Qin Tu Yi, though sixty years of age, bore few wrinkles on his face. His thick black hair made him appear younger, like a vigorous middle-aged man.
With a solemn expression, he didn't spare Zhang Fan a second glance, walking with steady steps directly towards the villa's exit.
Most of the Qin family members were also surprised, considering the old master's attitude towards Zhang Fan. After all, they believed that even though Qin Luoshui was the apple of their eye and exceptionally accomplished, calling her talented and beautiful was no exaggeration.
And judging by Zhang Fan's current achievements, he was a perfect match for Qin Luoshui, a union of equals. Furthermore, judging by Qin Luoshui's demeanor, she clearly liked Zhang Fan, so Qin Old Master should have been pleased.
However, things seemed to be different from what they had imagined.
Qin Junhao, following behind a middle-aged man in a purple suit, cast a sidelong glance at Zhang Fan as he passed. He let out a soft hum, a slight curve of mockery at the corner of his lips.
"Zhengwen, you'll entertain Mr. Zhang for the old master. There are many guests outside, I'll be going out first." Qin Shuming stood up, gave Zhang Fan a polite nod, then said a word to Qin Zhengwen, and followed Qin Old Master out of the villa.
After greeting Zhang Fan, Qin Mo also followed his father out.
As Qin Old Master departed, the Qin family members, both young and old, followed suit. The vast hall was left with only Zhang Fan and a few others.
"Classmate Zhang Fan, I've only heard about you from Uncle Lin before, and now we finally meet." Qin Zhengming, over 1.8 meters tall, stood before Zhang Fan, towering over him by nearly half a head.
Qin Zhengwen, dressed in a well-fitting black suit, had deep, expressive eyes and an elegant demeanor. He looked at Zhang Fan quietly, a faint smile on his face.
"I've also always wanted to meet Luoshui's father, and today my wish has been granted," Zhang Fan replied with a smile, showing no awkwardness of meeting elders for the first time, appearing quite composed.
Li Songlan stood by the side, quietly observing the young man. When she had met him before, his unperturbed demeanor had made her think he was too young and inexperienced.
But now, Li Songlan finally understood why this young man, at such a tender age, possessed such a state of mind. It was simply because he truly had the strength for it.
"Dad, why is Grandpa acting so strange today? He didn't even accept the gift I gave him," Qin Luoshui pouted, slightly displeased.
Qin Zhengwen glanced at Zhang Fan, hesitating to speak, and finally shook his head, saying, "Let's talk about it after the banquet. There are many guests today, and the banquet is about to begin. We should go out first."
"En." Although Qin Luoshui was upset, she knew this was not the time to be petulant. She could only link her arm with Zhang Fan's and obediently follow them out of the villa.
...
The birthday banquet was buffet-style. On a lawn area of the estate, two rows of crystal dining tables were neatly arranged, laden with an abundance of food and drinks. The people in the estate were scattered around, gathered in small groups, discussing topics within their respective fields.
As Qin Tu Yi made his appearance, the numerous guests stopped their idle chatter and focused their gazes on him, awaiting the birthday star's address.
Zhang Fan had no interest in these formalities. He directly pulled Qin Luoshui to a corner, took some pastries, and began to savor them slowly.
Although Qin Tu Yi appeared to have retired and was living a life of leisure, the entire Qin family still operated under his influence.
Despite Qin Zhengming being the current head of the Qin family, he still needed to seek Qin Tu Yi's opinion for any major decisions.
Qin Tu Yi stood at the front of the estate, looking at the many guests. A faint smile graced his fair, sharp features. He had held many such banquets over the years, but this year felt different.
As usual, the opening pleasantries were no different from last year's. Some of the guests below could have mentally recited the speech.
Just as everyone thought the speech was ending, Qin Tu Yi changed his tone and said meaningfully, "Finally, on this special occasion of my sixtieth birthday banquet, I, your old man, intend to announce a joyous occasion for our Qin family."
"Not long ago, the Bai family from the southwest sent a marriage proposal to our Qin family. Our Qin family has accepted the proposal, and from today onwards, the Qin family will officially become in-laws with the Bai family of the southwest..." Qin Tu Yi's voice boomed, echoing throughout the estate.
Upon hearing this news, the guests below were all taken aback. After reacting, they all stepped forward to offer their congratulations.
Even most of the Qin family members standing behind Qin Tu Yi were stunned. They were hearing such important news for the first time today.
"Is my little sister finally getting married?" Qin Shuwen, upon hearing the news, naturally assumed it was her younger sister, Qin Zimo, who was to be betrothed to the Bai family of the southwest.
Most of the guests present also thought so. After all, Qin Zimo was nearing thirty and still unmarried. While the sudden announcement by Qin Old Master seemed abrupt, it was also plausible.
The Bai family of the southwest was a name unfamiliar to most people in Yanjing, even many commoners hadn't heard of this family. Compared to the renowned Qin family of Yanjing, the Bai family of the southwest seemed insignificant.
However, in the upper circles of Yanjing, only a very few knew that the Bai family of the southwest was a powerful family whose strength and heritage were in no way inferior to the Qin family of Yanjing.
The Bai family of the southwest, an ancient family with deeper roots than the Four Great Families, had already grown immensely powerful during the Republic of China era.
Legend had it that the ancestors of the Bai family were masters of the art of Gu in China. During the Japanese invasion of the southwest, their primary target was to eradicate the Bai family, known as the foremost family of the southwest, to instill fear and conquer the region swiftly.
The Japanese army rampaged through the southwest, heading directly for Baijia Village, unstoppable.
Tens of thousands of Japanese soldiers surrounded Baijia Village, issuing a final ultimatum: if they did not disarm and surrender within seven days, the Japanese army would storm Baijia Village and carry out a bloody massacre.
Just as everyone was filled with worry, something unexpected happened.
Hundreds of Japanese soldiers stationed outside Baijia Village were dying mysteriously each day. Upon dissecting the bodies, it was discovered that their hearts were empty.
This was eerily similar to the local legend of the heart-devouring Gu worm. Initially, the Japanese army didn't believe in the existence of Gu worms, but this situation continued for a full week.
Before any battle even commenced, the Japanese army had lost thousands of soldiers. Such a terrifying number so scared the Japanese that they retreated overnight, never daring to set foot on Baijia Village territory again.
Whether this incident is true or not, no one can verify. However, the power of the Bai family is undoubtedly beyond question. In the southwest region, the Bai family's influence is comparable to that of the Four Great Families in Yanjing.
"I just wonder which member of the Bai family it is?"
Just as everyone was pondering this question, Qin Tu Yi spoke again.
"Heh, thank you all for your blessings. We also hope that everyone can attend the engagement banquet of our Luoshui with 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?"
A single stone stirred a thousand waves. All the guests widened their eyes, utterly surprised. They never imagined that the alliance Qin Tu Yi spoke of would be between Qin Luoshui and the eldest young master of the Bai family!