The Return of the God Level Assassin Chapter 1331: THE PARTY (I)

JIANG YUE entered the hotel lobby, Shen Yi Mu and Shen Ji Yun accompanying him closely. They found themselves at The Peninsula, a renowned luxury establishment in B City. This venue was a familiar haunt for the city's elite, with many significant high-society events having taken place within its walls. The architecture itself exuded a subtle grandeur, boasting marble flooring and soaring ceilings that contributed to an expansive, airy atmosphere throughout the premises.

He allowed Shen Yi Mu to take the lead through the bustling lobby. Scattered guests congregated in small clusters, their hushed conversations barely audible, their formal attire indicating their shared purpose for being there. The corridor extending towards the banquet hall was broad, distinguished by cream-colored walls and elegant dark wood trim.

Upon reaching the entrance, Jiang Yue paused, his gaze sweeping over the banquet hall. It was a generous space, yet felt intimate, furnished with orderly rows of round tables adorned with crisp white tablecloths. Each setting featured fine china, polished silverware, and a modest floral centerpiece. A significant open area in the center appeared designated for dancing, complemented by a small stage equipped with a microphone situated near the windows. Attentive waitstaff, clad in immaculate uniforms, moved with quiet efficiency, arranging water glasses and adjusting chairs.

The event's decorations were understated yet sophisticated. White blossoms, delicate pale gold accents, and soft illumination combined to create an ambiance that was clearly expensive without being ostentatious.

Jiang Yue surveyed the assembled guests. None were familiar to him. However, the women were draped in sophisticated gowns, and the men sport tailored suits accessorized with timepieces likely valued higher than many individuals' annual income. An air of practiced ease permeated the room, an unmistakable sign of familiarity with such gatherings. These were the crème de la crème of B City society.

"Uncle Yi Mu!"

The exclamation caused Shen Yi Mu, Shen Ji Yun, and Jiang Yue to turn. Bai Ze was approaching them, a wide smile gracing his features. He was dressed in a dark navy suit, his white dress shirt untied at the collar, and his hair was styled neatly back. His enthusiasm was palpable, his quickened steps bridging the distance between them.

"You certainly scrub up well, Xiao Ze," Shen Yi Mu remarked, a playful glint in his eyes.

Bai Ze's chest puffed out slightly. "I always look sharp, Uncle Yi Mu." Both Shen Yi Mu and Jiang Yue shared a chuckle at his confident reply. "This way, your table is prepared."

"Hold on, Bai Ze," Shen Ji Yun interjected. "Shouldn't we first greet your parents and Uncle Wei Tian?" Reflecting on the previous night's events, he felt it prudent to avoid any semblance of disrespect.

Bai Ze halted, turning to face Shen Ji Yun with a slight tilt of his head, a flicker of confusion crossing his features at his friend's sudden earnestness. However, he dismissed it, assuming Shen Ji Yun merely wished to make a favorable impression on Uncle Wei Tian, who was, after all, his boyfriend's father.

"Then follow me," he said, resuming his movement. "Dad and Uncle are already over there." He gestured towards a group conversing near the room's edge. "Mom is with Xiao Yan and Xiao Jin. Xiao Ye is also there. She insisted on introducing my cousins to the guests." He cast a glance back at them, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I suspect they're just indulging her to keep her happy."

"Are they located somewhere within the hotel?" Shen Ji Yun inquired as they navigated through the throng behind Bai Ze.

"Yes, they're in a suite upstairs," Bai Ze replied. "But I imagine they'll be descending shortly."

As they proceeded, certain guests recognized Shen Yi Mu. Some offered a nod of acknowledgment, while others stepped forward with welcoming smiles, clearly eager for a brief exchange. Shen Yi Mu navigated these encounters with practiced grace, returning greetings, engaging in polite pleasantries, and continuing onward. When one gentleman attempted to draw him into a more extended conversation, Shen Yi Mu offered a courteous smile, gestured towards his companions, and mentioned their obligation to greet the hosts.

As they neared the location where Bai Chen, Luo Wei Tian, and Luo Ren stood, the surrounding conversations became more distinct. The majority of these dialogues emanated from the small assembly gathered around the three men.

"President Luo, I understand your company is exploring investment opportunities in B City. Is this accurate?"

Luo Wei Tian responded with a measured smile. "We are perpetually evaluating potential avenues. Nothing is yet finalized."

Another guest, shifting their gaze between Luo Wei Tian and Bai Chen, commented, "Given your familial ties, it would seem logical for the Luo and Bai conglomerates to strengthen their collaborative efforts. Perhaps a joint venture?"

Bai Chen offered a slight shake of his head. "We maintain a clear separation between our family matters and business dealings."

A woman positioned near the front of the group addressed Luo Ren with a smile. "President Luo, your son is exceptionally handsome. I have a daughter of a similar age who has recently graduated. Perhaps they might be introduced sometime."

Luo Ren maintained a composed demeanor, offering no verbal response.

Luo Wei Tian inclined his head politely. "That is a very kind observation."

Bai Ze seized a lull in the conversation and stepped forward. "Dad, Uncle," he announced. "Ji Yun, Uncle Yi Mu, and Uncle Yue have arrived."

Bai Chen cast a look their way, a smile gracing his lips as he reached out to Shen Ji Yun before shaking hands with Shen Yi Mu. "Xiao Mu, it is indeed pleasant that you could make it."

"Brother Bai, we thank you for the invitation," Shen Yi Mu responded. He placed a hand gently on Jiang Yue’s back, ushering him forward to stand by his side. "Ah, this is Ah Yue. He is someone of great importance to me."

A warmth spread across Jiang Yue’s cheeks. He could already feel the attention of the surrounding guests shifting towards him. He shot Shen Yi Mu a brief, annoyed look. Shen Yi Mu had apparently intended to introduce him to the entire party as his boyfriend, a designation Jiang Yue had declined. This wasn't due to a lack of desire, but rather an apprehension about the potential ramifications for Shen Yi Mu's life and career, particularly at this juncture when his company was experiencing such robust growth.

He mustered a smile, offering President Bai a respectful nod. "It is a pleasure to meet you, President Bai."