T/n: One of my friends was in charge of editing the translations but I’m so bothered by the glaring mistakes (sorry as I’m reading this as well), so I’ve decided I’ll do it myself. It might take longer, though. The previous chapters I won’t go back to edit, but I will try to do my best in editing the next chapters. Please bear with me. It won’t be perfect, but I will do my best.
Chapter 65: The Cannon Fodder in a Dogblood Novel (65)
The birthday banquet, originally planned for the family estate, was ultimately moved to a cruise ship in Pearl Harbor. The sea breeze wrapped around the night colors, drifting gently into the cabin.
Shen Huayan wore a modified champagne-colored cheongsam evening gown that made her figure appear even more slender and graceful. The soft, round standing collar was adorned with a single pearl of the same color scheme. It wasn’t ostentatious, yet it accentuated the lines of her long neck with striking clarity. The gown lacked superfluous decorations, featuring only a circle of pale gold interlocking branch patterns embroidered at the hem. Under the lights, it glowed with a subtle luster, revealing just the right amount of understated dignity.
Although she didn’t have much money of her own, Jiang Jianjun still gave her face as “Mrs. Jiang” regarding clothing, food, housing, and transportation; he did not mistreat her. Of course, it was more likely because Shen Huayan represented the face of the Jiang family itself.
At this moment, her gaze fell on Shen Tangqing, looking him up and down without disguise. After a few seconds, her red lips parted slightly.
“Tang Tang, this outfit of yours is actually quite nice.” Her narrow eyes tightened slightly as she changed the subject. “However, I remember this is O’s spring runway model, right? It costs far more than the hundred thousand I gave you could afford.”
Shen Tangqing looked down at the creamy white suit he was wearing. He didn’t know how much it cost, either. Jiang Qingyan had picked it out for him, claiming it was so he wouldn’t lose the Jiang family’s face by dressing too “low.” Shen Tangqing was naturally happy to take advantage of the situation without spending his own money.
“Brother Yan bought it for me. He said if I dressed too poorly, it would cost the Jiang family face.” Shen Tangqing looked up at Shen Huayan, forcing an ingratiating smile. “Mom, you won’t ask for the hundred thousand back because of this, right?”
Shen Huayan: “…”
Is that the point?
Hearing Shen Tangqing’s explanation, a sarcastic smile hooked the corner of Shen Huayan’s lips. The Jiang family’s face? In Jiang Qingyan’s eyes, Shen Tangqing was surnamed Shen; he was never a member of the Jiang family.
Her gaze fell back on Shen Tangqing’s face. That absurd guess in her heart inexplicably became two points more certain. If… if it really was as she guessed, then things were about to get truly interesting. Maybe later, there would be a good show to watch.
Shen Tangqing felt uncomfortable all over being stared at. Do I have flowers on my face? Why is she looking at me like this?
“Mom, why are you staring at me?”
Shen Huayan suddenly chuckled lightly, her tone carrying an indescribable significance. “Nothing. Miss Lin will be coming later, too. Remember to ask her for the first dance, understand?”
“Understood.”
Shen Tangqing was actually looking forward to meeting this Miss Lin. He had never been on a blind date and was vaguely excited.
The crystal lights of the cruise ship refracted into fragmented beams, reflecting off the shimmering waves of the sea. Shen Tangqing had just agreed to Shen Huayanâs request when he saw Jiang Qingyan walking toward him with a glass of champagne. The black suit made his shoulders look broad and his waist narrow, the watch chain exposed at his cuff glinting coldly. Standing together with Shen Tangqingâone in black and one in whiteâthey were strikingly eye-catching.
“What are you chatting about?” His gaze lingered on Shen Tangqing for a moment before landing on Shen Huayan, a trace of chill flashing in his eyes.
Shen Huayan turned around, her gaze sweeping over Jiang Qingyan. Seeing his attire, a trace of playfulness appeared in her expression, though it was quickly restrained. When she raised her eyes, her smile was gentle.
“Eldest Young Master, I was just telling Tang Tang that when Miss Lin from Fengchi arrives later, he should entertain her well.” Speaking of this, the smile at the corner of her lips deepened a few degrees. “I told him to be proactive and ask Miss Lin for the first dance.”
Jiang Qingyan’s fingers paused on the stem of his glass, his expression suddenly turning cold. He lifted his eyelids to look at Shen Huayan. “The old man is looking for you.”
A look of deliberate surprise appeared on Shen Huayan’s face. “Then I’ll go over first.” Before leaving, she looked at Shen Tangqing again and instructed, “I’ll introduce Miss Lin to you later.”
“Okay, Mom.”
After Shen Huayan left, Jiang Qingyan’s originally cold brows softened a little. No wonder Shen Huayan invited Miss Lin from Fengchi. It turned out to be a blind date for Shen Tangqing.
The moment the words “blind date” surfaced in Jiang Qingyan’s mind, his face sank instantly. If he gets married, where does that leave me?
SoâShen Tangqing better not get married! I am the only one who is family to him.
Jiang Qingyan chuckled low in his throat, hiding the turmoil in his heart, and said nothing more. He took a step forward, reaching out to help Shen Tangqing adjust his collar. His fingertips inadvertently brushed past Shen Tangqing’s neck, carrying a slightly cool temperature.
Shen Tangqing shrank his neck. Just as he was about to step back, Jiang Qingyan spoke suddenly. “Don’t move, your collar is messy.”
His voice was very light, carrying an undetectable gentleness.
“I can do it myself.”
Jiang Qingyan didn’t step back.
“Ah Yan, what are you doing with Brother Shen?”
Fu Sizhao’s languid voice reached their ears. Jiang Qingyan frowned slightly. He withdrew his hand and stepped back. Turning his head, he saw Fu Sizhao walking toward them with a smile. Beside him followed a cold-looking Lu Yanli.
Fu Sizhao’s gaze swept reservedly over the two. That smile looked warm, but hidden in his eyes were three parts falseness. Seeing Jiang Qingyan adjusting Shen Tangqing’s collar made him feel uncomfortable. He just felt that hand… was a bit of an eyesore!
Shen Tangqing wasn’t surprised to see Fu Sizhao. After all, given his relationship with Jiang Qingyan, he couldn’t possibly miss the Jiang family banquet. But seeing Lu Yanli, he was momentarily surprised. As far as he knew, Lu Yanli and Jiang Qingyan were merely nodding acquaintances!
“Brother Fu, Mr. Lu,” Shen Tangqing greeted politely.
“Brother Shen, you’re dressed like a little swan tonight. Truly eye-catching.” Fu Sizhao’s eyes lit up the moment his gaze landed on Shen Tangqing, his tone carrying undisguised praise.
Shen Tangqing smiled politely at him. “Brother Yan chose the clothes for me.”
Fu Sizhao: “…”
Looking closely, these clothes are actually just average.
On the side, Jiang Qingyan smiled at Lu Yanli, his tone polite. “Didn’t expect Master Lu to come. Sorry for not welcoming you properly.”
Lu Yanli calmly withdrew his eyes from Shen Tangqing. Hidden in that look was a covetousness even he didn’t notice. He had been very busy recently. Last time, he had smashed the Bo family’s venue, openly tearing up their “face.” A few days ago, a batch of goods was detained by customs with the Bo family’s hand in it, so he had been looking for connections to clear it up.
Butâno matter how busy he was, he wanted to see Shen Tangqing.
“Happened to have time. Heard from Ah Zhao it’s your father’s birthday banquet, so I came presumptuously to congratulate.” Lu Yanli’s voice was very cold. Paired with that sharp-edged, aggressive face, he looked a bit fierce, giving people a feeling of being unapproachable despite his handsomeness.
“How could it be presumptuous? It’s our honor that you could come.” Jiang Qingyan’s tone remained polite, but he was puzzled inside, wondering why this master would come.
Fu Sizhao looked at Lu Yanli’s calm face and couldn’t help sneering internally. Poser! Usually, he wouldn’t say an extra word, let alone attend this kind of social engagement. Fu Sizhao knew clearly what idea he was harboring in his heart.
If he only suspected it before, then when Lu Yanli proposed coming with him to attend the Jiang family banquet, what was left unclear? His intentions were as plain as day!
Of course, as for Wen Ciâwhose wicked heart hadn’t died yetâhe was busy handling family matters recently and had no time to come to Jing City. Otherwise, barring any accidents, today would be a trio again.
Recommended Reads
![Enemies on a Narrow Road [Esports]](https://beereads.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/enemies-on-a-narrow-road-214x300.jpg)
