"She looks nothing like the young ladies from Beijing. She should be from around here, right?"

"Don't you think they look compatible?"

Other similar remarks were heard among the crowd.

At first, Qin manthought their words were ridiculous, but when she looked toward the door, her eyes immediately widened in shock.

Wasn't that Ranran?

Who was that man beside her?

Yao Rong and Jiang Wanalso turned to the door before exchanging a look of surprise.

Hadn't Qin Mansaid thatYao Ranwas missing?

Not only was she present and well, but she was even sporting an exquisite evening dress. She didn't look like a hostage who was being held against her will.

The couple heaved a sigh of relief. Surely, Qin Manwould stop slanderingTangtangafter this.

As for Old Madam Yao, her face darkened noticeably as the pair gracefully approached.

Yao Ran's ignorance was getting out of hand. She had played her own mother by going missing, and now she showed up holding on to another man's arm.

Did she have no understanding of etiquette and social protocols?What a disgrace!

As the pair walked over, someone in the crowd raised his glass and called out, "President Yang! How have you been?"

"Hello!" the man he had addressed as President Yang paused and greeted with a smile.

"I'm here to escort my girlfriend to Old Madam Yao's birthday banquet. Please excuse us."

He gestured at the old lady up ahead before nodding and continuing on their way.

At this point, many of the guests had already recognized Yao Ran.

"Hey, isn't President Yang's girlfriend the young lady of the Yao family? Incredible! TheYao familyis really something else, huh? Who would have thought that they were connected with such a distinguished family in Beijing?"

"That's right. I heard that President Yang owns one-third of the entire Yang family's assets, and has more than a dozen villas in the capital. He owns several luxury cruise ships, too. If Miss Yao were to marry him, the Yao familywould rise among the social ranks."

"They sure know how to pick an excellent son-in-law."

"Ugh, I'm not sure that I'd want the Yao familyto become more powerful than they already are."

"I'm so envious of them. If my daughter could marry someone as brilliant, I won't have to worry about anything for the rest of my life."

"I feel the same way. Where can we find another young man like President Yang?"

Everyone's eyes were tinged with jealousy as they tittered among themselves. They wanted to snag a catch like President Yang, too. If this hadn't been Old Madam Yao's party, they would have wasted no time making a move on the young man.

After all, he came from the prominent Yang family in Beijing. Many people wanted to curry favor with them, but they couldn't even secure a single meeting.

Although Old Madam Yao's banquet was insignificant compared to the Yang family's standards, he still made an appearance. He must truly hold theYao familyin high regard.

Hearing these comments circling around, Qin Manwas finally mollified. IfYao Rancould get this President Yang to invest in theYao family's business, it would be a win for everyone.

At the very least, her snobbish peers would finally look at her differently.

Yao Ran tightened her grip on President Yang's arm and walked up toOld Madam Yao. They were both smiling as they said, "We congratulate Grandma on her 60th birthday! We wish you a long and healthy life ahead."

They bowed, and President Yang introduced himself. "My name is Yang Ming. I am very fond ofRanranand promise to take care of her in the future. I hope that you can entrust her to me."

His smile deepened as he patted Yao Ran's hand twice.

As soon as he finished speaking, four people walked into the room, carrying a small table between them. A lavish red cloth was draped over it, which appeared to be covering a precious gift.

"As expected of the Yang family! I was wondering what kind of gifts they would give Old Madam Yao."

"They must be so proud of their granddaughter for finding such an exceptional husband."

"My goodness, not only is the Yang family thoughtful, but they are also exceedingly generous!"

The other guests gawked at the present and whispered among themselves.

It was already a huge deal for anyone from the Yang family to personally attend a party. But here, President Yang had even come with gifts. It seemed that he was serious about Miss Yao. The Yao familysure was fortunate!

Yang Ming nodded as the four men set the table down.

Then, in one swift motion, the red cloth was pulled to the side, revealing what was hidden beneath. Everyone craned their necks to see what the present was.

When they laid eyes on it, they all exclaimed in surprise.

"Whoa!"

It was quickly followed by a wave of praises and cheers.

On the table sat a bright red coral that was more than ten centimeters tall. Its crimson glare glinted under the bright lights of the hall, making it seem as though blood was about to spill out at any moment.