The Tang Family

“But if he really is just an ordinary man who happened to get lucky, then don’t blame me for having other ideas…” A trace of ruthlessness flickered in Tang Tianhao’s eyes.

The Tang family’s invitation was extended to both Xiao Yao and his sister Xiao Banxia, inviting them to a banquet. When Xiao Banxia returned home that evening, Xiao Yao informed his elder sister of the news, advising her to prepare in advance so that they could attend together the following day.

Xiao Banxia was unfamiliar with the name Tang Zhengshan, but the name Tianhui Group was legendary. She would never have imagined that she would receive a private invitation from such a prominent figure as Tang Zhengshan. Evidently, the late Old Master Zhao was far from an ordinary man.

The next day was a busy one, and as the workday was drawing to a close, Wang Chuanjie specifically called her into his office. He said, “Monica, there’s an exclusive business gathering tonight, and I’m allowed to bring a female companion. Would you like to join me?”

At any other time, Xiao Banxia would have gladly accepted such an opportunity to expand her network, but tonight was out of the question.

“Mr. Wang, I already have plans this evening. I’m attending a private dinner with my brother. The timing is quite unfortunate,” she replied politely.

“Is it a very important private dinner? There will be many influential business figures at tonight’s event. Opportunities like this are rare,” Wang Chuanjie pressed. Originally, he was supposed to attend with his wife, but in hopes of currying favor with Xiao Yao, he had deliberately reserved this chance for Xiao Banxia.

Since Wang Chuanjie was her direct superior, Xiao Banxia knew she needed a good reason to decline such a valuable networking opportunity. After a moment’s thought, she decided there was no harm in telling him the truth. “Chairman Tang of Tianhui Group invited my brother and me for dinner tonight. The arrangement was made yesterday, and I really can’t turn it down.”

“You mean Chairman Tang Zhengshan of Tianhui Group?” Wang Chuanjie was visibly stunned.

“Yes, he’s the host tonight.”

Wang Chuanjie quickly composed himself. “In that case, you absolutely must not miss such an important dinner. To be acquainted with Chairman Tang, whether or not you attend tonight’s gathering is truly insignificant by comparison.”

“How could it be unimportant? But the timing is just too unfortunate. I can only hope there’s another opportunity next time.”

After Xiao Banxia left his office, Wang Chuanjie lit a cigarette, and only after a long while did he manage to calm himself.

After witnessing Xiao Yao’s handling of the jade jewelry purchase for Cheng Mo last time, Wang Chuanjie had already developed a deep impression of him and held him in high regard. But he hadn’t anticipated that someone as young as Xiao Yao would receive a personal dinner invitation from a figure as distinguished as Tang Zhengshan. The revelation left him profoundly shocked.

The Tang family was a household name among the elite. The very thought of the Tang family’s power left him almost breathless. Though Tang Zhengshan was not the head of the family, he was still a core member—an elder of formidable status and influence, now personally extending an invitation to two youths just past their twentieth year. What kind of prestige did that signify?

Without a doubt, the status of the Xiao siblings was far greater than he had imagined.

He had already been seeking ways to strengthen and deepen his relationship with the Xiao siblings, and now, after learning this, his desire became even more urgent.

After returning home, Xiao Banxia tried on several outfits before finally settling on what to wear for the evening. Once dressed, she walked into the living room, struck a graceful pose before her brother, and asked, “How do I look? I won’t embarrass you, will I?”

“This outfit is quite elegant—even if it doesn’t entirely suit you, it’s very appropriate for tonight’s occasion,” Xiao Yao commented, giving her a once-over. “But the jewelry you’re wearing is a bit underwhelming.”

“This diamond necklace was the first gift you ever gave me! It cost over a million—what kind of jewelry would it take for you not to be embarrassed?”

“Wait here. I’ll get something for you.”

He soon returned with an embroidered box, handed it to her, and said, “Open it up and take a look. Prepare to be amazed.”

Xiao Banxia opened the box eagerly. A pale pink diamond necklace lay inside, taking her breath away.

“Wow! A pink diamond of this size—how much must this be worth?” she exclaimed.

Pink diamonds were exceedingly rare. It was the first time Xiao Banxia had ever seen one in real life, and this one was as large as a pigeon’s egg.

“This pink diamond weighs 9.75 carats. The cut and clarity are impeccable—only the color falls slightly short, rated as ‘intense’ rather than ‘vivid,’ so its market value is around forty million.”

Xiao Yao had even more valuable diamond necklaces in his collection, including pink diamonds of the deepest and most vibrant hues. But he worried that if he gave her something too precious, his sister wouldn’t dare wear it. He would take it step by step; once his family grew accustomed to their new status, they would eventually adapt.

“A forty-million necklace? That’s far too extravagant! What if someone tries to snatch it while I’m out?” Although she adored the pink diamond necklace, the astronomical price tag left her startled.

“If you were just going out shopping, then yes, wearing something like this could be risky. But tonight, we’re dining at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. The place is guarded by armed police, and every vehicle must be registered in advance. No matter how bold, no thief would dare try anything there,” Xiao Yao assured her.

“In that case, help me put it on—let me experience what it feels like to wear a forty-million-dollar necklace!” she said, barely containing her excitement.

After Xiao Yao fastened the necklace for her, Xiao Banxia stood before the mirror, grinning from ear to ear.

“Don’t be so vain. There will be plenty more chances to enjoy it in the future,” he teased.

“Occasions like this don’t come around often—I have no idea when I’ll get to wear it again!” She couldn’t stop admiring the pink diamond necklace around her neck.

“Since I took it out for you, it’s yours now. Do you think I’m going to take it back?”

“What? You mean you’re giving this necklace to me? Are you serious?” She clutched the necklace to her throat, hardly daring to believe it.

In her excitement, she turned her head too quickly and felt a slight strain in her neck.

“If you didn’t hear me clearly, then forget it. I’ll just keep such an expensive necklace for myself,” Xiao Yao said deliberately.