Zhou Xue'er's words left Ji Yun's face looking very ugly.
For the sake of his family's interests, after learning that the Zhou Family intended to break off the engagement with the Gu Family, he had no choice but to pursue the Zhou Family's young lady.
Even if that meant offending the powerful Jiang Family, he would not shrink from it.
Ji Yun's heart was full of helplessness.
For this birthday banquet, he had been considering what gift would win Zhou Xue'er's heart. Later, he realized that given her status, an ordinary gift could never move her. What fine things had she not seen? Whether it was noble diamonds and crystals or commonplace jewelry and gold, none of it would mean anything.
So he contacted a world-class French piano master and underwent two full months of one-on-one training, finally reaching a professional level. He had also gone out of his way to airfreight this one-of-a-kind piano here, hoping to give Zhou Xue'er a huge surprise.
Unfortunately, Zhou Xue'er did not appreciate it.
Ji Yun took a deep breath. Under countless gazes, he forced a smile and said, "Miss Zhou, if you like traditional music, that's no problem either. I can learn the guzheng, the seven-stringed zither, the pipa, and the reed pipe."
"Young Master Ji, today is my birthday. I thank you for your piano piece, but I don't need you to go out of your way to learn," Zhou Xue'er said, her voice cool and firm.
Unwilling to give up, Ji Yun argued heatedly, "Huaxia's traditional music has become as scarce as stars in the sky and is no longer mainstream. Piano music is what's popular internationally. For you, I can learn it. It's no trouble at all."
Anger was already stirring in Zhou Xue'er's heart. Why is Ji Yun so persistent?
She gave Ji Yun a cold look and said, "Young Master Ji, everyone has their own interests. Your liking the piano is your business, and my liking traditional music is mine. You're no one special to me, so why would I want you to learn it?"
Though Ji Yun was infatuated with Zhou Xue'er, being rejected by her in front of everyone made him angry too.
"Miss Zhou, tell me, what exactly do you want me to do? You say you don't like piano music, but you're only using traditional music as an excuse to reject me! Who can even play traditional music anymore? It's practically a lost art."
"Just because you can't doesn't mean no one else can," Zhou Xue'er said.
Ji Yun looked around, suppressing his anger as he called out, "Everyone here, who can play traditional music? Please come forward and play a piece for Miss Zhou. I, Ji Yun, will reward you handsomely!"
The guests looked at one another, but no one dared step forward at a time like this. Even those who could play would never admit it now. Ji Yun was clearly angry, and even those who did not fear the Ji Family would not offend him at this moment.
His gaze deliberately swept over Gu Chen and his father in the corner of the room, carrying both a threat and a warning.
Gu Chen was expressionless, but Ji Yun's gaze angered his father, Gu Beichi. Gu Chen, however, chose to remain silent. He seemed to be waiting for something.
Ji Yun smiled smugly, then spread his hands and said, "See? No one here can play traditional music. Not even the Young Master Gu you admire!"
Seeing that Gu Chen had not stepped forward, Zhou Xue'er felt a little disappointed. She gave Ji Yun an indifferent look and said, "Young Master Ji, I don't want to discuss this with you anymore."
"Well, Young Master Ji, let's leave it at that for today." As the host, Zhou Nanfeng did not want to make things too awkward. He interrupted their argument and said, "Thank you both for your affection for my daughter. But let's not discuss these matters today. If you have any interests or hobbies, you can discuss them in private."
Though Ji Yun was unwilling to let it go, he could not very well make any more of a scene. He could only hold back his anger and bow slightly. "All right, I'll listen to you, Uncle Zhou."
Next came the presentation of the birthday gifts.
This was an essential part of a banquet among wealthy families. Guests naturally had to bring gifts for the birthday celebrant. The more valuable the gift, the more face both the host and the giver gained. After Ji Yun had started things off, the others began presenting their gifts as well.
"The Xiangrui Group presents a pair of jade qilin."
"The City Sunshine Group presents an eight-piece set of rare deep-sea blood coral."
"The Su Family presents a premium Plum Garden limited-edition sports car."
Servants announced the gifts in a steady succession of calls. For people of their standing, giving money and the like seemed far too shabby and low-class. Only rare and superior items could catch people's eyes.
Just then, however, a loud shout rang out, echoing through the entire hall.
"Gu Chen of the Gu Family presents a guzheng performance!"
An uproar!
The moment those words were spoken, the surroundings fell silent. An eerie hush descended over the entire hall; a needle could have been heard dropping!
Everyone looked toward the voice and saw Gu Chen slowly step forward.
Gu Beichi looked somewhat taken aback. Gu Chen had not told him what he intended to do. Zhou Nanfeng's brows also drew together slightly as he stared coldly at Gu Chen.
As for Zhou Xue'er, her eyes flickered. She, too, seemed not to have expected Gu Chen to step forward at this moment.
Under everyone's gazes, however, Gu Chen remained perfectly composed.
Ji Yun now looked at Gu Chen, his voice thick with killing intent. He sneered and said, "Young Master Gu, today's birthday banquet isn't something you can meddle in as you please. This is none of your business. If you want to play to the crowd, find the right place for it!"
Gu Chen smiled faintly and looked at Ji Yun with a cold gaze. "Zhou Xue'er is still my fiancée. What's wrong with me presenting a piece to my fiancée?"
Ji Yun sneered. "Your fiancée? How ridiculous! Everyone in Zhou City knows you're a stray dog driven out of the Gu Family. Do you think your current status makes you worthy of the Zhou Family?"
"Whether I'm worthy or not isn't for you to decide." Gu Chen's expression remained cold. He looked at Zhou Nanfeng and said, "Uncle Zhou, this man is bullying me at your banquet. Shouldn't you stand up for me a little?"
Zhou Nanfeng's expression shifted. Though he had a plan in mind, seeing that Gu Chen wanted to show off, he decided to help him along. He said, "Young Master Ji, you mustn't speak carelessly. My daughter is still engaged to Young Master Gu."
Ji Yun was utterly unafraid. He sneered and said, "Even so, I already asked just now, and no one here could play traditional music. Isn't Young Master Gu stepping out to show off at this moment a slap in my face?"
By then, a servant had already come over carrying a guzheng. Gu Chen said mildly, "Just put it on top of that piano."
Ji Yun said angrily, "What do you mean by that?"
Gu Chen grinned and said, "Didn't you just say it yourself, Young Master Ji? I'm slapping your face!"