Chapter Fifty-Seven: The Lavish Banquet

Master Huo’s birthday celebration drew extravagant gifts from every family, filling the entire collection room to the brim. The midday banquet was nothing more than a lavish gathering for old friends, a sumptuous feast laid out for three consecutive days. Huo’s household had scoured the globe for top-tier chefs, and every dish was a masterpiece worth a king’s ransom. Yet it was the evening banquet that truly brought together the elite—a grand business affair glittering with luxury and influence, a public testament to the Huo family’s status as a dynasty of immense wealth.

Fireworks of opulence blazed endlessly above the estate, dazzling lights illuminating an ancient manor transformed with modern elegance, shining like a carefully adorned crystal tower—brilliant and resplendent. This was the Huo family’s legendary social venue: Phoenix Tail Flame.

Only here could the world’s most extravagant cars come and go freely. Phoenix Tail Flame was the sole Western-style modern building within the Huo estate, boasting a private underground passage to the outside world. Even the most seasoned members of high society, upon witnessing just this glimpse of Huo’s grandeur, abandoned all thought of prying further. Without centuries of heritage and amassed power, any display of nobility or affluence seemed mere posturing—clowns before a true dynasty. Though the area before Phoenix Tail Flame was lively and the guests moved as they pleased, the estate’s heavily secured facilities ensured that only the select few could enter the inner sanctum.

Inside, the banquet hall was divided into three main salons, but only the most esteemed guests, those the Huo family genuinely respected, were invited to the third-floor VIP hall. Though this space lacked the grand scale of the lower floors, its exquisite décor, priceless murals, and invaluable antiques spoke volumes of the Huo family’s sincerity and meticulous hospitality. There was no ostentation of abalone and shark fin; instead, refined French cuisine, authentic delicacies from around the world, and rare vintage wines ensured every guest on the third floor felt utterly content.

Melodious classical music swept away all worries, while lighthearted steps and intimate conversations filled the air with warmth. Huo Lingtian cast off his usual somber attire, donning a white, aristocratic suit that lent his already striking features a youthful brilliance. He seemed a nobleman stepping out of a medieval court, exuding a magnetic charm with every gesture. The world’s magnates, seeing this vigorous young heir, could not help but envy him, let alone the noble ladies whose elegant finery was meant only to catch a single glance from Huo Lingtian.

For today’s banquet, Wu Yuxin had spared no expense, ordering a dazzling, gem-encrusted white mermaid gown from Paris. Her fine figure, accentuated by the dress, was both full and graceful, her skin luminous and flawless. The blood-red ruby at her throat added an air of unmatched nobility. Guiding her grandfather into the hall, Wu Yuxin drew every gaze, becoming the center of attention. The jealousy in the eyes of the other heiresses and the longing in the men’s only made her feel all the more buoyant. Even Wu Tianxiong, usually critical of extravagance, could only approve of his granddaughter’s appearance tonight.

But as her crystal heels touched the third-floor hall, Wu Yuxin’s confident smile froze in an instant. Her attire was indeed stunning, outshining every other woman present. Yet she had made a critical mistake—Huo Lingtian, unexpectedly, had also chosen to wear white, departing from his usual style. His suit, pristine and noble, mirrored her own luminous gown, so that standing together they seemed almost in matching attire. Instead of complementing him, she felt their pairing lacked gravitas, and any illusion of a perfect, harmonious couple was lost.

Wu Yuxin forced a smile, but the way she clutched her handbag betrayed her inner turmoil.

“Yuxin, you’re here! Come in,” called Master Huo, beckoning his future granddaughter-in-law. He looked upon her with a grandfather’s affection for a girl he had watched grow up.

“Grandpa Huo…” Wu Yuxin pouted a little, seeking comfort.

Every guest on the third floor was a world-renowned tycoon or a figure of immense power. Even Wu Tianxiong felt uneasy among such a gathering. He recognized the man chatting with Huo Lingtian as a leader of the European underworld, and the one beside him seemed to be a high-ranking government official. The familiar faces all around filled Wu Tianxiong with awe, deepening his understanding of the man before him.

“Mr. Huo, you’ve been cutting into my business in Europe. Since it’s your grandfather’s birthday, at least give us a little breathing room,” said a burly European, raising his glass in an attempt at appeasement. Only a month ago, he’d somehow offended this formidable young Huo, and his European enterprises had suffered ever since. Without delay, he rushed to the celebration to make amends.

“Enough, enough. I’ll have Yan Dong handle it. By the way, Grandfather is very fond of that late-Song Dynasty calligraphy,” Huo Lingtian replied, swirling his wine without a care. To outsiders, it was merely friendly conversation, but beneath the surface, the implications were extraordinary.

“Ha, then I must thank you, Mr. Huo.” Their eyes met and their glasses clinked, full of unspoken understanding. Though Huo Lingtian’s reputation was fierce and domineering, those who showed him respect received it in kind; he was not merciless without cause. His loyalty and magnanimity were widely praised in their world.

The gentle hum of conversation was soon overtaken by the vibrant strains of music. Traditionally, Master Huo would open the first dance of the night, but age had caught up with him. Instead, his grandson—the Huo family’s heir—would take his place, and his partner had been chosen long ago: Wu Yuxin.

Huo Lingtian’s brow arched, his expression unreadable. The mafia boss beside him, sensing the shift in atmosphere, quietly excused himself, wanting no part in any potential storm.

“Go on,” Master Huo said, placing Wu Yuxin’s shy hand in front of Huo Lingtian, all but forcing his grandson to take her to the floor.

Though Huo Lingtian’s outward expression remained calm, his presence alone commanded the room. After a moment’s pause, he finally took Wu Yuxin’s hand and led her into the dance.

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