The Imperial Palace banquet hall was resplendent, its grandeur and luxury beyond compare.
A massive crystal chandelier cast a soft glow, while the melodious strains of court music echoed through the hall.
As soon as they entered, Xiao Hongchen, a pillar of the Hongchen Family's younger generation, had no choice but to take on his duties. He couldn't just sit back and relax like Gu Yuejin.
He straightened the collar of his silver-gray suit. Though he looked thoroughly unwilling, the noble upbringing etched into his bones let him switch instantly into "social mode."
"Yuhao, stick close to me."
Xiao Hongchen grabbed Huo Yuhao, who had been about to duck behind Gu Yuejin, and lowered his voice.
"Don't just stand there like an idiot. Come meet some people and broaden your horizons. Everyone here tonight is a powerful second-generation figure in the empire. You'll benefit from getting to know a few of them."
"But..." Huo Yuhao hesitated.
"But what?"
Xiao Hongchen raised an eyebrow, his trademark haughty attitude surfacing again. He let out a disdainful snort, his eyes darting away.
"Hmph, don't get the wrong idea. I'm only worried that your country-bumpkin act will embarrass the Hongchen Family! And besides... I'll show you how much influence I have in these social circles!"
That was Xiao Hongchen: a classic case of someone whose bark was worse than his bite.
He clearly wanted to help Huo Yuhao get ahead. He was using the Hongchen Family's influence to pave the way for this genius from a common background, helping him make a name for himself among Mingdu's nobility so things would be easier for him later.
Yet he insisted on putting on an arrogant front, as if he were doing it "for the sake of the family's reputation."
Watching Xiao Hongchen drag Huo Yuhao