Unsurprisingly, upon hearing Shen Haolin's words, Fu Yanting's hand, which had been tapping on the files, paused. A subtle, almost imperceptible smile played on his lips. Then, he spoke, "Continue."
Shen Haolin nodded and went on, "For years, the second branch has been quiet. This was because the second wife was involved in an extramarital affair with Qiao Yunlong. Now that the Qiao family has fallen on hard times and she has no backing, coupled with Miss Yan's maternal grandfather being from the Yao family in the capital and her paternal grandfather being from the He family in Yancheng, if the second branch were to insist on vying for the family fortune with the CEO, their chances would be slim. Hence, they've turned their attention to the Meng family."
Fu Yanting didn't seem surprised by Shen Haolin's account.
"CEO, what are your plans now?"
"The Shangguan family is hosting a banquet recently. Arrange for me to attend."
Shen Haolin looked at Fu Yanting, puzzled. Didn't the CEO always detest such events? Why the sudden change of heart? And of all people, the Shangguan family's banquet. Although the Fu and Shangguan families had no particular grievances, Shangguan Wan'er was engaged to Tang Jin, and Tang Jin was a friend of the CEO. Honestly, Shen Haolin couldn't quite grasp the CEO's strategy.
Seeing Shen Haolin standing there motionless, Fu Yanting looked up and asked indifferently, "Are there any other issues?"
Shen Haolin dared not have any more questions and quickly withdrew from the office.
Fu Yanting's thoughts turned to Yan Xi. He wondered where she was. He called her phone, but it was unreachable. This only heightened his concern. However, there was still no news from Xin Yi, and Fu Yanting was uncertain if Yan Xi had been taken by Han Mingxuan. The current plan wasn't yet solid, and Fu Yanting didn't dare to confront Han Mingxuan rashly. What if Yan Xi was truly in Han Mingxuan's hands, and Han Mingxuan, displeased with Fu Yanting, took his anger out on Yan Xi? Yan Xi must not be harmed; she was innocent. The thought made Fu Yanting feel even more enraged. He worried about Yan Xi, yet all he could do was sit there, anxiously waiting.
The Shangguan family banquet was less a banquet and more a show of wealth. Those with means flaunted their riches, while those from less affluent backgrounds attended to network. Therefore, Fu Yanting had no interest in such gatherings. If it weren't for Yan Xi's situation and the need to seek help from the Shangguan family, he would certainly not have attended.
Upon Fu Yanting's arrival, many were busy networking. Seeing his car pull up, they hastily put down their wine glasses and rushed to curry favor with him. Fu Yanting, not interested in such occasions, had to give the Shangguan family face, regardless of his feelings. He cast a cursory glance at the throng, ignoring them. But these people, having finally spotted Fu Yanting, weren't about to let such an opportunity slip away. They pursued him, hoping to discuss business collaborations. Failing that, perhaps Fu Yanting could put in a good word with his associates, the CEOs of major corporations.
Fu Yanting was already worried about Yan Xi and quite distracted. The persistent attention from these individuals only served to agitate him further. He couldn't help but frown. Although he remained silent, his displeasure was evident in his eyes. Fu Yanting then spoke indifferently, calling out, "Shen Haolin."
Shen Haolin quickly stepped forward and, understanding Fu Yanting's unspoken request through his gaze, guided the persistent individuals aside. With a temporary reprieve, Fu Yanting went in search of Old Master Shangguan.
Tang Jin, upon hearing that Fu Yanting, who never attended banquets, was actually attending the Shangguan family's event, was astonished. He called Fu Yanting and asked, "Yanting, you know I've already broken off my engagement with Shangguan Wan'er."
"Tang Jin, I don't have time for this now. Yan Xi is missing."
Tang Jin, being the astute person he was, quickly understood why Fu Yanting was at the Shangguan family's banquet. The Shangguan family originated from the underworld, only venturing into business in recent years to legitimize themselves. Even with their commercial pursuits, their influence in the shadows had not diminished; it had only grown stronger, to the point where they could not be ignored. Fu Yanting was here to enlist the Shangguan family's help in finding Yan Xi.
Tang Jin patted his chest and declared, "Yanting, for a brother, I'd go through fire and water." Fu Yanting was confused by Tang Jin's words, unsure of his intentions.
After speaking, Tang Jin drove to the Shangguan residence. On the way, he called Shangguan Wan'er. Shangguan Wan'er had always been fond of Tang Jin, but she also had her pride and dignity. After years of unrequited pursuit, she would eventually tire. Therefore, no matter how much she liked him, she had agreed when Tang Jin proposed to break off the engagement. However, Shangguan Wan'er hadn't expected Tang Jin to call her so proactively. Receiving his call, she felt flattered. Shangguan Wan'er tentatively asked, "Brother Tang Jin?"
"Are you home?" Tang Jin's voice was soft, betraying no emotion. Shangguan Wan'er hummed in reply. Tang Jin then hung up. Shangguan Wan'er was unsure of Tang Jin's intentions. Although their engagement was broken, her family didn't know yet. As long as her family remained unaware, she still held a sliver of hope. Thus, Shangguan Wan'er had been treading carefully, and she dared not probe Tang Jin about his attitude.
Ten minutes later, Tang Jin's limited edition supercar pulled up at the entrance of the Shangguan residence, creating a stir. After all, the engagement between the Shangguan and Tang families was common knowledge. However, with Tang Jin's constant gossip headlines, the onlookers were intensely curious about their union, especially considering the Shangguan family was not to be trifled with.
Tang Jin entered the banquet and went directly to find Shangguan Wan'er. When Shangguan Wan'er saw Tang Jin dressed in a suit and tie, her gaze was captivated. In private, Tang Jin preferred sportswear. This was the first time Shangguan Wan'er had seen him dressed so formally. She stared at him and asked, "Brother Tang Jin, why are you here?"
"Is your grandfather in his room?" Tang Jin countered her question with another. Shangguan Wan'er's heart tightened. For such an important banquet, could Brother Tang Jin be here to personally speak with her grandfather about canceling the engagement? After loving Tang Jin for so many years, was it truly going to end?