Urban Seduction: Housewives Club Chapter 1957 - 286: Police Officer Xin Xiaoxiao 3

The Zhang family decided not to host this particular gathering at their private residence or a high-end city hotel. Instead, they chose a resort situated to the west of Jinling City.

Despite the hardships humans face in the current era, wealth remains concentrated among a significant portion of the population.

Furthermore, the present landscape makes the outskirts of cities quite perilous, while the urban centers themselves have become overwhelmingly massive.

It is common for individuals to spend their entire lives confined within a single city’s limits. Consequently, a deep longing for the pastoral existence depicted in ancient scrolls has begun to take root in people's hearts.

Wherever a demand exists, commerce follows. Thus, leisure destinations like resorts and agritainment spots—which had vanished following the era of spiritual revival—have seen a resurgence in recent years.

The resort selected by the Zhang family stands as one of Jinling’s premier locations; notably, the Zhang family itself holds the position of the primary shareholder.

Zhang Qingtian had mentioned that influential figures from Tianhai would be present today. This likely explains why the Zhang family opted for this specific venue.

After all, Tianhai dwarfs Jinling when comparing the prosperity of the city or the sheer strength of its resident warriors.

Even the most opulent hotels in Jinling might be viewed as mediocre or substandard by guests accustomed to the luxury of Tianhai.

By selecting a resort defined by its rustic charm and natural scenery, the Zhangs offered a choice that was both distinctive and refreshing.

Because the Zhang family had reserved the entire venue for their party, the resort was closed to the general public; entry was strictly prohibited without a formal invitation.

Wang Yue and his companions, however, did not require such formalities.

Given their status within the three major families, their faces were well-known to anyone of importance in Jinling.

Just as Zhang Qingtian had predicted, Wang Yue’s presence alone served as his pass to enter.

It was already past eight o'clock, and the banquet was nearly finished. Arriving at such a late hour was, by all accounts, quite disrespectful on the part of Wang Yue’s group.

Wang Yue was entirely unconcerned with etiquette. His sole purpose for coming was to identify these so-called "important figures" from Tianhai.

As for preserving the Zhang family's dignity—if a total confrontation was inevitable, what did their reputation matter to him?

Wang Yue was not the type to hide a dagger behind a friendly smile; if someone provoked him, he would deal with them directly without any false pretenses.

Though they weren't blocked at the gate, their arrival was immediately signaled by the staff.

The moment they stepped out of their car in the parking area, Zhang Qingtian appeared to welcome them.

"Young Master Wang, Miss Su, and the other ladies, you have arrived quite late. The banquet is reaching its conclusion," Zhang Qingtian remarked with a grin. He pointedly ignored Chu Mo, though whether this was to avoid unwanted attention or out of lingering spite remained unclear—likely the latter.

"I am only here to observe, not to dine," Wang Yue answered apathetically. Despite the smile Zhang Qingtian wore, a malicious aura clung to him; his joy was hollow, and he failed to fully mask the venom in his gaze.

In the past, no matter how much he loathed Wang Yue, he would maintain a polite front. Now, he didn't even bother to hide his disdain, clearly emboldened by a powerful new backer that made the three major families of Jinling seem insignificant to him.

Maintaining his forced smile, Zhang Qingtian added, "That is a shame. Young Master Zhang brought many treasures from Tianhai—the kind of rarities that money simply cannot buy. You will be missing out."

Young Master Zhang... it was indeed the Zhang clan from Tianhai.

A spark of interest flickered within Wang Yue; he hadn't expected the truth to be confirmed so easily.

Su Jiaojiao snapped, "Why waste time talking? We didn't come here for a meal; lead the way!"

Being barked at by a mere child pushed Zhang Qingtian’s temper to the edge. His fake smile vanished as he muttered, "Then please, follow me."

The guest list for this event was exclusive, with everyone gathered in the grand lobby of a villa-style hotel at the resort's center. They were huddled like stars around a moon, encircling three youths at the heart of the room.

Predictably, Chu Kuo was visible among the crowd. That old fox had decided to align with the Zhangs—or at the very least, he was playing both sides to see who would prevail.

Wang Yue understood the logic. Chu Kuo carried the weight of the entire Chu family’s survival on his shoulders. Caution was his only shield.

Furthermore, with the local Zhangs backed by the formidable Tianhai Zhang branch, most observers believed the three major families of Jinling stood no chance of winning this power struggle.

"Mr. Wang Yue of the Jinling Wang family, Miss Su Jin’er, Miss Su Xiu’er, Miss Su Jiaojiao of the Su family, and Miss Chu Mo of the Chu family have arrived—" the host bellowed as they entered the room.

The buzzing lobby fell into a sudden, heavy silence. The representatives of Jinling’s elite, including Chu Kuo, looked visibly uncomfortable.

They hadn't anticipated the Zhangs would invite Wang Yue and Su Jin’er; it was a transparent tactic to force everyone to pick a side publicly.

While some had already pledged themselves to the Zhang family, many were still trying to remain neutral.

With Wang Yue’s sudden appearance, that neutrality evaporated. Since they were all present at a Zhang-hosted event, no one would believe they weren't involved in the Zhang family's schemes.

Wang Yue realized he had been played by Zhang Qingtian. Looking at the man’s arrogant smirk, he felt a strong urge to smash his teeth in.

It wasn't that he was frustrated by the scheme; he simply found Zhang Qingtian’s existence annoying.

Wang Yue was indifferent to whatever alliances were being formed in that room. With his own strength and the presence of the beauties from the three families, he felt untouchable. Allies were a luxury, not a necessity.

This was the absolute certainty he derived from his invincible "power source."

Zhang Qingtian felt a twinge of disappointment when he failed to see anger on Wang Yue’s face. However, the real show was just starting. He gathered himself and guided the group toward the three strangers in the center.

"Mr. Wang, allow me to introduce you. This is Mr. Zhang Lingfeng of the Tianhai Zhang family. His father is the younger brother of the current Clan Head," Zhang Qingtian announced.

Wang Yue felt a wave of boredom. He had expected a major player, but this was just a second-generation scion. He gave a curt nod in acknowledgment.

Zhang Qingtian then gestured to the others. "These are Mr. Zhao of the Tianhai Zhao family and Mr. Ma of the Tianhai Ma family."

It was clear that Zhao and Ma were merely Zhang Lingfeng’s lackeys, yet they carried themselves with insufferable pride.

"Gentlemen, this is the sole male heir of the three major families of Jinling: Mr. Wang Yue," Zhang Qingtian continued, before moving on to introduce the Su family members...

The trio from Tianhai showed little interest in the "sole male heir." Instead, their eyes were glued to the four women, with Su Jin’er and Su Xiu’er commanding the bulk of their attention.

Even in a room filled with socialites, the twin sisters were breathtaking. Their identical beauty made them impossible to ignore.

Watching the three men leer at his cousins, a cold fury began to brew in Wang Yue’s heart.

He knew Su Jin’er and Su Xiu’er were stunning and that their status as twins made them natural targets for attention. He could understand the reaction.

But understanding did not mean he would tolerate it. For these men to look at his cousins with such blatant lust was an insult he would not forgive.