C19 The 19th Chapter Was a Busybody.

"Hey, there you are," the middle-aged man said with a slicked-back hairdo and a welcoming grin.

Tang Loong cleared his throat and chuckled, "Haha, Director Wu, you honor me with an invitation. How could I possibly refuse? I wouldn't want to disappoint you."

The man paused, a look of realization dawning on him as he smiled.

"And who might these three be?"

"Oh, they're relatives of mine," Tang Loong replied, then added, "This gentleman is Bai Yi, the restaurant's manager."

"Pleasure to meet you all," Bai Yi said, his manners impeccable.

Luo Yun gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.

Then Tang Loong added, "Manager Bai, just to be clear, my invitation is mine alone. They're not with me, so please don't be confused."

Bai Yi looked puzzled, trying to grasp the meaning behind those words.

Tang Xueqi and Wang Yulan's faces subtly shifted. They understood Tang Loong's implication: they didn't have invitations, and he was worried they might try to slip in on his coattails.

Seeing Bai Yi still mulling it over, Tang Loong clarified, "I mean, if by chance they don't have invitations, you should stick to protocol. I wouldn't want to put you in a tough spot."

With that, Bai Yi got the message.

"You could've said that sooner," he said, shaking his head lightly.

Tang Loong appeared slightly embarrassed but explained, "Yulan, Xueqi, please don't take it personally. Bai Yi and I are friends, and I can't put him in a difficult position, especially with such an important event. It would be terrible if he lost his job over this."

Wang Yulan and Tang Xueqi remained silent. What was there to say?

Tang Loong, unfazed, gestured with his hand, "So, no need to check my invitation, right?"

He produced his invitation, now even more crumpled than the day before.

"Your invitation is certainly in order," Bai Yi confirmed with a nod.

He smiled. After all, he was the one who had issued it. Why would he need to check it?

But Bai Yi had picked up on Tang Loong's intent.

"Now, about the three of you," he addressed them, "may I see your invitations?"

Wang Yulan and Tang Xueqi turned their gazes to Luo Yun.

"No!"

Luo Yun's simple, flat response sent a chill through the air.

Tang Xueqi blushed, and Wang Yulan's expression darkened.

Tang Loong burst into laughter, "No invitation? Luo Yun, what's the deal? You're here for a banquet without an invite? Do you think we're all fools?"

Tang Loong inwardly sneered. He had been right—Luo Yun was indeed a complete fool!

Bai Yi's demeanor grew stern. "Mr. Luo, please don't joke around. It could lead to misunderstandings. Show me your invitation."

"Who said I needed an invitation to attend the banquet?" Luo Yun retorted coolly.

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

As Luo Yun failed to present an invitation, Bai Yi's tone turned icy, "Without an invitation, who gave you permission to enter? Do you think you can just waltz in here anytime?"

He was beyond caring now. Even if Luo Yun produced an invitation, it wouldn't faze him. He had asked several times already.

Tang Xueqi, unable to contain herself, asked, "So, can we head back now?"

"What's the rush?"

"Exactly, what's the hurry?"

Tang Loong sneered, "Xueqi, take a good look at yourself. You're the chairman of Tang's Group, and here I am, with nothing to my name, yet I'm the one with an invitation, and you're not. Do you see the disparity here?"

Tang Xueqi's expression turned grim.

Tang Loong continued icily, "No one's taking you seriously. You're a company boss, yet you're less significant than a nobody like me. What's the point in being a boss if it means nothing? Wouldn't it be better to step aside?"

He had been fixated on this issue for quite some time.

Wang Yulan interjected, "Tang Loong, the invitation is just that—an invitation. Why bring other matters into this?"

"Oh?" Tang Loong retorted, "If I don't bring it up, won't you feel humiliated? Or have you grown accustomed to disgrace? It's one thing to embarrass yourself, but are you really willing to drag the Tang family's reputation through the mud?"

Luo Yun arched an eyebrow and challenged, "How is this a disgrace? We haven't even tried to enter yet. Besides, since when are you the one to check invitations?"

He shot a glance at Bai Yi.

Bai Yi, taken aback, stammered, "I... I may not be in charge, but I certainly have the right to glance at them. If you don't have an invitation, does it matter who shows up?"

"What are you getting at?" Luo Yun asked coolly.

Bai Yi, visibly irked, shot back, "What's the problem? You're here without an invitation and still have the nerve to talk back?"

The onlookers began to take notice.

"Isn't that the stunning Tang Xueqi?"

"The whole Tang family has shown up."

"Manager Bai, what seems to be the problem?"

A voice called out from the crowd. Bai Yi smirked and announced, "Apologies for the disturbance, folks. These three are trying to get in without an invitation. I'm just doing my job by asking them to leave."

"Why show up without an invitation?"

Laughter rippled through the crowd, accompanied by a wave of mocking and smug looks.

Having an invitation was a mark of superiority, a sign of being part of the Yunhai City's elite.

Tang Loong let out a malicious chuckle, "Come on, let's not make a scene. I'll be sure to inform the patriarch about your little stunt here."

Tang Xueqi turned to leave.

Luo Yun grabbed her arm, his tone even, "Where to?"

"Back home!"

"Come with me inside."

Inside?

Before Tang Xueqi could respond, Bai Yi sneered at Luo Yun, "You think I'm afraid to call security on you? I..."

"Want to try me?" Luo Yun's gaze was steady and commanding, his demeanor that of an ancient deity, exuding an air of invincibility.

Bai Yi faltered under Luo Yun's unwavering stare, a flicker of fear crossing his face.

Tang Loong scowled, "Bai Yi, don't beat around the bush with me. Do what needs to be done and get them out of here."

"I..." Bai Yi swallowed hard, his forehead beading with sweat.

Luo Yun's voice was calm and authoritative, "This isn't your concern. Stay out of it. Having an invitation or not, whether we can enter—it's none of your business."

Bai Yi's breath hitched for a moment, but as he caught the surrounding looks of surprise and scorn, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Intimidated to this extent by just one look from Luo Yun?

He was mortified on his own behalf and, unable to contain his anger, he blurted out, "Fine, I'm eager to see if you can actually get in. I may not be the one checking invitations, but I'll make sure you're scrutinized. Come on, let's go!"