Zhou Nanfeng's gaze seemed to pierce Zhou Xue'er's heart. He said calmly, "Xue'er, don't worry. I'll use today's birthday banquet to set things straight. If Gu Chen and his father don't know what's good for them, they can't blame me for showing them no mercy."
As he spoke, a flicker of ruthlessness passed through his eyes, his killing intent laid bare.
Zhou Xue'er nodded gently. "Dad, it's not that I'm worried about anything else. It's just that Gu Chen has been a little strange lately..."
"I've heard. Didn't he just come first in his year?" Zhou Nanfeng smiled contemptuously. "First in his year at Zhou City University amounts to nothing. Even if he were first in the whole country, he still wouldn't be worthy of you! The Gu Family kicked him and his father out long ago, and they hid it from us for half a year. I've already shown them consideration by not making trouble for them!"
"I'll follow your arrangements, Father," Zhou Xue'er replied obediently.
"Everyone here today is a top figure. I'll make sure your birthday banquet is a splendid affair!" Zhou Nanfeng said. "Daughter, it's about time. Let's go downstairs."
"All right!" Zhou Xue'er nodded obediently, her mind at ease.
That was right! Even if Gu Chen really did have some hidden strength, he was only showing off on campus. If he truly wanted to stand against a behemoth like the Zhou Family, he was dreaming the impossible!
In the villa's first-floor hall, the lights suddenly dimmed, and the surroundings fell silent in an instant. Everyone's eyes turned to the gallery staircase as Zhou Xue'er slowly descended on Zhou Nanfeng's arm. She wore a glossy black evening gown with a partially open back and a fishtail hem that reached her knees. An exquisite tasselled, embroidered shawl and glossy black high heels completed the dazzling ensemble. Light spilled over her pure white necklace and reflected off the clear rhinestones on her delicate earlobes, adding even more brilliance.
At twenty, Zhou Xue'er's orange lip gloss and blush lent her a touch of allure. Her already breathtaking looks, combined with her outfit, made her seem like a noble, elegant, charming and lovely princess.
Without a doubt, Zhou Xue'er, resplendent in her finery, instantly became the center of everyone's attention.
On reaching the prepared platform on the first floor, which had been exquisitely decorated, Zhou Nanfeng took a microphone from a servant and announced loudly, "Thank you all for coming to my daughter's birthday banquet. I am deeply honored. Thank you!"
A burst of enthusiastic applause rang out around them.
Just then, a young man stepped forward and said confidently, "Uncle Zhou, I prepared a special birthday gift for Xue'er today. I hope to present it to her on this sacred day."
"Oh? It's Young Master Ji!" Zhou Nanfeng looked at the man and smiled.
The man was Ji Yun, of the Ji Family. Though the Ji Family was not as influential as the Jiang Family in Zhou City, it was not far behind. Ji Yun was also exceptionally outstanding. He had skipped grades several years ago, and now, at twenty-two, he was said to be studying for a master's in finance at Cambridge. He was a rare talent.
Although Zhou Nanfeng had his eye on Jiang Yu and had considered a marriage alliance with the Jiang Family after giving up on Gu Chen, an outstanding young man like Ji Yun was also among those he was considering.
Even if the Ji Family was somewhat in decline now, it might yet rise again in the future.
Thus, Zhou Nanfeng nodded and said, "Since it's a birthday gift, of course I have no reason to refuse. Young Master Ji Yun, please."
Ji Yun wore a suit and had a tall, slender build and handsome features. A rich second-generation heir like him was already conspicuous, and his rising to his feet now drew everyone's attention.
He smiled with refined grace and walked over to the piano at the side. A light then fell on him, and beneath its beam, the surroundings immediately went dark, as though the spot had become a stage.
"Then I'll make a humble attempt and play a piece for Miss Xue'er."
As he spoke, Ji Yun had already sat down on the chair and placed his long, slender fingers gently on the keys.
The piano was called Goldfinch Pianos, a Steinway with five hundred thousand Swarovski crystals inlaid into its body. Designed by the renowned contemporary artist Beike Laolun, this classic, luxurious piano had taken six months to complete in its special fabrication, with every crystal inlaid entirely by hand. It had a net production cost of as much as 525,000 US dollars, and Ji Yun had specially flown it in from Germany for this birthday banquet.
The piano's appearance was eye-catching, and its tone was pure and rich. When soft, it was like winter sunlight, bright and shimmering, warm and tranquil. When cool, it was like steel beads scattered across ice, each note distinct and piercing to the bone. When fierce, it was like the roaring depths of the sea, stirring the heart and shaking the soul. When deep, it was like the dark night, sound seeming almost silent as it spread toward the horizon.
The moment Ji Yun struck the first key, the entire hall fell silent.
The piano sang out melodiously, its notes flowing like a trickling stream before instantly gathering into a beautiful piece of music. It was a famous piano piece for confessing love, "Through the Shade of the Trees." In an instant, vivid images appeared before everyone's eyes: birds, wind, woods, lovers passing hand in hand... This was already a professional-level performance, and everyone was awed by the beautiful music.
When the piece ended, Ji Yun stood and gazed affectionately at Zhou Xue'er. "Zhou Xue'er, you are an angel who fell into the mortal world and lost her way. No gift in this world is worthy of your beauty. So, for this birthday banquet, I specially studied piano for two months. I hope you like it."
Clap clap clap clap!! Clap clap clap clap!! Clap clap clap clap!!
Thunderous applause erupted. The guests clapped, their faces filled with astonishment.
In just two months, he had learned to play the piano so professionally! Ji Yun truly was a genius, a genius without a single flaw in any respect!
And for Zhou Xue'er, he had spent two months preparing so carefully. Such sincere love was truly admirable.
As soon as Ji Yun finished speaking, everyone turned to Zhou Xue'er, waiting for her response.
"Ahem..." Zhou Xue'er gathered her thoughts. "Young Master Ji, thank you for your gift. You played very well. It was beautiful and lyrical. It's just..."
"Just what?" Ji Yun's heart tightened.
"It's just that I prefer classical melodies," Zhou Xue'er said with a light smile. "In that regard, Young Master Gu of the Gu Family is quite accomplished. At the school arts festival before, he amazed everyone with a single piece, and I admired him greatly."
Here it comes!
Everyone's hearts skipped a beat. At that instant, every gaze turned toward Gu Chen and his father!
Of course, they did not believe Zhou Xue'er was praising Gu Chen. She merely wanted to borrow Ji Yun's knife to do the killing!
Everyone knew about the relationship between Zhou Xue'er and Gu Chen, and everyone knew that the Zhou Family now wanted to break off the engagement.
But in truth, nothing had been settled yet!
At that moment, Zhou Xue'er spoke again. "So, Young Master Ji, I don't like your gift very much. If you could be like Young Master Gu, perhaps I would consider it."