After reincarnating, I became a second generation villain Chapter 5 Attend The Banquet

"Young Master Lin has arrived! Please come in," a middle-aged maid in formal attire said with politeness.

Upon entering the Han family residence, a rather expansive courtyard greeted the eyes, capable of holding at least a hundred people.

The surroundings exuded opulence, with meticulously trimmed trees and elegantly designed Han family structures.

Numerous dining tables and chairs were arranged with precision.

Guests, all clad in formal suits, appeared joyous as they savored the provided dishes.

At the forefront stood a grand platform, seemingly designated for gift exchanges and the hosts' reception.

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"Lin Tian, why are you late?" As Lin Tian was about to circulate and find acquaintances, a familiar voice suddenly reached his ears.

He turned to see a young man in his twenties approaching him.

The young man was none other than his friend, Lu Hao.

"The host hasn't arrived yet, and the event hasn't officially commenced. Why did you arrive so early?" Lin Tian inquired with a smile as he watched Lu Hao approach.

"Haha, honestly, I intended to arrive later, but my stomach wouldn't cooperate. There's so much delectable food here; naturally, I had to indulge," Lu Hao explained while consuming a boiled shrimp.

"Hahaha, I must admit, I'm quite impressed with you. You frequently eat heartily, yet your stomach never seems bloated. You must be a special individual," Lin Tian remarked, patting Lu Hao's shoulder with a smile.

Their close camaraderie was evident in their conversation.

"Oh, Lin Tian, what gifts did you bring today?" Lu Hao suddenly inquired.

"Nothing particularly special; you'll discover it soon enough," Lin Tian responded.

"Haha, I hope your gift isn't inferior to mine. I observed earlier that Tang Xuan and Lu Yu brought gifts that appear quite remarkable. Lin Tian, try not to fall behind them, okay?" Lu Hao advised.

The names Tang Xuan and Lu Yu were familiar to Lin Tian; they were scions of influential families.

Lin Tian wasn't particularly close to them, as each possessed their own sense of pride.

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"I saw that Tang Xuan presented a highly valuable gift earlier – a piece of white emperor jade."

"Lin Tian, what gifts did you bring? If yours is lesser than the white emperor jade, you understand Tang Xuan will look down on us," Lu Hao expressed a hint of unease. He had only brought items that might be considered ordinary by these prominent families, thus pinning his hopes on Lin Tian.

"It appears he's quite serious about this," Lin Tian commented nonchalantly.

Lin Tian was well aware of Tang Xuan; he was an exceptionally irritating individual.

In this world's narrative, Tang Xuan frequently assisted the protagonist, Ye Chen.

Naturally, Lin Tian wouldn't allow Tang Xuan an easy existence; anyone who aided the protagonist was destined for elimination.

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"Have you ever heard of the Fengyuan Painting?" Lin Tian let out a sigh before turning to Lu Hao and posing the question.

"W-what? The Fengyuan Painting? Lin Tian, don't jest!" Lu Hao exclaimed, disbelief coloring his words.

"When have I, Lin Tian, ever dealt in imitations?" Lin Tian replied impassively.

"What? Lin Tian, are you serious? Please, no jokes," Lu Hao pleaded, still struggling to accept the possibility.

"The Fengyuan Painting originates from my mother. Do you believe me now?" Lin Tian sighed again as he spoke.

"So, it's from Auntie? Then it's understandable," Lu Hao said, a measure of relief washing over him.

As they continued their conversation, two young men approached them.

"Shao Lin, Shao Lu, how are you both?"

(Nb: 'Shao' is a respectful term for individuals of high standing)

Both individuals appeared to be in their twenties; they were none other than Tang Xuan and Lu Yu.

"Tang Xuan, Lu Yu, what brings you here? Weren't you two basking in the adulation of those sycophants?" Lu Hao inquired with a sneer as they drew nearer.

"Haha, how could they compare to you two? My rivals today are you. I wonder what gifts you've brought," Tang Xuan remarked, his gaze fixed on Lin Tian and Lu Hao, followed by a laugh.

"Hmph, Tang Xuan, do you think I'm unaware? The gift you've brought today is the White Emperor Jade, isn't it?" Lu Hao confronted Tang Xuan with a mocking tone.

"So, Shao Lu has discovered it. Then, I am curious about the gifts you have brought," Tang Xuan replied, his eyes narrowing.

"Hmph, you need not know. Rest assured, it will not disappoint Han Xiaoyu," Lu Hao stated confidently, a smile playing on his lips.

Their verbal sparring continued unabated.

Meanwhile, Lu Yu's attention was fixed on Lin Tian, sensing an unusual aura about him.

Perceiving Lu Yu's intense gaze, Lin Tian offered a faint smile.

Lin Tian found Lu Yu's scrutiny rather intriguing.

"Tang Xuan, let's put an end to this discussion and be on our way," Lin Tian suggested, feeling somewhat uncomfortable under Tang Xuan's gaze, prompting Lu Yu to decide it was time to depart.

"Young Master Lin, Young Master Lu, it appears our current conversation isn't yielding positive results. Let's conclude it here," Tang Xuan stated.

With those words, Tang Xuan and Lu Yu turned to leave.

"Hmph, those two are such bothersome pests. Especially Tang Xuan, it's a good thing I had you with me today, otherwise, I would have been in serious trouble," Lu Hao remarked, patting Lin Tian's shoulder after their departure.

"They are merely jesters. Don't trouble yourself over them," Lin Tian responded with a gentle smile.

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Approximately ten minutes later, Han Xiaoyu and her father, Han Tao, the host for this occasion, made their grand entrance.

"I am Han Tao, and I am deeply grateful to all of you for gracing my daughter's birthday celebration with your presence," Han Tao announced from the podium.

His voice carried clearly to every corner of the venue without any amplification equipment.

It was understandable, given his cultivation at the 6th level of the Nascent Soul realm, which allowed him to project his voice with such ease.

"Patriarch Han, you are too kind."

"It is our distinct honor to be here."

"We are privileged to have received your invitation, Patriarch."

As Han Tao concluded his address, a chorus of fervent compliments erupted from the attendees.

Han Tao held a respected position within the Six Doors guild and was known as a trustworthy businessman, making it no surprise that many held him in high regard.

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"Han Xiaoyu truly lives up to her reputation as a goddess. She looks exceptionally beautiful today. Do you think she might accept me if I were to propose?" Lu Hao gazed at Han Xiaoyu with evident admiration.

Lin Tian merely offered a slight smile in response to Lu Hao's words, remaining silent.

While Han Xiaoyu possessed considerable beauty, Lin Tian found himself uninterested.

Her captivating looks did not stir him; even her unique physique seemed unremarkable to him, akin to any ordinary girl.

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Han Tao had now concluded his welcoming remarks, and numerous young men were stepping forward to present their gifts to Han Xiaoyu.

Naturally, their primary objective extended beyond mere gift-giving; they also sought to capture Han Xiaoyu's attention.

It was an irresistible pull, this allure of Han Xiaoyu's stunning beauty.

Many harbored the hope of earning Han Xiaoyu's favor, yet she accepted each gift with a graceful, understated demeanor.

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After receiving over a dozen gifts, Han Xiaoyu's gaze fell upon Tang Xuan and Lu Yu as they approached, carrying their gift boxes.

Their arrival immediately drew the attention of those in their vicinity.

A palpable curiosity filled the air as guests wondered about the nature of the gifts these two esteemed individuals would bestow upon Han Xiaoyu.

Given that Tang Xuan and Lu Yu were both recognized as exceptionally talented youths hailing from prominent families, their gifts were undoubtedly of immense value.