering this, Qin Tuyi spoke again.
"Heh, thank you all for your blessings. I also hope that everyone can attend the engagement banquet between our Luoshui and the Bai family's young master, Bai Tianyi."
*Clink!*
Upon hearing this, countless pieces of glass shattered on the stone floor.
"Qin Luoshui and Bai Tianyi?"
"Has Old Man Qin gone mad?"
This announcement sent ripples through the crowd. The guests' eyes widened in disbelief, utterly astonished that Qin Tuyi's announced marriage alliance involved Qin Luoshui and the eldest young master of the Bai family!