The Return of the God Level Assassin Chapter 1332: THE PARTY (II)

LUO WEI TIAN observed the interaction between Shen Yi Mu and Jiang Yue. A tension coiled in his body when the three of them, accompanied by Bai Ze, had approached. He consciously avoided direct eye contact with Shen Ji Yun, fearing a resurgence of his anger. Keeping his attention elsewhere proved effortless, particularly after Shen Yi Mu revealed the identity of the man beside him.

Initially, the individual seemed vaguely familiar. It took Luo Wei Tian a full minute to place Jiang Yue – a counselor at Guizhu Academy. He recalled meeting him two years prior when he enrolled Luo Yan. The question of how Jiang Yue became acquainted with Shen Yi Mu arose.

However, the answer presented itself through Shen Yi Mu’s demeanor towards Jiang Yue. It wasn't merely the introduction; it was the way Shen Yi Mu gazed at him, as if Jiang Yue held the paramount importance in the vicinity. Previously, Luo Wei Tian would not have given it a second thought. But since learning of his son’s romantic involvement with Shen Ji Yun, he found himself scrutinizing such interactions between men with newfound intensity.

Could Shen Yi Mu share the same orientation? Was that the reason Shen Ji Yun and Luo Yan had found it so easy to confide in him about their relationship? Because he would understand? Unlike himself?

At that reflection, the lingering hurt and frustration from the previous night threatened to surface once more. Luo Wei Tian closed his eyes briefly, drawing a slow, deep breath. Upon opening them, his composure was restored.

He could not afford to lose his temper at this juncture. This evening was dedicated to Luo Yan and Luo Jin. He would address his feelings tomorrow, during their planned conversation.

Observing from a distance, Shen Ji Yun noted the fleeting emotions that crossed Uncle Wei Tian’s face before it settled back into tranquility. The shift was so swift that others likely remained oblivious. His own awareness stemmed from his deliberate focus on Uncle Wei Tian.

He had anticipated witnessing Uncle Wei Tian’s reaction to his presence. Yet, surprisingly, or perhaps predictably, the elder did not look his way. This could only signify lingering anger towards him, which was, admittedly, understandable. Nevertheless, it stung.

Following a few more moments of conversation, they detached from the gathering around Uncle Chen and Uncle Wei Tian. Bai Ze then guided him, his uncle, and Uncle Yue towards their designated seating area.

Bai Ze halted before a circular table situated near the room's center. Shen Yi Mu gallantly pulled out a chair for Jiang Yue, who offered a slight smile in return before taking his seat. Shen Ji Yun occupied the chair adjacent to his uncle. As Bai Ze prepared to sit, he suddenly tapped his forehead.

"Ah, right! I neglected to inform you of something," he exclaimed. "I only learned of it upon our arrival. I truly don't comprehend my mother's reasoning, but she extended an invitation to—"

His phone vibrated. A quick glance at the screen revealed a grin spreading across his face.

"Apologies, my guest has just arrived," he announced, pocketing his phone. "I must go and meet her."

Without awaiting a response, he was already en route, navigating the throng towards the main entrance.

Shen Ji Yun watched Bai Ze’s hurried departure. Judging by the evident excitement, the guest was likely the girl from Arcadia known for her cat-girl avatar. However, lingering curiosity remained about what Bai Ze had been about to reveal before the phone call. Something concerning Aunt Xiulan's invitation... The thought remained incomplete as a nearby guest's remark drew his attention.

"Aren't those the young masters from the Shen family?"

Shen Ji Yun's gaze involuntarily shifted towards the entrance. And there they were: Shen Lin and Shen Xin, making their entrance into the banquet hall.

***

Luo Yan read the message from Shen Ji Yun. It stated he had arrived at the banquet hall, accompanied by Uncle Yi Mu and Uncle Yue. Luo Yan swiftly typed a reply, informing him he would descend shortly.

"Mom, can't I just come downstairs with you?" Bai Ye pleaded. "I want to be at the party too."

"Xiao Ye, we have discussed this," Sun Xiulan stated gently, crouching to his eye level. The potential for her dress to wrinkle did not concern her. "Tonight's party is for adults. However, you won't be by yourself. Aunt Zhou is here to keep you company. You can play video games until nine o'clock, and then it will be bedtime. That doesn't sound too bad, does it? The night will pass by more quickly than you imagine."

Bai Ye’s lower lip jutted out. "Then can I have extra snacks while I play? At least two kinds. No, three." He held up three small fingers, his eyes gleaming with hopeful anticipation.

While mother and son engaged in their minor negotiation, Luo Yan received another message from Shen Ji Yun.

[luckycloud]: My cousins are here.

Luo Yan's eyes widened upon reading the message.

[yanyan1213]: Which cousins? Is Shen Xin among them?

[luckycloud]: The sons of my eldest uncle. And yes, Shen Xin is present.

Luo Yan turned to his aunt. "Aunt Xiulan, did you extend an invitation to the Shen family?"

Aunt Xiulan had already risen and was adjusting her dress as she replied, "Yes. I extended invitations to every prominent family within B City. Is there a reason for your inquiry?"

"Brother Ji Yun just sent me a message," he stated. "He mentioned his cousins are in town. His eldest uncle's sons."

Luo Jin cast a sideways glance at him upon hearing this.

"Ah, they must have been dispatched as representatives," Aunt Xiulan deduced. "The senior members of the family are likely occupied. And since they could hardly disregard our invitation, they opted to send the younger generation instead."

Luo Yan simply inclined his head. He couldn't very well question his aunt regarding the purpose of her invitations. In hindsight, he ought to have anticipated this outcome. She had explicitly stated her intention to invite every significant family in B City, and the Shen family was undoubtedly among the most influential in this locale.

He briefly closed his eyes, harboring a fervent hope that the upcoming party would proceed without any untoward incidents.