Chapter 125: Losing More Than You Gain in a Failed Scheme

All the guests who had gathered around greeted Pan Yixuan warmly, offering their congratulations and polite well-wishes.

“Young Master Pan, you are far too modest.”

“Today is your birthday. I humbly wish you a very happy birthday!”

“Happy birthday, Young Master Pan!”

Seeing so many people flattering him, a proud smile spread across Pan Yixuan’s face.

Then, pointing at Jiang Hao and Su Qingli, he said, “Everyone, let me introduce you. This is Jiang Hao, the infamous son-in-law of the Su family here in Maple Leaf City! And standing beside him is Su Qingli, the Su family's daughter who has severed all ties with them! Having them attend my birthday banquet truly adds to my prestige!”

Pan Yixuan said this deliberately, as it thrust Jiang Hao and Su Qingli into the spotlight, placing them right at the center of attention and controversy.

Suddenly, Jiang Hao and Su Qingli became the focus of everyone’s gaze in the room.

The guests sized them up from head to toe, and soon someone snickered.

“Haha, it’s just the Su family’s son-in-law. I was wondering who it was!”

A portly middle-aged man sneered.

Then, a flamboyantly dressed woman teased, “This Su family daughter is indeed very beautiful, but what good is that? Since she’s cut ties with the Su family, she’s no longer a Su daughter—just an ordinary woman.”

“That’s right! Them coming to Young Master Pan’s birthday isn’t about giving him face; it’s Young Master Pan giving them face!”

“I agree. That Young Master Pan is lowering himself by inviting them. He’s definitely overestimating their worth and giving them a huge honor!”

One disparaging remark after another, accompanied by endless jeers and sneers, made Su Qingli’s chest rise and fall with suppressed anger.

She had long expected difficulties attending Pan Yixuan’s birthday banquet with Jiang Hao, but she never imagined Pan Yixuan would incite so many people to mock them. It infuriated her beyond measure.

“Pan Yixuan, you’ve gone too far!” Su Qingli snapped angrily.

Pan Yixuan turned to her with a look of innocence and said, “Qingli, what did I do that was too much? The ones making fun of you aren’t me, but the guests here. Besides, they’re just speaking the truth—why are you so upset?”

“You—” Su Qingli started to retort but found herself at a loss for words.

Pan Yixuan was right, and his argument was compelling.

Seeing this, Jiang Hao gently pulled Su Qingli and then stepped forward with a smile.

“Everyone, it’s truly a great honor that I, such a minor character, could attend Young Master Pan’s banquet. If it weren’t for his invitation, I wouldn’t even have the qualification to be here.”

Hearing Jiang Hao’s words, Pan Yixuan’s pride swelled even more, and he was inwardly delighted.

But then Jiang Hao shifted his tone and continued, “Moreover, Young Master Pan has long been obsessed with my wife and has tried several times to woo her, which honestly scares me. I’m here today to solemnly remind you, Young Master Pan of the prestigious Pan family, to stop coveting someone else’s wife. Even if you have no shame, your entire Pan family should be embarrassed by your behavior. You’re bringing shame upon them all!”

At these words, the room fell silent.

Everyone stared blankly at Jiang Hao and Pan Yixuan, unable to believe Jiang Hao had said such things in front of so many people.

Yet, Jiang Hao was only speaking the truth.

It was well known throughout Maple Leaf City that Pan Yixuan, the eldest son of the Pan family, had pursued Su Qingli repeatedly but to no avail.

Even if Pan Yixuan wanted to deny it, he couldn’t.

Pan Yixuan's once proud expression now turned dark and sour.

Jiang Hao didn’t give him a chance to respond. He turned to Su Qingli with a smile.

“Darling, this is the perfect occasion. Why don’t you give Young Master Pan a straightforward answer in front of everyone to put an end to his hopes?”

Hearing Jiang Hao, Su Qingli blushed deeply.

She knew Jiang Hao was trying to fight back and humiliate Pan Yixuan publicly, but it was truly embarrassing for her.

Still, after a moment’s hesitation, she cooperated fully.

“That’s right. This banquet is indeed a great opportunity. So I’ll give you a clear answer in front of everyone.”

“Pan Yixuan, I have no interest in you. You’d better give up on this foolish idea! Besides, I am already Jiang Hao’s wife, and I will never change my heart!”

As soon as Su Qingli finished speaking, Pan Yixuan’s face turned deathly pale, his hands trembling uncontrollably.

He had invited Su Qingli and Jiang Hao to his birthday banquet intending to ridicule Jiang Hao and disgrace him in front of everyone, to crush his pride thoroughly.

But now?

The one who ended up embarrassed was himself.

Pan Yixuan was furious inwardly, but no matter how angry he was, there was nothing he could do.

Jiang Hao smiled broadly and cheerfully said to Pan Yixuan, “Young Master Pan, please continue entertaining the guests. My wife and I won’t bother you. We’ll just eat and drink casually, so you need not worry about us.”

With that, Jiang Hao took Su Qingli’s hand and walked toward a corner of the banquet hall.

Watching them walk away, Pan Yixuan’s face turned white with rage, and his breathing grew rapid.

The guests exchanged glances, and for a moment, no one spoke, unsure how to ease the tense atmosphere.

Time passed slowly.

Jiang Hao and Su Qingli stood hand in hand, chatting leisurely in the corner.

“This time Pan Yixuan really bit off more than he could chew. I bet by tomorrow, everyone in Maple Leaf City will know he got kicked in the face at his own birthday banquet,” Jiang Hao said with amusement.

Su Qingli blushed and asked, “Do you think Pan Yixuan will be humiliated enough to get angry?”

“Maybe, but so what? With me by your side, there’s nothing to fear!” Jiang Hao said earnestly.

Hearing this, Su Qingli’s face flushed even more brightly.

“I’m not scared at all. I really am not.”

Looking at Su Qingli standing beside him, Jiang Hao felt truly happy and blessed.