Dragon King Palace (Also Known As: Urban Affluent Son-in-Law)

The Nangong Family in the economically booming city of Binhai is not considered an aristocratic family, but it can barely squeeze into the ranks of third-tier families.

Tonight, the Nangong Family is bustling with excitement because the family head, Nangong Honghu, is celebrating his sixtieth birthday.

Chinese people place great importance on auspicious numbers, so Nangong Honghu's children have made grand arrangements to celebrate the Old Man's birthday.

The guests arrived early, bringing their birthday gifts and best wishes, warmly welcomed by the Nangong Family.

The birthday banquet proceeded in a lively and festive atmosphere. Nangong Honghu thanked the guests for coming and then asked his children to offer toasts on his behalf.

"Qingcheng, help me in to rest for a bit."

After expressing his courtesy, Nangong Honghu's attention was not on the birthday banquet but turned to his granddaughter and said.

Beside him stood Nangong Qingcheng, known as the future number one beauty of Binhai City, gently supporting her grandfather and asking, "Grandpa, would you like to eat something more?"

"Is there any news about Xiao Feng?" Nangong Honghu asked, ignoring the question.

"Not yet," Nangong Qingcheng shook her head, "The relevant departments have searched all possible locations but still haven't found any trace of him. I've applied to have him included on the missing persons list, and we're searching across the province and even nationwide."

A month ago, Jiang Feng, the family's live-in son-in-law and Nangong Qingcheng's fiancé, mysteriously disappeared, causing quite a stir in circles associated with the Nangong Family.

Of course, the uproar was not about Jiang Feng himself, but about his sensitive identity as the Nangong Family's yet-to-be son-in-law!

As those reveling in misfortune would put it: Heaven has finally opened its eyes!

Nobody knew why Nangong Honghu, known for his sharp discernment throughout his life, was so determined to betroth his most precious granddaughter to Jiang Feng, a homeless stray he picked up years ago.

Jiang Feng was undoubtedly a wastrel, idle and decadent, with no ambition, just waiting to die. He formed a stark contrast with the naturally beautiful Nangong Qingcheng, akin to the difference between cow dung and flowers.

Yet, that toad nearly devoured the swan, having almost secured the position of Nangong Qingcheng's husband, except for not formally registering the marriage with her.

This news made many jealous of Jiang Feng extremely indignant, and upon hearing of his disappearance, they couldn't help but feel elated, almost throwing a party to celebrate.

Nangong Honghu shook his head, saying nothing more as he walked inside. Suddenly, a loud voice called from the entrance: "Young Master Jian, Jian Yu, has come to wish Old Sir Nangong a happy birthday!"

In an instant, the entire lively banquet hall fell silent!

All eyes turned in unison toward the entrance.

There, a young man, chest puffed out, accompanied by an attendant, walked into the banquet hall with a broad smile.

The young man appeared to be about twenty years old, clad in branded clothing, right hand raised high, holding a glowing birthday gift with an ostentatious display of the latest Patek Philippe watch on his wrist, exuding elegance and extraordinary presence.

Although his face carried a smile, careful observation would reveal the innate pride and arrogance emanating from his countenance.

"Is it really Young Master Jian! Why has Young Master Jian come here?"

"As far as I know, the Nangong Family did not invite Young Master Jian today!"

"While the Nangong Family holds a certain reputation in Binhai, it's limited to the middle and lower circles, far from reaching the upper echelons. Why would someone of Young Master Jian's stature come uninvited to wish Old Sir Nangong a happy birthday?"

This question puzzled not only the guests but also surprised Nangong Honghu himself.

Instinctively, he paused in his footsteps, looking toward the unexpected guest alongside Nangong Qingcheng!

"Young Master Jian, I've long heard of your distinguished name and am honored to finally meet you today. I am Huang Youcai, the head of XX Company. It's a pleasure to meet Young Master Jian!"

The guests rose in turn to express goodwill toward Jian Yu. Some even, in the presence of Nangong Family members, fawned over Jian Yu with such sycophancy as if eunuchs meeting their master in ancient times, merely a step away from groveling publicly.

This was because the Jian Family is considered a true noble family in Binhai. Jian Yu's father, Jian Hongsheng, ranks among the top ten wealthiest in Binhai and holds the title of vice president of the Merchant Association, with close ties to Renowned Black Mafia lord Chu Renxiong in private!

Jian Yu, as the only son of Jian Hongsheng and grooming as the future successor, held unlimited possibilities, naturally attracting all forms of obsequiousness and flattery.

Jian Yu thoroughly enjoyed the attention of being the center of the universe, walking proudly through the crowd, eyes looking straight ahead, fully showcasing the aura of a spoiled young master.

"Young Master Jian, you... why are you here?"

By this time, members of the Nangong Family entertaining guests at the main table had also stood up, all appearing incredulous!

Among these second-generation members, Nangong Jinrong took the lead. He is the eldest son of Nangong Honghu as well as Nangong Qingcheng's father.

Seeing Jian Yu arrive uninvited, the whole family was both surprised and flattered. Whether it was Nangong Qingcheng's second uncle, Nangong Jinming, third uncle, Nangong Jinwei, or younger aunt, Nangong Li, they instinctively left the dining table to greet him.

"Uncle Jinrong, all uncles and aunts, I'm here on behalf of my father to wish Grandpa Nangong a happy birthday, this small gift is just a token of respect, wishing the Old Man blessings as vast as the East Sea and longevity akin to the Southern Mountains!"

Jian Yu specially greeted Nangong Jinrong and then smiled broadly as he nodded toward Nangong Honghu standing afar.

"Oh my, thanks so much to President Jian for remembering our old man, please, Young Master Jian, have a seat! Dad, Young Master Jian brings the sentiments of President Jian, our house truly shines brightly today!" Nangong Li warmly invited Jian Yu to sit while excitedly addressing her father.

Nangong Honghu lightly furrowed his brow. He had no connections with Jian Hongsheng and had never interacted throughout his life. Intuition told him that Jian Yu's arrival today was not so simple.

Under the envious gazes of the guests, Nangong Jinrong and others personally escorted Jian Yu to the front of the birthday table, as if entertaining a prince of high status.

"Grandpa Nangong, this is a 20-year-old pure wild Changbai Mountain Ginseng my father personally procured for you through his connections. May you enjoy robust health and longevity upon partaking!" Jian Yu once again wished a happy birthday to Nangong Honghu, with a hint of flattery in his words.

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire birthday banquet was again taken aback!

Those in the know understand that due to current deforestation and soil erosion issues in the country, genuine wild ginseng is exceedingly rare. Not to mention twenty years, even ten-year-old ginseng is a rarity and can fetch a high price.

This twenty-year-old wild ginseng would conservatively be priced over a million, truly demonstrating Jian Hongsheng's generosity!

"President Jian is thoughtful, but this gift is too precious. I can't accept it. Could Young Master Jian kindly take it back? I appreciate the gesture!" Nangong Honghu was now more certain of a possibility: without cause, the shrine should not be entered. He politely refused.

"Dad, this..." Nangong Li looked at her father, puzzled. Who declines a birthday gift face-to-face? Isn't this showing disrespect to Young Master Jian?

Jian Yu's expression changed slightly, but he managed his emotions well and said with a smile, "Grandpa Nangong is too courteous. This gift was specially chosen by my father for you. If I were to take it back as is, wouldn't he break my backside?"

Although his words seemed respectful, they discreetly exerted his father's pressure, implying that Nangong Honghu must accept it, like it or not!

Nangong Honghu furrowed his brows more deeply, thought for a moment, and said, "In that case, I'll accept. When President Jian has a celebration in the future, the Nangong Family will certainly present a generous gift in return!"

"Young Master Jian, please have a seat. I'll immediately arrange clean cutlery for you!" Nangong Jinrong hurriedly invited Jian Yu to sit, fearing inadequacy in hospitality.

"No rush!" Jian Yu smiled faintly, yet his gaze unmistakably fell upon Nangong Qingcheng beside Nangong Honghu, and he said, "Miss Qingcheng, we meet again. Won't you come sit with me?"

Whoosh!!!

Instantly, everyone understood Jian Yu's true intent. The ulterior motive did not lie in the birthday; he came for Nangong Qingcheng!

Indeed, although Nangong Qingcheng was engaged, her yet-to-be husband had been missing for a month, likely met with misfortune. Thus, she became an unattached beauty, and pursuers could finally launch their courtship with legitimacy.

Nangong Jinrong and his wife, Wu Peixia, immediately perceived Jian Yu's intention, quickly urging Nangong Qingcheng, "Qingcheng, didn't you hear Young Master Jian? Go over and sit with him. Young Master Jian is an outstanding talent in our city; you two should interact more for mutual benefit!"

"Auntie exaggerates; Qingcheng's already well-known in our Binhai young generation circle. While still studying, she independently established her company, achieving remarkable results, and is my role model!" Jian Yu seemed pleased with Wu Peixia's attitude, but feigned humility in response.

"Oh! Young Master Jian, you're too humble. That girl's just doing small-scale work, how does that compare to you? Qingcheng, why are you still standing there, not going to accompany Young Master Jian?" Wu Peixia intentionally glared at her daughter.

In such a setting, even speaking phrases like "accompany Young Master Jian" showed how keenly her mother hoped for something to happen between her daughter and Jian Yu, elevating their status.

This way, the entire Jain family would also benefit!

Initially, both Nangong Jinrong and Wu Peixia were unhappy with the Old Man's decision to marry their daughter to Jiang Feng, who seemed to be all about consuming the Nangong Family's resources, even being two years older than Nangong Qingcheng, somewhat like a worthless person merely living off them, unworthy of hindering their daughter's life.

Given such circumstances, Heaven once again seeing clearly and rendering him missing essentially provided Nangong Qingcheng a chance to escape the marriage contract, which they had been dreaming of!

Nangong Qingcheng frowned at her mother, seeing that she almost wanted to immediately push her into Jian Yu's arms. Calmly, yet shockingly, she stated, "Young Master Jian, I have a fiancé and need to avoid suspicion. I apologize, but I cannot comply!"

Wow!!!

With these words, the entire venue was further astir. Nobody expected Nangong Qingcheng to publicly reject Jian Yu and, judging by her tone, it seemed she still, at heart, acknowledged Jiang Feng, was loyal, and maintained her chastity for him!

This was tantamount to publicly slapping Jian Yu in the face!