Chapter 7、Gentleman's Treasure

Afterward, amidst the pleasant music, the guests returned to the reception hall, some dancing while others indulged in food and drink.

Since they were the stars of the day, under Chu Zhiqing's persistent persuasion, Chu Yuxuan and Zhao Yanan reluctantly made rounds with their glasses, offering toasts to the guests.

Zhao Yanan kept a cold expression throughout. If it weren't for Chu Zhiqing's reputation, she wouldn't have bothered with these formalities. However, she was puzzled by how Chu Zhiqing seemed somewhat... afraid of Chu Yuxuan? She was quite familiar with this close friend of her father, and she had never seen him behave so humbly.

Chu Yuxuan's way of toasting was indeed unique. When he encountered someone he didn't recognize, he would just say, "Enjoy the food and drink," and then move on, completely ignoring the etiquette expected of someone from a prestigious family. If he came across someone he knew, he was even more casual, often starting with, "Hey, you're still alive?"

Even the old butler, who had served the Chu family patriarch for decades and held a high position, couldn't escape his sharp tongue: "Uncle Wang! You're still alive? I remember when I was a kid, your health wasn't great... Are you still having trouble peeing? Is your stool still hard?"

The old butler had no interest in sparring with this illegitimate child. He maintained his usual stern expression and, in front of everyone, delivered the patriarch Chu Xiaotian's message: "The old master says you'd better behave, or he'll break your legs!"

The surrounding guests exchanged glances, fully understanding the situation: it seemed the head of the Chu family didn't think much of this illegitimate child.

Chu Yuxuan, with a mischievous grin, didn't dare speak ill of the old patriarch, but he didn't care much for the butler: "Uncle Wang, do you know the story of King Goujian tasting his minister's stool? My grandfather is sick right now; maybe you should learn from King Goujian and take a taste to figure out what's wrong? After all, a dog can't change its nature; if you're a dog, you should have the awareness of one!"

Zhao Yanan's temples throbbed. She thought to herself, what kind of man did I marry? Not only does he have no respect for elders, but he's also foul-mouthed… He's simply a shameless b*st*rd!

The old butler remained expressionless, slowly stood up, glanced at the pretending-to-be-clueless Chu Zhiqing, and said, "Zhiqing, you've really raised a good son. Congratulations."

Chu Zhiqing quickly apologized and gave Chu Yuxuan a half-hearted lecture.

The latter didn't care at all. After searching the crowd for a moment, he spotted an old acquaintance and eagerly walked over.

Zhao Yanan didn't want to go with him, but when she saw that Chu Yuxuan was heading towards the famous director Wang Long, she decided to follow.

Wang Long, with his shifty eyes and buck teeth, was an unattractive man even when adorned with gold and silver. Known for his heavy drinking, he was already quite drunk, and as he hugged Chu Yuxuan, he slurred his words: "Nephew! You're really lucky. You just got dumped by a superstar, and now you're marrying someone even prettier?"

Chu Yuxuan laughed, "Uncle, you watched me grow up. Don't force me to curse at you."

Wang Long laughed heartily but, noticing Zhao Yanan out of the corner of his eye, toned it down and said, "Ms. Zhao, congratulations."

Zhao Yanan, rare for her cold demeanor, smiled, perfectly embodying the ancient idiom "Laughing to deceive the feudal lords." "Director Wang, a pleasure."

After the greeting, Zhao Yanan shifted the conversation to business: "I heard Director Wang is preparing a big production. Have you finalized the cast?"

Although discussing work at this moment was a bit inappropriate, it was a rare opportunity to meet such an influential figure in the entertainment industry, so she had to seize it.

Wang Long pretended not to understand and waved it off: "Just a small project, nothing worth mentioning... Ms. Zhao, I have some personal matters to discuss with Yuxuan. I hope you don't mind?"

Zhao Yanan hesitated for a moment but then responded softly, "Of course not, you two go ahead."

She then stepped aside, picked up a glass of red wine, took a sip, and thought to herself, "The fool from the rich family always gets some respect."

"Nephew, why would you want to live as a rich heir and drive a beat-up car for ride-hailing? It's no wonder Summer Zhu dumped you; she's now an A-list actress. Did you really think the story of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl could come true?" Wang Long teased.

Chu Yuxuan smiled faintly, "Are poor people not allowed to have love?"

"Pssh! Cut the nonsense! Let me ask you, do you want to mess with her? If it weren't for your personal call, would I have been crazy enough to support her? Hmph... Anyway, if I could make her famous, I can also bring her down! How dare she look down on others!"

"Stop it. I'm not that petty. Just pretend you don't know me," Chu Yuxuan chuckled.

Wang Long pondered for a moment and said, "Fine, I don't have time to deal with her anyway. But she shouldn't expect to get any more roles in my movies... Oh, I almost forgot. I signed her up for a role recently... I'll find an excuse to replace her in a few days! The entertainment industry is all about connections, and there are countless people lined up to ask me for roles. She's definitely not getting another one!"

"Do as you wish," Chu Yuxuan replied indifferently.

They chatted about various topics until Chu Zhiqing waved for Chu Yuxuan to join him in toasting.

Wang Long patted his shoulder and said, "Go ahead... Nephew, you must come to my birthday party in a few days. I have two bottles of 30-year-old wine that your dad has been asking for, but I haven't given them to him!"

"I'll be there!" Chu Yuxuan promised.

Their conversation was heard clearly by Zhao Yanan, who couldn't help but ponder.

As the day wore on, the guests gradually left.

Zhao Yanan returned to her room, changed clothes, and grabbed her bag as if she were about to go out.

As she walked into the first-floor living room, she ran into the half-drunk Chu Yuxuan.

Chu Yuxuan rudely grabbed her wrist, and the moment he touched her, the most beautiful woman in Jiangcheng shivered as if shocked by electricity and violently shook off his hand.

Chu Yuxuan was slightly surprised by her strong reaction. After a pause, he smiled mischievously, "Where are you going without consummating the marriage?"

Zhao Yanan glared at him, "Don't touch me!"

Chu Yuxuan's mischievous grin grew wider, and with his roguishly handsome face, he looked even more like a scoundrel: "I'm asking you, where are you going?"

Zhao Yanan's voice turned icy: "I have urgent business at the office."

"Can't you take it easy on our wedding day?" Chu Yuxuan stared at her intently.

Zhao Yanan showed no fear: "Chu Yuxuan, this is a fake marriage. Don't get too into your role!"

Although she was living under someone else's roof, the debt was owed to Chu Zhiqing, not Chu Yuxuan. Besides, the Zhao family had already paid their dues. This marriage was nothing more than a business transaction.

Before the wedding, she had hoped they could remain respectful and uninvolved with each other, ideally not even recognizing each other. But who could have expected him to be such a shameless jerk? Being a jerk to others was one thing, but to make advances and speak lewdly to her despite knowing it was a fake marriage—how could she tolerate that?

"Aren't you afraid I'll be unhappy?" Chu Yuxuan's smile widened, "I suggest you be sensible. After all, I wasn't the one eager to marry you!"

"If you keep this up, I'll go to Uncle Zhiqing!"

"Oh? Do you think that old man can control me?"

Zhao Yanan bit her lip and instinctively took two steps back, "B*st*rd!"

Chu Yuxuan didn't get angry. He nonchalantly said, "Sweetheart, I'm a complete b*st*rd! Are you scared?"

Just as they were at a stalemate, Chu Zhiqing came down the stairs: "Yanan, after the holiday, you two should go get your marriage certificate. If you're going to put on a show, you should do it properly... If you have something to do, go ahead. I'll take care of him."

Zhao Yanan finally breathed a sigh of relief, casually responded, and quickly walked out the door.

Chu Yuxuan stretched lazily and said with little enthusiasm, "This is boring, no fun at all..."

Chu Zhiqing chuckled, "It's indeed not fun. You acted so seriously, but the audience didn't even show up."

Chu Yuxuan leaned against the sofa, not surprised that his father saw through his act. He said, "Isn't that the truth? The old man not coming was to be expected, but the old housekeeper showing up was just as good; it's understandable that your brother and sister are out of town, so their absence is reasonable; but none of my cousins—nor the sisters you fabricated for me—showed up?"

"Who told you to be a b*st*rd?" Chu Zhqing said, crossing his arms.

Chu Yuxuan: …

"Is this my fault? And you dare to be so righteous about it?!"

"Alright, alright…" Chu Zhqing sighed and suddenly grew serious. "Since you want to play the role of a playboy and wastrel, then continue to play it… Son, you're dealing with a world that's not just about social etiquette and fighting, but also about callousness and intrigue! A single misstep could lead to a complete failure… and that could cost you your head! Remember, a gentleman keeps his talents hidden and waits for the right moment!"

Chu Yuxuan looked at the calligraphy on the living room wall—a piece he had written during the summer break before junior high, framed with golden silk and jade scrolls: "A gentleman keeps his talents hidden." He fell silent for a moment, then said, "Talking nonsense doesn't help. How about some practical support—give me some money? Being a playboy requires capital, after all."

"Sure, sure…" Chu Zhqing pulled out a bank card he had prepared earlier and handed it over. "Spend it as you like."

Chu Yuxuan casually took the card, forcing a smile and said, "Chu Zhqing, besides being lecherous, you actually seem like a decent person."

Chu Zhqing glanced at his son with a smirk and shamelessly replied, "Men need to have some hobbies."

At that moment, a little girl with golden hair and blue eyes ran into the house like a whirlwind, chased closely by a maid who seemed afraid she might get hurt.

"Daddy!" The little girl dashed into Chu Zhqing's arms and spoke with broken Chinese, "Come play with me!"

Chu Yuxuan stared at the five- or six-year-old foreign girl in astonishment. "Chu Zhqing, do you want to explain this to me?"

Chu Zhqing chuckled and said, "A few years ago, when I was on a business trip to the U.S., I couldn't resist… Later, her mother, fearing she might not marry off, packed the child up and sent her to me. Her name is Chu Li, and she's five years old… Oh? Son, what are you looking for?"

Chu Yuxuan searched around and gritted his teeth, "Looking for a knife! I'm going to castrate you! You have quite a broad range of interests! Even the donkeys in the production team can't match your speed! I'm 28 this year, and she could be my daughter! You're a beast, truly a beast!"

"Lily, hold tight to Daddy. We're going to play a thrilling game of escape now. Do you like it?"

The little girl's laughter was crisp. "Daddy, run! The scary uncle is coming!"

"Your uncle is a b*st*rd!"