Chapter Fifty: An Encounter at the Banquet

"Patriarch Bai, I wonder when the Bai family's wager with me will finally be honored?" Zhao Fan suddenly spoke up, drawing all eyes with the content of his words.

"So it's him."

"He's the one who made the bet with the Bai family."

"Are you saying he's the owner of the Song Shadow Porcelain Listening Wind Vase?"

"Exactly, that's him."

One person after another voiced their surprise, and the sudden commotion drew even more attention. As the stares from all around multiplied, Bai Yongyuan's expression grew uglier. He was no longer at an age where he didn't understand things; the more people watched, the harder it would be for him to wrap things up tonight.

Of course, fundamentally, he was already in a difficult position, but he knew well the difference between being watched by a handful and being watched by a crowd. The latter was far more humiliating.

Compared to Bai Yongyuan's discomfort, Zhao Fan remained utterly composed. No matter whether those present were close to the Bai family or not, as long as he was in the right, the crowd would lean toward him.

"President Wu," Zhao Fan called.

Wu Qingfeng made a sound of acknowledgment. "Not bad," he praised, though only he knew what exactly he was referring to.

Zhao Fan smiled slightly, his gaze settling on Bai Yongyuan. "Patriarch Bai, the timing is perfect. I wonder if tonight we can finally settle our wager?"

Bai Yongyuan forced a smile. "Of course we can."

He had underestimated Zhao Fan, truly believing he wouldn't be able to procure an invitation from the Sun family.

"That's good," Zhao Fan responded with an air of ease, deliberately adding, "To be honest, I've been quite anxious lately. After all, a plot of land worth fifty million falling into my lap is like a pie dropping from the sky—it's hard to believe."

Bai Yongyuan's lips twitched hard. "Is that so?"

"Indeed."

At that moment, Shen Mingfeng raised his hand. "Ah, the young man speaks the truth. Encountering something like this does feel unreal. Come, since it's our first meeting, let me give you a gift."

Zhao Fan was curious. "What gift?"

Shen Mingfeng smiled and gestured. The man who had come with him handed over a document envelope.

"It's nothing important," Shen Mingfeng said nonchalantly, "just something fitting for the occasion."

Zhao Fan's expression grew subtle. Fitting for the occasion—he glanced at Bai Yongyuan across from him and coughed lightly.

Could it be that what Shen Mingfeng had prepared was the property transfer contract?

A second later, Zhao Fan had his answer: Shen Mingfeng had indeed prepared the property transfer contract.

"Don't misunderstand, everyone," Shen Mingfeng announced. "This property transfer contract was actually for my own land purchase. As you all know, I've had my eye on a plot and just finalized negotiations yesterday. I was planning to sign after the banquet tonight. However…"

He stared straight at Bai Yongyuan, pushing the contract toward him. "Someone needs it urgently, so I must yield."

The atmosphere froze instantly.

Zhao Fan's mouth twitched; Shen Mingfeng truly excelled at supporting others—he said whatever he pleased, with no fear of offending Bai Yongyuan.

But from this, it was clear that Shen Mingfeng's influence was no less than the Bai family's. The enemy of my enemy is my friend—perhaps a friendship could be formed.

Bai Yongyuan's face contorted. "Thank you, President Shen."

"Don't mention it. Go ahead, sign the contract before all these witnesses, so there'll be no backtracking later."

Every word from Shen Mingfeng stabbed at Bai Yongyuan's pride, shifting all attention away from Zhao Fan. Now, everyone was focused solely on the two of them.

Zhao Fan thought this was just as well; Shen Mingfeng was absorbing most of the hostility, making it less likely Bai Yongyuan would target him directly.

Bai Yongyuan snorted coldly. "My Bai family is renowned for its integrity. Would we quibble over a mere fifty million? I'll sign."

Looking at the contract, Bai Yongyuan fumed further—it was indeed the very plot of land wagered by the Bai family. Shen Mingfeng had clearly calculated that he wouldn't dare refuse in public, determined to hand the land to Zhao Fan.

Perhaps Zhao Fan's presence here was also connected to Shen Mingfeng.

"Shen Mingfeng, you really are something," he ground out.

"Thank you for the compliment," Shen Mingfeng replied.

Under the watchful eyes of Shen Mingfeng and the others, Zhao Fan and Bai Yongyuan signed the transfer contract. How much pain Bai Yongyuan felt was Zhao Fan's guess, but it didn't concern him.

With a flick of his wrist, Zhao Fan stowed away the contract, ready to leave without a backward glance.

But just then, Wu Qingfeng called him back. "Zhao Fan, stay a moment. I'd like a word."

Zhao Fan paused, turned, and readily agreed. "Of course."

He followed Wu Qingfeng out, leaving behind a room full of people with complex expressions. A few minutes later, the crowd dispersed, leaving only Shen Mingfeng and Bai Yongyuan standing in place.

"Shen Mingfeng, you're finished," Bai Yongyuan gritted out.

Shen Mingfeng burst out laughing. "Then I'll wait and see what you do, President Bai."

Clapping his hands, Shen Mingfeng strode off.

Bai Yongyuan's face twisted for a moment before returning to normal. "Just wait—all of you!"

And thus, the Sun family's engagement banquet came to an end.

In the car, Zhao Fan smiled and thanked Wu Qingfeng. "Thank you for your help today, President Wu."

He could tell that with only Shen Mingfeng, Bai Yongyuan would never have cooperated; the real deterrent was Wu Qingfeng.

"No need to thank me. You have the ability to acquire that land," Wu Qingfeng replied, arms crossed. "I've heard the supermarket that's all the rage in Yang City lately is your doing?"

Zhao Fan admitted, "It is."

"Any plans to expand?"

Zhao Fan was momentarily taken aback—was Wu Qingfeng interested in the supermarket?

"Don't overthink it. Yuanhong Group isn't interested in just a supermarket. I simply think your store could evolve into a new model—it doesn't have to sell only cheap goods."

A new model?

Zhao Fan couldn't help but think of those high-end places in his past life where all the top luxury brands were gathered.

"Do you mean selling luxury goods, President Wu?"

A look of admiration flashed in Wu Qingfeng's eyes. "Exactly. Supermarkets cater to ordinary families, but for the upper class, shopping there would be beneath their status."

How sharp, Zhao Fan thought, lowering his gaze. No wonder Wu Qingfeng was a renowned business magnate in his past life—such acumen was unmatched.

"Does Yuanhong Group want to develop such a place?"

"Yuanhong has its own ventures. I'm just making a suggestion. I didn't expect you to already be thinking along these lines. It seems you have plans for the future?"

Zhao Fan laughed awkwardly. In truth, he didn't have concrete plans yet, but that was his own business—no need to say so aloud.

"I have some ideas, but it will have to be step by step."

"That's the way. Taking steps too large is rarely wise, but that plot from the Bai family will help you a great deal."

A piece of land obtained for nothing—perfect for such an endeavor.

Zhao Fan nodded slightly. "Thank you for the advice, President Wu."

Just then, the driver called out, "Second Master, Mr. Zhao, we've arrived."

Looking outside, Zhao Fan was not surprised to find they were at his doorstep. With Wu Qingfeng's status, it would be easy to find out where he lived.

"Thank you again, President Wu," Zhao Fan said, and with that, he left the car.