C7 Gathering

Cao Jiang was once a humble fisherman, and whenever he saw Xia Hee, he could only gaze up at her in admiration. She seemed as unreachable as the moon surrounded by stars. Cao Jiang couldn't even dream of having any interaction with her, let alone imagine being so close to this goddess and having the chance to touch her hair.

The scent of Xia Hee's hair was subtle yet enchanting. In a dreamlike state, Cao Jiang gently placed the hairpin in her hair, whispering, "So beautiful." He believed that such an exquisite hairpin was fitting only for someone as noble as Xia Hee.

"Thank you," Xia Hee said, turning to give Cao Jiang a fleeting glance.

Suddenly, a child from the crowd shouted, "Kiss her! Kiss her!" The other villagers, eager for entertainment, joined in with the teasing. Xia Hee's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she murmured, "I should go." She quickly left the harbor, but after a short distance, she turned back and called out, "There's a clam festival in town tonight, and I have an extra ticket. Would you like to join me?"

"Of course," Cao Jiang replied without a moment's hesitation. He would gladly accompany Xia Hee anywhere, even to a beheading festival if that's what she desired.

The villagers swarmed Cao Jiang, teasing, "Lucky man, you've got it all—fortune and love. Tonight, we're all coming to your place for dinner!"

"Hey, wait up!"

After finally breaking free from the villagers, Cao Jiang spent a small fortune to have the village chef prepare a feast for everyone. He then dressed in his finest clothes, took the seafood he had found earlier, and headed to the Dream Ocean Hotel in the city. There, he delivered the seafood to the kitchen and waited at the entrance.

Before long, Xia Hee emerged in a light purple evening gown, adorned with the hairpin Cao Jiang had given her. She was the epitome of elegance and dignity, radiating the grace of an Eastern beauty.

Cao Jiang was momentarily spellbound by her appearance. Xia Hee smiled and said, "What's on your mind? You're driving today!" She tossed the car keys to him, and he caught them, ready to open the car door for her. Just then, a convertible sports car screeched to a halt in front of them. A slick young man stepped out, grinning at Xia Hee from a distance, "Little He, looks like I'm not too late. Let me take you to the Clam Festival."

"Dung Qian?" Xia Hee clearly had no interest in the man, offering a dismissive smile as she said, "No need, I can go by myself."

"Come on, let me take you. We can talk about the hotel collaboration on the way," insisted Dung Qian, not taking no for an answer. Cao Jiang, growing impatient, opened the car door and urged, "President Xia, please get in. We might be running late."

Dung Qian's face darkened as he glared at Cao Jiang. "And who are you? A poor driver has no place speaking here. You brainless fool!" he cursed. Without hesitation, he strode over to Xia Hee, took her wrist, and said with a grin, "Come on, since I'm here, let's go."

"Hey, let go!" Xia Hee was both anxious and furious, yet she seemed reluctant to pull away forcefully, hinting at Dung Qian's influential background.

Cao Jiang, feeling a mix of emotions, noticed someone smoking nearby. He deftly removed the cigarette from the smoker's mouth, flicked it, and sent it flying into Dung Qian's collar.

"What the hell!" Dung Qian yelped, frantically shaking his clothes.

"Oh, my apologies!" Cao Jiang approached with feigned concern, seizing the moment to press the cigarette butt firmly against Dung Qian's stomach.

"Ouch!"

A scream of agony filled the air. Dung Qian, in a fit of pain, swung at Cao Jiang's face. "Are you blind?" Cao Jiang caught his wrist and twisted, eliciting another howl of pain. "Let go! Do you have any idea who I am?" Dung Qian shrieked.

Cao Jiang, unfazed, replied, "I don't care who you are or what clout you think you have. Xia Hee invited me, and today, she's attending the banquet solely with me. So back off!" He gave Dung Qian a shove that nearly sent him tumbling to the ground.

With a menacing look, Dung Qian pointed at Cao Jiang and vowed, "Fine, I'll remember this. You won't get away." Climbing into his car, he sped off with a slam of the gas pedal.

"Garbage," Cao Jiang muttered coolly. He had never been intimidated by such people, and he certainly wasn't about to start now.

Xia Hee expressed her concern with a hint of anxiety, "You've stirred up some serious trouble. His father, Dong Qingshan, is notoriously connected to the underworld. He controls over a hundred companies, and that's not to mention the myriad of clandestine operations he's involved in. Even I wouldn't dare cross him. You... Oh dear..." She gathered her skirt and climbed into the car, her previously cheerful mood now thoroughly spoiled.

Cao Jiang took his place behind the wheel and fired up the engine, "I couldn't just stand by and watch you be mistreated. If it means making an enemy, so be it. I'm not scared of him."

"You shouldn't have to make an enemy on my account," Xia Hee sighed. "If it comes to it, I could always just leave with him. But now that you've crossed Dong Qian, he'll stop at nothing to get back at you. These are men who have blood on their hands and are still walking free. No, you should skip the banquet. Hurry back now and take your grandfather to safety."

Witnessing the genuine worry in Xia Hee's eyes, Cao Jiang felt his actions were justified. He smiled reassuringly, "My grandfather has always taught me to live with integrity and to fear no one. Even in death, I'd rather be a ghost with my head held high. I prefer to stand tall than to live as a coward. Dong Qian will find that targeting me comes at a cost."

Xia Hee was taken aback by the maturity of the words spoken by this young man, younger than herself. She was filled with both respect and concern, silently contemplating how she might be able to assist him.

Before long, they arrived at the Rongguang Building. Cao Jiang stepped out and courteously opened the door for Xia Hee. They walked shoulder to shoulder towards the hotel's top-floor restaurant.

As they made their way, numerous attendees greeted President Xia. Observing Cao Jiang by her side, they looked on with curiosity, silently wondering who this young man could be, as President Xia was known for attending such events solo.

Reaching the top floor, the elevator doors slid open to reveal a lavishly decorated hall, bustling with guests. Many, particularly young men, flocked to Xia Hee, seizing the chance to engage with her under the guise of business. Concerned that Cao Jiang might find himself in another predicament, she subtly signaled him with a glance to wait off to the side.

Cao Jiang was aware that the attendees were individuals of high status, so he preferred not to mingle with the gentlemen. Instead, he chose to observe from the sidelines. The hall was filled with display cases, each housing a variety of conch shells, with prices ranging widely. The least expensive ones were selling for a few thousand dollars, while some of the rarer and more visually appealing shells, like the Phoenix-Tail and Parrot Conch, fetched tens of thousands. Some of the most valuable conchs were priced at hundreds of thousands. If a buyer were lucky enough to find a precious pearl inside, they would strike it rich.

The conch shells varied in shape and size, and Cao Jiang found himself fascinated by the beautiful specimens he had never encountered before. It was a surprise to him that there were events akin to gemstone gambling but with conch shells. This was the first time he had heard of such a thing.

While he was engrossed in his viewing, a jarring voice cut through the air: "Isn't that the upstart, Cao Jiang?"

Turning, Cao Jiang's gaze fell upon Zhong Wan'er, who was speaking. She was clinging to Huang Zhongtian's arm, staring at him with a look of disdain.