Chapter 21.1

◎ Liu Xiangnian Encounters a Relic from the Past ◎

Feng Xueming arrived early at the charity gala.

First, because the event was initiated by his grandfather and had already run for twelve years. Second, because his mother had insisted he arrive early to show respect to Mrs. Xu.

Dressed in a black tuxedo, he looked tall, dashing, and every bit the image of a young heir from a wealthy family.

When Xu Miao’er saw him arrive early, her gloomy expression immediately brightened.

After chatting briefly with his fiancée, Feng Xueming went to speak with his future father-in-law, Xu Xia.

Lately, Xu Xia had grown increasingly dissatisfied with this future son-in-law. Not only did he keep consorting with women outside, but WO—the company Feng Xueming had founded—was clearly aiming to go public from the start. Involving Yaohua in the IPO process so early on made it obvious he intended Yaohua to serve as the lead underwriter.

Xu Xia’s comments were laced with polite concern, warning Feng Xueming about the risks of IPOs. But in truth, he was trying to sow discord between him and Yaohua.

Feng Xueming, however, barely listened—one ear in, the other out. This marriage alliance was mostly due to the relationship between Xu Xia and his grandfather. As for him and Xu Miao’er, they had little in common. All she ever talked about were bags and jewelry—unbearably dull.

Looking at Xu Miao’er now, chatting endlessly with his mother, he had to admit—they did get along well.

“Xueming, did you even hear what I just said?” Xu Xia asked again, trying to drive home his earlier point.

Choosing Yaohua wasn’t about friendship with Liao Yazhe. It was strategic—he didn’t want to pour in his own money and still be led around by the nose by the underwriters. With Yaohua, at least he’d be treated like a proper client and retain control.

Feng Xueming regretted arriving so early. How long was Xu Xia going to lecture him?

Just then, his father arrived. Feng Xueming breathed a little easier. If his dad had shown up any later—or worse, not at all—it would’ve been a slap in his mother’s face. She might have kept quiet in public, but back home she’d definitely complain for hours.

He politely excused himself from Xu Xia and walked over.
“Dad.”

“Let’s go greet your mother together.” Mr. Feng, though he had a concubine, always gave his wife face—whether willingly or not was another question. After all, the Liu family far outpowered the Fengs.

With her husband and son standing on either side of her, Madam Feng’s expression instantly brightened. Her interest in talking about jewelry visibly increased.

“Madam Feng, someone of your esteemed background has seen the finest things in life. Of course you’d turn your nose up at those gaudy pieces that focus only on craftsmanship and design, ignoring the quality of the gems themselves. Your ruby set here is exceptional in color and cut—but more importantly, the stones are large enough to match your wealth and status.”

Flattered by the compliment, Madam Feng was all smiles. She patted Xu Miao’er’s hand and said, “Jewelry is like people—you can tell at a glance whether it’s truly valuable. Nowadays, all these upstarts think they can soar to the top. But what they don’t understand is—even if they manage to climb that high, they’ll never become a phoenix.”

“Madam Feng, you really hit the nail on the head yesterday,” another lady chimed in to Xu Miao’er. “To have such an insightful and gracious future mother-in-law is truly your blessing.”

By then, Xu Miao’er’s gaze had long drifted to Feng Xueming, and she bashfully lowered her head.

Feng Xueming, however, looked helpless, his eyes frequently flicking toward the entrance.

Ever since he dropped off Fan Qi two nights ago—and even saw her boyfriend with his own eyes—he hadn’t been able to get her out of his head. He was impatient to see the sample footage of the commercial they shot, but was told it would take another two or three days to be delivered.

Yesterday, hearing from Liao Yazhe that his father planned to bring Fan Qi to the charity gala, Feng Xueming had been looking forward to seeing her in their family’s gown again. That’s why he came up with the excuse to have her wear it today.

When a figure appeared at the door, his heart skipped—but then fell again. It was just a sixty-something-year-old jeweler and his glamorous young actress wife.

“Xueming, come with me to say hello to Uncle Zhu,” Mr. Feng patted his son’s shoulder and then turned to his wife with a gentle smile, “I’m taking Xueming to talk some business. You take care of yourself here.”

“Go on then,” she said.

Mrs. Zhu was dressed in a figure-hugging, strapless evening gown. A large ruby necklace sat against her chest, rising and falling alluringly with every step she took. She was stunning—her beauty graceful and magnetic—and every man in the room couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement.

But Madam Feng felt like a ball of cotton had clogged her chest. Mrs. Zhu had only been married into her wealthy family for a year, and before her marriage to Mr. Zhu, she’d had affairs with several of the men present—including her own husband.

Madam Feng might not be quick to judge people, but she had an expert eye for jewelry. She instantly recognized that Mrs. Zhu’s central ruby was larger and more vivid than hers—without question, more valuable. Just moments ago, her own ruby necklace had drawn admiration. But now that something even more opulent had arrived, she—born into the elite Liu family—could hardly bear to be overshadowed. Worse still, it was by that kind of woman. She felt a bitter sting of humiliation and muttered disdainfully, “As the old saying goes: the first generation watches what you eat, the second what you wear, and the third reads books. Without the upbringing of true refinement, even if you marry into wealth, it’s still just a few pounds of flesh holding up your social standing. Hardly admirable.”

“You’re absolutely right, Madam Feng. How many truly long-standing wealthy families are there in Hong Kong? Who can compare to you?”

“Indeed, you were born in Fangyuan, the city’s most famous estate.”

But the title of “Mrs. Zhu” was as dazzling as her jewelry. Even though many of the ladies looked down on her past, they couldn’t entirely snub her now. She was too high-profile.

The charity gala was a public event, with both newspaper and TV reporters in attendance. Naturally, seeing someone like Jin Xiaohui—a former erotic film star turned society wife—was a headline too juicy to miss. A reporter came over to ask the ladies for a group photo.

There was an unspoken rule for group photos: stand in order of wealth and status. Madam Feng, from the prestigious Liu family and married into the Feng family—and with her family choosing Feng Xueming as heir—undoubtedly stood in the center. Following her was Mrs. Zhu, who stood by her side.

Though there was a twenty-year age gap between them, and Madam Feng was no plain woman herself, Jin Xiaohui’s face and figure were once top-tier even by entertainment industry standards. Her jewelry also outshone Madam Feng’s, leaving her visibly eclipsed.

Madam Feng had no intention of standing beside a showy social climber. She said curtly, “Let’s wait until everyone’s here before we take the photo. I’m heading over to see Shufen.”

She left in a huff, and the remaining ladies exchanged looks—if Madam Feng said to wait, how could they continue?

Jin Xiaohui had planned to use this group photo to secure a spot in the middle—to be the star in a sea of wealth. If she could get that shot, she could land on magazine covers and make sure everyone saw her as a central figure among the elite. Once more prominent ladies arrived, she’d lose her chance.

And now this golden opportunity was ruined by Madam Feng. Frustrated, Jin Xiaohui followed and stood next to her, saying, “Madam Feng, Mr. Feng recently bought a set of emerald jewelry from our store. The quality was truly exceptional, both in stone and in craftsmanship. Why haven’t I seen you wear it?”

Madam Feng instantly understood—her husband had likely bought the set to please this little vixen. Her voice was calm but edged with sarcasm: “Emeralds are a Western taste. My parents are passionate about Chinese culture and prefer the clarity and softness of jadeite. I rarely wear emeralds.”

As she spoke, Old Master Liu entered wearing a traditional long robe, holding a cane in one hand, while his other arm was linked with Old Madam Liu, who wore a cheongsam and a necklace of vibrant green jadeite beads.

That necklace had been purchased by Mr. Liu for $280,000 as a gift to his wife for their 40th wedding anniversary.

Their arrival—especially the jadeite necklace—allowed Madam Feng to regain some dignity. She smiled at the ladies and said, “Excuse me.”

As she turned, she cast a sideways glance at Mrs. Zhu, who remained unbothered, still chatting with the ladies about the latest stock at her jewelry store.

Madam Feng walked to her parents and took her mother’s arm. “Mom, why didn’t Xueyi come today?”

“She thinks these events are boring,” the elderly woman replied with a gentle smile. “She went off to dance with friends.”

Then she waved Xu Miao’er over, taking her hand kindly and said, “Miao’er is the well-behaved one.”

Madam Xu had noticed Old Madam Liu’s arrival and put aside what she was doing to come greet her. Upon hearing that, she quickly added, “Xueyi is still young, isn’t she?”

Today, the Liu family held the highest social standing at the event. Since Mr. Liu’s kidney cancer surgery, he rarely appeared at such gatherings, so this was indeed a rare opportunity.

Feng Xueming stood beside his grandfather, looking nothing like his usual playboy self. He was the epitome of a well-behaved grandson. Mr. Feng, too, was following closely behind his father-in-law.

The wealthy businessmen who had been boasting earlier now became humble and polite in the presence of a business giant like Liu Xiangnian.

Feng Xueming glanced at his watch, and someone teased, “Are you waiting for someone, Young Master Feng?”

“Liao Yazhe said he’d be coming today. It’s already this late, and he’s still not here?”