Zhang Gui glanced at Hao Jian and then looked at Liu Yong standing beside him, nodding slightly. With Zhang Gui's go-ahead, Liu Yong grinned widely and gathered over ten people eager to cozy up to Zhang Gui, leading them with swagger towards Hao Jian. "Hey, how did this beggar sneak in here?" As soon as they approached, Liu Yong's mocking voice rang out, causing Lin Qingxue's delicate face to slightly change. "In this day and age, who still wears such tattered clothes?" "Haha, maybe we need to find the hotel manager and ask how a beggar managed to stroll in here." "Brother Liu Yong, since you're in charge of this banquet, you'd better hurry up and kick this beggar out. This guy must have deceived Miss Qingxue to try and sneak in for a free meal and drink." With Liu Yong leading, those who were already looking for an opportunity to latch onto Zhang Gui naturally gave their all to help. Seeing Hao Jian dressed in such cheap attire, they naturally wouldn't worry about his retribution. Anyone dressed couldn't possibly have any notable identity. In their view, Hao Jian was merely using sweet talk to deceive Lin Qingxue. With Lin Qingxue backing him up, he managed to enter this birthday banquet filled with wealthy people. Lin Qingxue glanced at Hao Jian, her eyes showing apology. Although she had anticipated Hao Jian being treated this way, she hadn't expected her brother to directly send people to deal with him. Hao Jian chuckled lightly and shook his head, then casually glanced at Liu Yong before withdrawing his gaze. How dull; this Zhang Gui only knows how to use such low-level tricks. "Wow, still dares to look at us?" Seeing Hao Jian's indifferent gaze, Liu Yong initially thought he would speak, but when he turned his head again, he snorted coldly, sneering at Hao Jian, "Hey beggar, didn't you hear what we said?!" After speaking, he didn't wait for Hao Jian to respond and instead looked toward Lin Qingxue with a flattering tone, belittling Hao Jian, "Miss Qingxue, how can you befriend a beggar? How would President Lin feel if he knew?" "You're essentially the prospective daughter-in-law of the Zhang Family. Bringing such a beggar in front of Brother Zhang Gui really shows a lack of respect!" Listening to Liu Yong, he clearly considered Lin Qingxue as Zhang Gui's woman. His words further demeaned Hao Jian, also warning him that Qingxue is someone Zhang Gui fancies. "Liu Yong, stop being rude. Regardless of how this person dresses, he's Qingxue's friend, making him our friend too." "You should treat him well; how can you speak ill of him ?" Seeing Lin Qingxue about to get angry, Zhang Gui timely intervened, suppressing her anger, though she remained frustrated but found it hard to voice. "Yes, Brother Gui, Brother Gui is indeed generous!" Liu Yong's eyes rolled slightly, then looked at Hao Jian, speaking in a sarcastic tone, "Unlike some people who think they've caught on to some big name and can disregard their surroundings." Being insulted by Liu Yong, Lin Qingxue couldn't hold back and snapped coldly at him, "I, Lin Qingxue, don't need anyone to teach me what to do. I can befriend whomever I want. As for you, you're just a dog barking behind Brother Zhang Gui!" "Qingxue! Your words are too harsh!" Unexpectedly hearing such words from Lin Qingxue's mouth, Zhang Gui's face changed dramatically, his tone serious, while his gaze lingered slyly on Hao Jian, a glint of coldness flashing within. Is this man the one who corrupted Lin Qingxue? She never used to curse before! Liu Yong's face showed discomfort having been rebuked by Lin Qingxue, but he forced himself to smile. Though she wasn't particularly formidable, her background was undeniably strong! Over the past half-year, her family's company had gradually exceeded assets of over a hundred billion, towering above those whose assets were mostly in the billions and tens of millions. Only the company backing Zhang Gui, with assets over ten billion, along with their family connections, dared speak normally in front of Lin Qingxue. "Brother Gui, it's nothing. Miss Qingxue isn't wrong; I am indeed your follower." Liu Yong stopped Zhang Gui, unexpectedly speaking words that surprised many, "Your magnanimity attracted me, your character is why I follow you. Even being a dog behind you, I'm unfazed!" "After all, being your dog isn't something just anyone can do, and I'm proud of that!" Zhang Gui's face showed joy and emotion as he firmly patted Liu Yong's shoulder, the meaning was clear. Hao Jian observed this scene and inwardly shook his head; such low-level tactics to win hearts... Utterly hypocritical. This is Hao Jian's evaluation of Zhang Gui, a bitch trying to put up a chaste front. "I still don't know how to address you, sir." The two of them had been acting for quite a while, even the people around who were playing along seemed a bit tired. Only then did Zhang Gui snap out of his emotions and shift his gaze back to Hao Jian. Hao Jian glanced faintly at Zhang Gui and stated his name calmly, without any disturbance. These tactics he had long been accustomed to and no longer found strange. Besides, Hao Jian knew what today's task was, and it didn't matter. After all, he was just here to help Lin Qingxue solve a problem. "Then let's welcome Mr. Hao Jian. Since he is a friend brought by Qingxue, let's get along harmoniously with Mr. Hao Jian!" Zhang Gui smiled and shook hands with Hao Jian. When he discreetly withdrew his hand, he wiped it with a tissue nearby, as if afraid he might catch some germs from Hao Jian. Since Zhang Gui didn't hide his actions from the crowd, Hao Jian saw it clearly and secretly smiled. Such a petty person would indeed find it hard to accomplish great things. Moreover, Hao Jian knew what this guy Zhao Gui meant—essentially saying that he only got in with Lin Qingxue's backing; without her, he wouldn't have even had the chance. Hao Jian didn't mind, but that didn't mean Lin Qingxue by his side didn't care. Before, she just thought her Brother Zhang Gui had become a bit bad, but now, she found him more and more annoying. Just as she was about to say a few words for Hao Jian, he quickly held her small hand and smiled bitterly, "Auntie, you'd better quiet down for a moment. The more you speak for me, the more those guys will dislike me." Hao Jian shook his head and said, "You just do what you need to do, don't worry about me. I'll handle everything, trust me!" Hearing this, Lin Qingxue could only let it be. Holding Hao Jian's hand, with slightly choking words, she murmured, "Hao Jian, thank you..." "What's there to thank, you're my woman. Of course, I need to settle these things for you!" Hearing this girl still wanting to thank him, Hao Jian immediately reached out and lightly tapped her forehead, his tone holding a faint trace of displeasure. After being tapped on the head by Hao Jian, Lin Qingxue didn't react much. Instead, she giggled, stuck out her tongue at Hao Jian, and continued sitting by his side, accompanying him in drinking. Most of what was happening on Hao Jian's side was seen by Zhang Gui. Realizing that Hao Jian still wasn't intimidated despite all his threatening words, he became even angrier. Standing by his side, Liu Yong observed this and signaled to Zhang Gui, saying, "Brother Gui, do you want us to... get rid of this guy?" Saying that, he extended his palm, making a discreet cutting motion. "No rush, let's see how it goes." Zhang Gui waved his hand and laughed, "Liu Yong, remember, these methods aren't to be used lightly. We must first test this guy's resistance." "If he obediently leaves, we don't need to go that far." "Moreover, you know Qingxue's status isn't the same as before. Uncle Lin's company's total assets rose to 11.2 billion just yesterday. If I can win Qingxue's heart, all that wealth would be mine!" As he spoke, Zhang Gui clenched his hand, as if trying to grasp Lin Qingxue in his palm. "Speaking of which, Brother Gui, don't you find it strange? Just half a year ago, President Lin's company was only worth a few billion. How did it grow so big in just six months?" Liu Yong nodded, then his face revealed a puzzled expression. This wasn't just his question; almost everyone who paid attention to this matter would be curious about the real reason behind it. Some speculated that the company was involved with the underworld, but that rumor was quickly dispelled. The person who dispelled it was none other than the Hua City Police Station, or rather, it was Lin Nantian who issued the announcement. And everything started because of Hao Jian's involvement, causing the market value of Lin Qingxue's father's company to soar. There were no signs whatsoever, after all, with Hao Jian's help, it had no choice but to rise. While Zhang Gui and Liu Yong were deep in thought, they never realized that the very man they looked down upon was responsible for all of this, nor did they know they had already offended him. "Heh, I hope tonight holds some amusement, I do need to relieve some boredom." Hao Jian chuckled lightly and glanced at Zhang Gui.