Chapter 67: The Su Family Banquet

At this moment, just by standing in front of the Bugatti Veyron, Su Qingli resembled a breathtaking masterpiece, captivating every guest present. Their gazes were drawn to her, unable to look away.

Had she struck a few sultry poses like a car show model, the men in attendance would likely have been so overwhelmed that they’d be unable to contain their excitement.

Of course, Su Qingli would never do such a thing.

After all, she was still the daughter of the Su family. Even if her life was not as smooth as before, she would never stoop to such undignified behavior.

“Shall we go inside?” Su Qingli turned to Jiang Hao with a gentle smile.

Jiang Hao’s expression was indifferent; he nodded quietly.

Once they entered the grand hall of the Su ancestral residence, a lively, bustling atmosphere greeted them.

The spacious hall, large enough to accommodate hundreds, was already filled with guests. The men were dressed in tailored suits, the women in elegant evening gowns—their appearances were immaculate, each exuding the aura of high society.

But in reality, these were not the true elites of Maple Leaf City. The real figures of power always made their entrance last.

“Shall we go say hello?” Su Qingli suggested to Jiang Hao.

Jiang Hao merely shook his head and replied flatly, “I’m not interested.”

With that, he walked alone toward a quiet corner of the hall.

In the past, whenever Jiang Hao attended Su family banquets, he would stand alone in a corner, lost in thought. In those days, he was hardly regarded as a person; mingling with others only provided fodder for ridicule.

But now, things were different. Jiang Hao was not the man he once was. Still, he had no desire to interact with the Su family or their guests; he wanted as little to do with them as possible.

Su Qingli followed, unable to hide her frustration. “You finally came to the banquet. Shouldn’t you at least try to socialize? Otherwise, people might think you’re too arrogant to speak to them.”

“I simply don’t want to talk to them. Is there a problem?” Jiang Hao retorted bluntly.

Su Qingli sighed, a certain sadness clouding her face.

She longed to repair her relationship with Jiang Hao, to mend the rift between him and the Su family.

She had been working tirelessly toward that goal—today, she had devoted herself to it completely.

Yet Jiang Hao remained unmoved.

Still, Su Qingli refused to give up. “Jiang Hao, could you give me a chance? Give the Su family a chance? I promise, neither I nor anyone else will ever treat you as we did before.”

“Your promise—does it count for anything?” Jiang Hao sneered.

Su Qingli’s expression became awkward. Her promise meant little; she wasn’t the head of the family. Would the others ever truly listen to her?

“Stop wasting your energy. I came to this banquet at your request. Beyond that, leave me be, will you? Go socialize if you wish. I just want some peace.” Jiang Hao’s impatience was obvious.

Yet Su Qingli did not leave. She remained by his side, silent now, but unwilling to depart.

Suddenly, music drifted through the hall.

Clear piano notes, like a burbling stream, floated gently over the gathering.

Guests cradled glasses of red wine, their faces lit with polite smiles as they chatted in small groups.

This was how their world socialized.

For the upper class, banquets were not for mere indulgence, but for forging connections and expanding networks.

That was why Su Qingli so wanted Jiang Hao to join her in greeting others—to help him meet new people, and to signal that the rift between him and the Su family was healing.

But with Jiang Hao refusing, there was nothing more she could do.

Then the Su family members appeared.

Su Qingli’s father, Su Bingming, her mother, Zhang Liping, and other members of the family entered the hall.

As hosts, they moved among the guests with practiced grace, exchanging greetings and pleasantries, the picture of harmonious kinship.

Suddenly, Su Bingming caught sight of Su Qingli and Jiang Hao.

Without hesitation, he took Zhang Liping’s hand and strode toward them.

“Qingli, where have you been today?” Su Bingming asked sternly as he approached.

All day, Su Qingli had stayed at Jiang Hao’s villa, persuading him to attend the banquet.

But Su Bingming knew nothing of this, so his question was genuine.

Su Qingli felt a twinge of embarrassment and remained silent.

Zhang Liping’s gaze swept over Jiang Hao, and she immediately understood. Her voice was cold: “So you went to see this ingrate! Qingli, how many times have I told you—you’re bound to divorce him eventually. You shouldn’t be associating with him, let alone bringing him to our banquet!”

At these words, Jiang Hao’s brow furrowed.

Su Qingli hurried to interject, “Mom! It’s a day of celebration. Can’t you hold your tongue for once? If you start another argument, the whole celebration will be ruined!”

Zhang Liping merely snorted and said nothing more.

This banquet was of great importance to the Su family. She feared that a public quarrel with Jiang Hao would spoil the atmosphere and disappoint their guests.

Though she was displeased with her daughter and loathed Jiang Hao even more, she dared not voice her usual sharp criticisms.

Su Bingming shot Jiang Hao a look of displeasure before turning to Su Qingli. “Fine, we’ll speak no more of this today. But keep an eye on him. Don’t let him ruin the banquet.”

“Don’t worry, Dad.” Su Qingli nodded quickly.

Su Bingming cast one last glance at Jiang Hao before leaving with Zhang Liping.

Only when they had gone did Su Qingli exhale and relax a little.

Jiang Hao sneered. “So, this is what you meant when you said your family would change their attitude? That they’d make peace with me?”

Su Qingli was left embarrassed and deeply helpless.

“I’m trying my best...” she said, her voice tinged with sorrow.

Jiang Hao showed no mercy. “Then your efforts are doomed to be in vain.”

At that moment, the Zhao family arrived.

Three members came: the patriarch Zhao Shibo, his son Zhao Ziyun, and Zhao Ziyun’s fiancée, Liu Hong.

The Zhao family was a true powerhouse in Maple Leaf City, their status far above the Su family’s.

As they entered, the entire banquet stirred with excitement. Guests flocked to greet Zhao Shibo, this figure of great influence.

The Su family members, too, crowded around the three, fawning on them with all the deference of stars orbiting the moon.