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In the Yan market, most women from wealthy families wanted to marry Pei Shaoze. Having no women was troublesome, but having too many was also troublesome.
Old Master Pei likely knew that the girl Pei Shaoze had his eye on was the daughter of the Su family, a girl from a scholarly household, and he was quite satisfied with that.
Naturally, since his son had chosen her himself, he didn't say much.
Watching the interaction between father and son, Second Master Pei, who had been about to say something, held back.
At this kind of birthday banquet, gift-giving became a spectacle in itself.
The old master sat in the main hall, accepting gifts with a smile on his face.
A minor figure like Su Banxia naturally stood to the side, watching the excitement.
From the crowd, Ye Hengtian led Ye Lan forward, presenting their birthday gift to the old master. The siblings spoke a few pleasant words before him.
They were all just the usual phrases—wishing him longevity like the southern mountain and a long life.
The old master hadn't seen Ye Lan in a long time. When he saw her, he smiled faintly and said, "This Ye girl is getting more refined and more beautiful by the day."
Ye Lan lowered her head shyly and smiled. "Uncle Pei, please don't tease Lan'er. Uncle Pei is the one getting younger and more vigorous!"
This drew a burst of laughter from the old master. Many people knew that the Ye and Pei families intended to arrange a marriage.
So at this moment, with the old and the young, outsiders watching only saw it as the old master praising his future daughter-in-law!
Seeing the old master in high spirits, Ye Hengtian took the initiative to bring it up. "Lan'er is already twenty-three this year. When Shaoze was younger, he always said he wanted to bring this clever girl home as his wife. Time flies, and now we're all grown up!"
"Cousin's eyes probably weren't fully developed back then. I definitely wouldn't have taken a liking to her!"
From somewhere nearby, someone spoke up.
The originally cheerful atmosphere suddenly became awkward.
Everyone in the hall turned their gaze toward the speaker.
Su Banxia also looked over. It was a young girl, seemingly around twenty years old, with a strong look of disdain on her face.
Of course, that disdain was directed at Ye Lan.
It was clear—this girl didn't like Miss Ye.
The hall was a bit awkward. Old Master Pei let out a dry laugh and said to Ye Hengtian and Ye Lan, "Yinyin is still young and doesn't know better. Don't take it to heart!"
Then Second Master Pei stepped in to smooth things over.
Su Banxia observed and figured this girl must be a member of the Pei family; otherwise, no other family's daughter would have the nerve to say something like that at such a time.
Ye Hengtian also forced a smile. Ye Lan's gaze kept fixed on Pei Shaoze, waiting for him to speak, to say something like that.
If he truly cared for her, he wouldn't stay silent, completely acting like an outsider.
Noticing Su Banxia by his side, Ye Lan shot her a hateful glare.
Su Banxia naturally paid it no mind.
This awkward scene was glossed over by the crowd.
Ye Hengtian had originally planned to use this opportunity to bring up the marriage between Pei Shaoze and Ye Lan with the Pei family.
But now, Old Master Pei didn't seem to have that intention.
So he naturally wouldn't make a fool of himself.
After the gifts were presented, Old Master Pei spoke up. "Today is my, Pei Tianlin's, birthday. Thank you all for giving this old man face, for coming to this banquet, and for sending me so many gifts. Taking advantage of everyone's good mood today, I hope you all eat and drink well. If the Pei family has done anything poorly, please forgive us!"
With that, the old master raised his glass, ready to toast in thanks.
Just as the glass was lifted, the hall door suddenly burst open.
The previously noisy hall fell silent instantly. Everyone's gaze turned toward the entrance.
Two men in black suits walked in together.
They stood on either side of the door.
Then, another person entered from outside.
The man was dressed in black—a black suit, white shirt, black tie. His figure was tall and elegant, his features handsome and cold.
With long strides, he entered the hall. His dark eyes swept over everyone present before settling on Pei Tianlin in the main seat.
This sudden appearance sparked hushed speculation among the crowd.
Su Banxia was also surprised. She hadn't expected Lin Tongze to attend Old Master Pei's banquet.
The entire Pei family was equally shocked, especially Old Master Pei.
His hand, gripping the armrest of his chair, tightened with force.
His weathered, steady face also showed a hint of coldness.
The one who seemed most composed, or even somewhat excited, was probably Pei Shaoyin, standing beside Second Master Pei.
Brother Lin was back.
Pei Shaoze showed no reaction, his dark eyes merely fixed coldly on Lin Tongze as he entered.
Neither welcoming nor unwelcoming.
Lin Tongze walked straight toward Old Master Pei, stopping not far from him.
His back was ramrod straight. With a cold, clear gaze fixed on the old master, he spoke. "Director Pei, long time no see. My apologies, Lin is late!"
Old Master Pei frowned slightly, a trace of anger hidden within, but he held it back and asked, "What are you doing here?"
"Heh!"
Lin Tongze let out a cold laugh. "Director Pei doesn't know why I'm here? From your tone, it sounds like I'm not very welcome!"
"Hmph!"
Old Master Pei snorted coldly and said nothing.
Lin Tongze was unfazed by his cold glare. Instead, he looked at him and said, "After all, it's your birthday. As your son, I should at least come back and give a gift, shouldn't I?"
These words sent the hall into even louder murmurs. Even Su Banxia was stunned.
Lin Tongze was a member of the Pei family?
She looked at Pei Shaoze and saw the coldness on his face deepen, as if he too was suppressing anger.
As for the other guests, they were all speculating and discussing.
Old Master Pei didn't deny the statement, but his expression was grim. His dark eyes glared fiercely at Lin Tongze.
Lin Tongze remained unmoved, a faint smile still on his face.
It was very faint, but compared to others, his demeanor was the most casual.
The two men in black behind him handed a box to Lin Tongze. He took it, smiled at Old Master Pei, and said, "A few years ago in France, work kept me too busy to come back and celebrate your birthday with you. Today, I'm back, and this gift counts as making up for all of them at once."
With that, he placed the box in front of Old Master Pei.
The old master managed to keep his composure. He glanced at Second Master Pei beside him, signaling him to take it, then said coldly, "Throw it away!"
Second Master Pei nodded.
Lin Tongze sneered, looking at him. "You'd better take a good look, or don't blame me for not warning you, for calling me ruthless."
Then, Lin Tongze turned and left directly.
This interlude was brief but packed with information.
Old Master Pei had another son, and that son was a standout in the business world in recent years. For so many years in Yan City, almost no one knew Lin Tongze was a member of the Pei family.
This secret was revealed without hesitation by Lin Tongze himself at this birthday banquet.
It was truly hard to digest.
By now, some people had probably already imagined hundreds of thrilling family dramas.
After Lin Tongze left, Pei Shaoyin, standing beside Second Master Pei, secretly followed him out.
Though Su Banxia had many questions she wanted to ask Lin Tongze, she held back for the moment, standing obediently beside Pei Shaoze without saying a word.
But she did recall the family photo she had seen earlier in Pei Shaoze's room.
When she looked at the photo, she only thought the boy looked familiar. Now it suddenly clicked—that boy was Lin Tongze as a child.
And the woman standing beside him in the photo must have been Lin Tongze's mother.
Were Lin Tongze and Pei Shaoze half-brothers?