As evening fell, Wang Xiaotian slowly opened his eyes.
His body trembled with weakness, and he coughed up a significant amount of blood, his breath becoming ragged.
"This is bad. I am going to die in one or two days, and I can't even spend my last day with my daughter!" he clenched his fist and struck the worn-out bed in frustration.
Wang Xiaotian could barely stand on his feet. However, years of rigorous martial arts training compelled him to move toward the kitchen.
"I can't even go to the hospital, they will charge me a lot of money, and I can't afford it. If I call Su Muyan, she would roll her eyes and call me a liar again!"
"Food first—need to regain some strength", Wang Xiaotian said as he opened the fridge to prepare a meal, but his gaze landed on the porridge Su Muyan had made.
Wang Xiaotian sighed and grabbed the dish from the fridge. "Guess I'll eat this," he muttered. Then he noticed a note beside it:
"Your master's and I bought some supplements and medicine for you. I made porridge from the medicine and supplements. It'll help to restore your energy."
Wang Xiaotian read the note and grinned. "Now I really can't wait to eat this!" Five minutes later, he'd devoured every last bite of porridge made by Su Muyan and cleaned up the entire kitchen.
Wang Xiaotian stumbled out of the kitchen when suddenly, his body turned heavy. His body movement became sluggish.
"Huh? What the hell's wrong with me? Why can't I feel my legs?" He barely managed one step before his legs gave out. Blood burst from his mouth, nose, eyes, and ears, splattering the floor as he collapsed. But before he hit the ground, he grinned.
"So, this is it... I'm dying. Funny... why does it feel so damn good? Why do I want to stay like this?". After saying it, he closed his eyes.
[Banquet]
Many guests came and went from the banquet hall. While the people chatted with each other, two elderly couples shuffled inside.
The crowd erupted in cheers and well-wishes
Congratulations, Mr. Su and Mrs. Chen, on your wedding anniversary!
~"Mr. Su, I've brought a bottle of your favourite—1992 Changyu Centennial, the finest vintage. What do you say we share a glass and talk about an exciting opportunity that could benefit us both?"
~"Mr. Su and Mrs. Chen, happy anniversary! My goodness, you two look even more radiant than on your wedding day - is there some fountain of youth you've been keeping secret from us?"
While people praise and congratulate both couples, they move towards the stage and sit down on the chairs: Su Zhengyi sits on the dragon-carved chair, and Chen Xilan sits on the phoenix-engraved one.
"As they took their seats, a stern-faced man stepped forward. With a respectful cupped-fist bow, his stern expression softened into a rare smile. 'Mom, Dad—happy anniversary. May your bond grow stronger with each passing year."
Su Zhengyi chuckled, smoothing his long white beard with pride. "Hahaha! Well said, my son! How could I ever forget this day? Not only is it our anniversary, but now our family stands stronger than ever—thanks to your brilliant daughter and her alliance with AA Group!"
A smile appeared on his face. "We're deeply honoured by your trust, Father. With your wisdom and my daughter's success, the Su family will rise even higher."
"Happy Anniversary, Grandpa and Grandma!" A cheerful voice rang out. "This longevity jade token symbolizes my wishes—may your bond remain unbroken like jade, and each year bring greater harmony."
Chen Xilan rose and embraced Su Jianyu, her eyes glistening with tears. "Thank you, child. Your thoughtful words bless this occasion—don't you agree, husband?"
Su Zhengyi chuckled, nodding proudly. "Absolutely. With a grandson like you, what more could we ask for?"
"Ah, what a heartwarming moment between elders and grandson," remarked a man with an upright posture as he entered the banquet hall and approached the stage.
"I feel guilty for interrupting—hope we second-generation folks aren't just third wheels here!" He gave the elderly couple a respectful nod, his tone light but sincere.
Su Zhengyi burst into laughter, wagging a finger at the newcomer. "Are you calling us old, you brat? I could still outrun you any day!"
He clapped the man's shoulder, eyes twinkling with mischief. "But more importantly—why is our son late to his parents' anniversary? That's three penalty glasses of wine for you!"
"Mom, Dad—happy anniversary," the man said, his voice thick with emotion as he pressed his fists together and bowed deeply. "May your love continue to shine brighter with each passing year. We're all so blessed to celebrate this day with you."
"Elder Brother Weiming—what better way to celebrate than with a drink together?" Su Linfeng grinned, raising his cup in a respectful salute, his fist pressed against his palm. "Tonight, let's toast to family and fortune!"
Su Weiming embraced Su Linfeng firmly, pride resonating in his voice. "Brother, your daughter brings great honour to our Su family. Her achievements fill me with pride."
His attention turned to the boy beside them, a warm gleam in his eyes. "Su Jianyu grows more impressive each day. Nephew, remember—this uncle's support remains yours whenever business difficulties arise."
Su Jianyu pressed his palms together in salute. "This nephew thanks Uncle. Should difficulties arise, you'll be the first I seek."
Su Weiming's expression darkened as he faced his parents. "Father, Mother, forgive me. Yuqin and Siyu couldn't attend—my mother-in-law fell suddenly ill. She sends her apologies and regards." He bowed his head respectfully.
Su Xilan's expression softened with concern as she took her son's hand. "Naturally, we understand—family duty comes before all. Who could blame such devotion?" Her grip tightened slightly, voice laced with worry. "Is your honoured mother-in-law improving? Has a skilled physician attended her?"
Su Weiming nodded wearily. "Mother, she improves steadily—though you know her health has always been delicate. Yuqin attends to her with utmost care." He offered a faint, reassuring smile. "Please set your heart at ease; all is being managed properly."
The banquet hall doors burst open as Li Mei and Su Yixin rushed in, cheeks flushed from exertion. They immediately mounted the stage and performed a synchronized bow, hands pressed together in respectful greeting toward the elderly couple.
"Father, Mother—happy anniversary," Li Mei said warmly, pressing her palms together in salute. "May the heavens grant you a hundred years of shared harmony."
Su Yixin nodded eagerly, adding, "And may our family continue to flourish under your guidance!"
Chen Xilan rose with moist eyes, her hand gently stroking Su Yixin's hair. "This old heart can't take such happiness—to be blessed by both our grandchildren and daughters-in-law on this day..."
Su Weiming pressed his palms together in salute, admiration clear in his expression. "Sister-in-law, congratulations. Your daughter's alliance with AA Group is impressive—it will undoubtedly advance her future." He scanned the room. "Where is our accomplished niece? This merits proper celebration!"
Li Mei waved dismissively, her proud smile laced with humour. "Brother-in-law, no need for concern, she'll arrive shortly. You know her nature: once committed, not even immovable mountains could divert her." She smoothed her sleeve. "She worked through the night on the AA Group matter, yet family celebrations remain her priority."
In the crowded hall, hushed whispers circulated among the guests:
"While other wealthy clans collapse from internal strife, the Su family remains unshaken—their generational unity is their true strength. No wonder they're becoming the next prominent family."
"Pfft!" A nearby listener scoffed. "You must be new here. These 'noble' Su family are wolves in sheep's clothing—they'd sell their ancestors for profit!"
"What? Seriously?" another gasped, eyes widening.
The murmurs of gossip abruptly ceased as Su Moyan entered the banquet hall. Her aloof, expressionless demeanour immediately drew all eyes—but the true shock came from the unfamiliar man beside her, their hands clasped together as they walked, her cheeks bearing an uncharacteristic flush. Behind them, a bodyguard followed, carrying her sleeping two-year-old daughter securely against his shoulder.
The crowd erupted in mixed reactions—cheers, gasps, and murmurs of jealousy—as the striking man entered with Su Moyan.
"Who is that distinguished gentleman?"
"A hundred times more refined than that useless Wang Xiaotian!"
"Could this mean Su Moyan has divorced him?"
"You fools, that's Ji Yuan! He was the main reason for the Su family's rise these past five years!"
"Well deserved, Goddess Su! Five years of marriage was more than enough courtesy to that deadweight."
After hearing people criticize Wang Xiaotian and her guilt of cheating, she composed herself with a deep breath before approaching the elderly couple. "Grandfather, Grandmother," she greeted respectfully, "congratulations on your anniversary. We three have prepared gifts—this Eternal Youth Pendant is crafted from imperial jade, and these wooden Buddha beads, recently carved by Ji Yuan, will ward off negative energies for you both."
The elderly couple's eyes widened in astonishment. "Such fortune, to receive Buddha beads carved by Ji Yuan himself!" Su Zhengyi exclaimed. "In the market, these would command fifty million!"
Murmurs spread through the crowd: "Just wooden beads? How could they be so valuable?"
"Are you unaware? Master Ling Mei personally trained Ji Yuan—she is one of the five great masters of the Elemental sect. Any wood or jade she engraves becomes priceless, valued at over 100 million. What then would you expect from her direct disciple's work?"
"Within the Elemental Sect, the other four masters also accepted him as their True Disciple, each imparting their specialized arts to him."
After his praise in the crowd, an arrogant smirk appeared on Ji Yuan's lips. He moved forward and wished the old couple, "Congratulations, Uncle and Aunt, on your wedding anniversary!" He didn't cup his fist and bow down in front of the old couple.
"You don't need to call us uncle or aunt. Think of us as your grandparents," Chen Xilan speaks in a warm tone.
Su Zhengyi looked at Su Moyan and slightly narrowed his eyes. "Su Moyan, I hope you don't bring that disgrace into my wedding anniversary banquet.
He said coldly. "Though I must acknowledge your judgment in securing the AA Group partnership—and your choice of escort."
Su Moyan speaks in a calm voice, "Grandpa, there is no need for concern. I didn't come with Wang Xiaotian. He has a fever; that's why he didn't come alongside me".
Su Zhengyi nodded down, "Good, at least he is sensible as to what is right and wrong for him".
Su Linfeng announced enthusiastically, "With all guests assembled, let the celebration commence! Father, Mother—this 'Tiger Descending Mountains' painting from the Song Dynasty is my gift to you. It's current appraisal values it at ten million."
The elderly couple studied the painting intently. "A remarkable work of art," Su Zhengyi remarked. "Chen Xilan, don't you agree?" She responded with an approving nod and warm smile.
Su Yixin presented her gift with a respectful bow. "Grandfather, Grandmother, this Divine Qinlin Seal will attract prosperity to your household. A family friend assisted in its acquisition."
Chen Xilan carefully lifted the seal, her voice warm but steady. "Your grandfather and I will cherish this seal, Yixin. It means a great deal to us."
"Since my brother presents a Song Dynasty painting, I cannot be outdone. Father, Mother, this Tang Dynasty Lightning Dragon statue will safeguard your health and repel malignant energies." Su Weiming gestured, and attendants placed the 30-centimeter artifact before them.
Chen Xilan's specialty is the statue as she stands up in excitement. "According to the statue's rarity from the Tang Dynasty, the statue is worth around 50 or 60 million dollars on the international market. Thank you, son, for such a gift. I love it".
The audience watched in stunned silence as treasure after treasure was unveiled. None dared present their gifts afterward, their offerings paling in comparison.