Tan Zheng, dressed in a black suit, exuded an air of confidence and elegance. His wife, Lin Suyue, adorned in exquisite attire, gracefully linked her arm with his as they followed the attendants to take their seats at the center table.
Tan Yan entered behind them, clad in a well-tailored designer suit that accentuated his porcelain-like fair skin. He stood tall and poised, radiating an extraordinary demeanor. His warm and calm expression carried the inherent nobility of someone in a position of power.
As they made their way in, Tan Yan politely greeted everyone he encountered, displaying no airs of superiority. Once everyone was seated, the banquet commenced. The atmosphere was filled with flattery and sycophancy, all directed towards Tan Xian, the Chairman Tan, who occupied the main seat.
After showering praise on him, they did not forget to mention his son. The recent philanthropic efforts of the young heir had become a hot topic in the city, showcasing Tan Xian's effective parenting skills.
Tan Zheng smiled lightly and remarked, "He earned some money from his own projects; he only mentioned the donation afterward."
"Indeed, he has inherited your business acumen; it's quite impressive," someone chimed in.
Zheng Mengni, while delicately slicing foie gras, quietly observed and learned from the elders’ art of flattery. Who doesn’t enjoy hearing sweet words? She intended to master this skill; perhaps by charming the Zheng Family, she could strengthen their ties despite any lack of blood relation after all these years.
Seated next to the Zheng Family was a balding man who had recently been at odds with the Wei Family. He was particularly opposed to any potential marriage between Wei Zheng and his family and thus shifted the conversation towards Zheng Mengni.
"I heard that Young Master Tan Yan attends the same school as the children of the Zheng Family," he remarked.
Called upon, Zheng Mengni set down her glass. This kind of situation was familiar to her; she handled it with ease.
With a sweet and gentle smile, she began to flatter. "Yes, Senior Tan Yan is one year ahead of me. He is generous and approachable; everyone at school really likes him. Last time he donated under the school's name; all the students admire him."
She continued her praises while Tan Yan maintained a gentle gaze on her, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
Zheng Mengni's sweet words flowed effortlessly. Her soft tone conveyed sincerity even when delivering what could be perceived as insincere flattery; it never felt uncomfortable to hear. She had a knack for charming people, even managing to elicit a rare smile from the usually serious Tan Zheng.
He hinted gently, "Little Mengni, you are your Uncle Zheng's most treasured daughter; you should reach out to him more at school."
"Of course," Tan Yan replied warmly. "Xiao Ni, if you need anything at school, don’t hesitate to come find me; please don’t feel shy."
"That would truly be troubling for you," she responded graciously.
Zheng Yicheng, accompanied by Zheng Mengni, quickly stepped forward and offered a toast to the Tan Family.
This was the first time Zheng Mengni had been so close to Tan Yan's face. He had a pair of captivating eyes that seemed to look at everyone with deep affection. Each of his features, when examined separately, was exquisitely perfect, and together they formed a strikingly handsome face. She couldn't help but admit that it truly was a beautiful visage.
After a quiet moment of gazing at each other for two or three seconds, Zheng Mengni noticed that when Tan Yan clinked glasses with her, his cup was slightly lower than hers.
She was a bit surprised; someone like Tan Yan, who was accustomed to the world of wealth and fame, should know the most basic etiquette. As if sensing her astonishment, Tan Yan looked up again, his smile as warm as spring sunshine.
He said nothing; just one glance conveyed more than a thousand words.
Meanwhile, Wei Nanxuan sat in his seat, gripping his glass tightly, his fingertips turning white from the pressure. His gaze had not left the Zheng Family, and he certainly did not miss the scene of Zheng Mengni clinking glasses with Tan Yan.
To his dismay, he found himself thinking that this young couple seemed so well-matched. His own son was still lying in the hospital, yet he felt crazily that the future daughter-in-law looked more like a couple with another man.
Zheng Mengni was a child he had watched grow up; she was the type most favored and cherished by elders. Just moments ago, even the usually arrogant Tan Zheng had shown an interest in her. If she were no longer favored by Tan Yan, wouldn't that jeopardize the marriage alliance between the Wei Family and the Zheng Family?
The more Wei Nanxuan thought about it, the more troubled he became. Since he could entertain such thoughts, others surely would too.
He scanned the room and his gaze landed on a bald man. No wonder they had brought this up; it seemed they couldn't compete with the Wei Family and resorted to such underhanded tactics.
As for the marriage alliance, he was determined to secure it. To be safe, perhaps they should consider moving up the engagement banquet.
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