Chapter 424: Eagle and Prey

Before Old Man Tang could say anything, Shen Qui suddenly chuckled. "General Li, the gift is dangerous to strangers. It is specifically made for Grandfather."

"Dangerous?"

When the people surrounding them heard his words, they became even more curious.

"What could be something so dangerous that could harm other people?"

"It will explode if expose to… other people's… smell." Shen Qui lied without batting an eyelid. This is just the security feature of the thing that we gifted grandfather."

"Security feature? I've never heard of that."

"Well… that's it. You already heard it. The gift is not safe for other people to see." Old Man Tang smiled. "If you really want… you can accompany me when I open it. Of course… whatever happens to you is not going to be my problem. Hahaha…."

General Li eyed another man at the corner of his eyes before he let out a deep, heartful laughter. "Old Man Tang… we used to work before. Why would you want to hurt me?"

Old Man Tang just continued laughing before the butler approached him and whispered to his ears. "Chu Family?" He looked at Lyca and Shen Qui.

"Yes, Master. Mr. Chu Munan and Chu Nan are here," the butler continued. "Also… someone from the Shen Family from the Capital also arrived."

Old Man Tang lifted an eyebrow. "Then… let them in."

"Old Man Tang, it seems that your old bones are getting more popular these days, ah." One of the men surrounding them said. "The Chu and Shen Family? Those people don't just attend birthdays of retired General like us."

"Ah… please excuse me. I will go and welcome the new visitors." He turned towards Shen Qui then he realized that Lyca was no longer standing by his side. "I— "

"Uncle Wai and Uncle Second are already coming here to help you entertain the new guests." Shen Qui smiled at the old man before excusing himself too. In the first place, he wasn't a Tang. It would be awkward if he accompanied the old man in welcoming those people. Even Lyca, who was clearly a Tang, is already gone, hiding somewhere with food.

He looked at the people who just arrived. Aside from Chu Nan and Chu Munan, who brought Cleo and Rue as their partners, there was also another woman. This should be the representative from the Shen Family.

As if sensing his gaze, the woman turned towards Shen Qui and smiled. Shen Qui just nodded and turned his head away. The woman's name was Shen Jiao. Jiao meant tender and beautiful, and this woman really looked like one. However… behind all the smiles was actually a very ruthless woman.

Shen Jiao is the person that the Shen Family sent every time they try to close a deal. And this woman would always close the deal… no matter what it was.

She was also the eldest granddaughter of Shen Duyi— the current patriarch of the Shen Family.

After a quick scan, Shen Qui finally found Lyca selecting food from the banquet table. Despite all the people walking his way to greet him, Shen Qui approached Lyca and held the plate in her hand. Then, he stood by her side as she chose various food for their dinner.

"The Shen Family arrived." Shen Qui said in a low voice. "Just as you anticipated."

Lyca nodded. "The Eldest?"

"Yes."

Again, she nodded. It seems that the Shen Family also wanted to have the deal with her? Lyca chuckled inwardly. The Shen and Xu's were obviously rich— not as rich as the Chu, but they are pretty powerful because they have their own family armies. Rumor has it that the Shen and the Xu's were actually wealthier than that Chu Family. It just that they have a lot of undeclared assets and some money that was hidden abroad. They are also trying to evade paying the proper taxes.

"Alright… I need another plate." Lyca said and handed him another plate. Without saying anything, Lyca started putting various food on the plate. After a few minutes, Lyca and Shen Qui found a table located far from the stage.

They knew that people would try to approach them, but this night is not their night but Old Man Tang's. Plus, having all the attention was tiring for Lyca. Who would want to talk to people she doesn't even know?

"I am looking for you guys!" Cleo said the moment she walked towards them. Rue followed behind her. "That damn Chu Nan forced me to come here." Before Lyca could ask, Cleo already explained. "He said… it would be good to pretend that I am his girlfriend to fend off women who wanted to marry him." She rolled her eyes. "As if… Women who would want to marry him are either blind or stupid."

"Then… are you stupid?" Lyca suddenly asked.

"Huh?"

Rue burst out into a puddle, a puddle of laughter. She stood next to Cleo and poked her temple. "She is definitely stupid."

Seeing Cleo's confused look, Lyca shrugged and started peeling shrimps for Shen Qui.

"Chu Munan said… someone from the Xu will come," Rue said. "Probably that Xu Jihan. Aside from that, some businessmen from abroad decided to come to give their gifts too. They came without invitations." Rue stared at Lyca. "Obviously, they are here to build connections."

"Then… they should be disappointed. We are here to eat, not talk about business." Shen Qui answered. Lyca was too busy eating and peeling shrimps. She didn't have the time to talk right now.

Their attention soon turned towards another presentation on the stage. It was another group of women wearing red sexy clothing as they danced for the crowd. "Isn't that your cousin?" Rue asked. "Mei? Tang Mei?"

"Tang Fangmei," Lyca said as she nodded in approval. Who would have thought that her cousin could dance so well? She stared at her cousin, who was only looking at her left as if…

Lyca followed her cousin's gaze, and just as she expected, Xu Jihan was there drinking some wine with a few men. Lyca quickly lowered her head. It seems that she was right after all. Xu Ke was indeed here. He was standing next to Xu Jihan while staring at her, like an eagle gazing at its prey.

But then again... one would wonder. Who is the eagle? And who is the prey?

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