Hedonist Prodigy

Chapter 69: A Family of Heroes

In the spacious, opulent dressing room of the Ye family, Ye Qingxuan stood before a full-length mirror, gazing at her meticulously adorned reflection. Her expression was complex—tinged with resignation, sorrow, and a trace of helplessness.  

Old Master Qin’s robust health at eighty was indeed a joyous occasion, and she was willing to offer her sincerest blessings. Yet, the words Xu Minmin had whispered to her days ago, coupled with her family’s peculiar behavior since, had drained any semblance of happiness from her. Instead, an indescribable sense of loss weighed heavily on her heart.  

Ye Qingxuan knew all too well that if Qin Junlin publicly proposed to the Ye family during the banquet, she would have no grounds to refuse. Such a union was precisely what both families desired. Any resistance on her part would not only prove futile but risk plunging the Ye family into an awkward predicament—potentially shattering the delicate balance painstakingly maintained between the two households for years. The resulting fallout was something she could not bear to witness.  

Thus, she had no choice but to sacrifice herself for the family’s interests—a bitter reality that fueled her quiet despair.  

Her mother, Lu Xiuxiu, slipped into the room and exhaled in relief upon seeing her daughter already dressed. Beaming, she exclaimed, “Qingxuan, you look absolutely stunning! I guarantee you’ll be the most radiant woman there tonight—no one could possibly outshine you.”  

Ye Qingxuan wore minimal makeup, her lavender hair elegantly coiled into a peach-shaped bun, accentuating her swan-like neck. The soft, lilac evening gown draped flawlessly over her figure, its understated elegance amplifying her innate nobility. Even the most discerning critic would find no flaw in her appearance—a fact that even her mother couldn’t help but marvel at.  

“Mom, why are you here?” Ye Qingxuan asked distractedly.  

“To fetch you, of course! Are you ready? Let’s go.” Lu Xiuxiu chirped.  

“It’s still early…” Ye Qingxuan resisted, though she knew delaying the inevitable was pointless.  

Lu Xiuxiu huffed. “Early? It’s nearly five! Guests will start arriving soon—we can’t afford to be late. Now come along.”  

With a quiet sigh, Ye Qingxuan acquiesced, following her mother out.  

The Ye family’s motorcade awaited them. Lu Xiuxiu guided her daughter into a car, and the procession set off toward the banquet venue.  

*****

The Birthday Banquet  

Old Master Qin’s 80th birthday was being held at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.  

The Qin family, hailed as the foremost aristocratic clan in China, stood at the zenith of power and prestige. As its patriarch, Old Master Qin was a legendary figure, his life adorned with countless accolades. His birthday naturally drew dignitaries from all corners of the nation.  

Rumors also swirled that Qin Junlin—the “Number One Young Master of Yanjing” and the Qin family’s eldest grandson—would publicly propose to the Ye family during the celebration. Though unconfirmed, such an announcement would undoubtedly double the occasion’s jubilation.  

Whether to curry favor or simply witness the spectacle, countless guests flocked to the event. For many, even a fleeting connection with a Qin family member could spell boundless opportunities—perhaps even a meteoric rise in status.  

The sheer volume of attendees forced a last-minute venue change from the original Wangfu Hotel to the heavily secured State Guesthouse, raising the threshold and filtering out the majority of hopefuls.  

This was no mere birthday party—it was a gathering of the nation’s elite, a convergence of power where every guest’s safety was paramount. By 3:00 PM, the area surrounding the guesthouse was cordoned off, swarming with undercover security.  

By evening, a steady stream of luxury vehicles began arriving, their exclusive license plates broadcasting their occupants’ status. Curious onlookers—tourists, locals, even foreign visitors—whispered among themselves, though none dared cross the police line.  

“Honey, look at those cars—those license plates! My God, they’re unbelievable! Are we about to see Zhongnanhai bodyguards in action?” A young wife, visiting from out of town, gaped in awe.  

Her husband was equally stunned. “I swear, anyone entering that building tonight could decide our fates with a single word.”  

*****

The Ye family’s motorcade arrived at an unhurried pace. In the central Bentley sat the Ye family’s patriarch.  

The Ye and Qin families shared a deep bond, forged through Old Master Ye and Old Master Qin’s battlefield camaraderie. Despite occasional political disagreements, their alliance remained unshaken. Now, with Ye Qingxuan and Qin Junlin’s close ties, the two families edged closer to a formal alliance.  

Thus, Old Master Ye personally attended the celebration.  

At the entrance, Qin Guanye and Qin Guofu—Old Master Qin’s eldest and third sons—hurried forward to assist the elderly man.  

“Forgive us, Old Master Ye! Had we known you were coming, we’d have fetched you ourselves,” Qin Guanye said deferentially.  

Old Master Ye chuckled. “Nonsense! I’ve got two good legs. Besides, showing favoritism would only earn me sideways glances.”  

Qin Guofu added, “Father will be overjoyed to see you in such fine health. Please, come inside.”  

Old Master Ye scanned the surroundings. “Who else has arrived?”  

“Old Master Bai arrived about five minutes before you,” Qin Guanye admitted cautiously.  

“That old fox!” Old Master Ye snorted. “Back in the war, he’d fake ailments to dodge duty, yet he’d sprint to claim credit. Figures he’d show up early—as if that matters!”  

The Qin brothers exchanged wry smiles but held their tongues. Old Master Ye’s status allowed such bluntness, but as juniors, they dared not risk offending the Bai family.  

Once the elder finished grumbling, Qin Guofu escorted him inside.  

The rest of the Ye family followed. Lu Xiuxiu greeted Qin Guanye warmly, while her husband, Ye Chen—Ye Qingxuan’s father—exchanged pleasantries.  

“Qingxuan, it’s been too long since you visited,” Qin Guanye said kindly.  

“Uncle Qin,” she replied softly.  

“Soon, you’ll be calling me ‘Uncle’ no longer,” he teased, making her blush.  

Lu Xiuxiu interjected, “Where’s Junlin?”  

“Inside with Father,” Qin Guanye said, ushering them in. “He’ll be delighted to see Qingxuan.”  

As they walked, Lu Xiuxiu murmured, “Old Master Qin raised three exceptional sons. No wonder the Qin family thrives.”  

Ye Chen glanced meaningfully at his daughter. “Children carve their own paths. No need for envy.”  

“Oh, you bookworm!” Lu Xiuxiu chided. “What do you know? Look at Qin Guanye, Qin Guofu, and Qin Wentian—each a titan in their field. What woman wouldn’t dream of marrying into such a family?”  

Old Master Qin’s three sons were pillars of their domains: Qin Guofu, a tycoon overseeing state-owned enterprises; Qin Wentian, a high-ranking official in the National Development and Reform Commission; and Qin Guanye, the family’s shrewd steward. Combined with Qin Junlin’s brilliance, the Qin family was truly a dynasty of heroes.  

Lu Xiuxiu’s pointed glance at her daughter went unacknowledged. 

To Ye Qingxuan, the Qin family’s grandeur meant nothing if it wasn’t where her heart lay. But she kept silent, following her parents into the banquet hall.