C21 Chapter 21 – Jadeite Allergy

"Think it over carefully. If you agree, then we're all good. But if you don't, I don't care how you got in—I'll find a way to kick you out."

Qian Yuhao displayed a confident smirk, "You should know, I'm quite close with Lord Worm. Just one word from me, and it'll be a breeze to have you thrown out!"

"No, no, no!"

Wang Yulan jumped, realizing that only the wealthy or noble could gain entry here.

This man was acquainted with Lord Worm?

Her expression shifted subtly as she ushered Tang Xueqi aside.

Tang Xueqi furrowed her brow, "That's not going to happen."

"Oh, my daughter, I haven't even explained yet, and you're already refusing?" Wang Yulan implored earnestly, "A woman has to leverage her strengths. It's not like you're being asked to do anything untoward, just to be his date for the evening. What's so terrible about that? And even if it were something more, so what? Are you really going to squander your youth on this fool?"

"Mom!" Tang Xueqi's face soured.

Seeing her reaction, Wang Yulan quickly added, "Fine, fine, fine. I only want what's best for you. If you don't see that, so be it."

She even let out a contrived sigh.

Meanwhile, Qian Yuhao sized up Luo Yun and inquired with a raised eyebrow, "And you are?"

"Thanks."

Luo Yun grabbed a glass of wine from a passing waiter and sipped it nonchalantly, as if oblivious to the conversation.

Qian Yuhao's face twitched, his gaze turning icy. "Kid, you've got some nerve. I'm talking to you. Are you deaf?"

"Does me talking to you automatically mean I have to respond?" Luo Yun retorted with a side glance.

"Fine!"

Qian Yuhao, infuriated yet amused, had encountered arrogant types before—those with the skills and family background to back it up.

But he rarely met someone with no clout who still dared to act so boldly in his presence.

"Old Chen!" he called out sharply.

An elderly butler, dressed accordingly, rushed over and bowed, "What can I do for you, Young Master?"

"Have security throw this guy out. Damn it, drag him out and give him a beating!" Qian Yuhao commanded coldly.

Without a word, the butler promptly summoned the security guards.

"Drag him out and beat him."

"What?"

"This..."

The four muscular security guards were taken aback, exchanging bewildered glances.

Qian Yuhao scowled, "What's the matter? Is there a problem with me asking you to handle this kid?"

One guard managed a strained smile, "Sir, our job is to prevent disturbances and ensure your safety, not to eject guests."

As Wang Yulan had realized, those who made it inside were all influential figures, with the possible exception of some companions.

But if these individuals were allowed entry, they must be with someone of importance. They couldn't just be expelled on a whim.

Luo Yun took another leisurely sip of wine, his smile subtly taunting.

That smile was particularly aggravating.

Qian Yuhao's expression darkened as he snapped, "I ordered you to drag him out and beat him, and if you think you don't have the authority, I'm giving it to you now. Are my words falling on deaf ears when I'm an old friend of Lord Worm?"

The guards remained uncertain.

"Old Chen!" Qian Yuhao huffed, "Bring me the items!"

Without demonstrating their capabilities, those lacking discernment simply can't grasp the gravity of the situation.

He fumed internally.

The old butler caught the drift. Hastily departing, he soon returned with an ornate red gift box.

With great care, he unveiled the contents of the box—two perfectly round emerald pearls, each the size of an egg!

"These are Emperor Green Jade pearls. Their value is self-evident, wouldn't you agree?" Qian Yuhao tilted his head, his gaze tinged with displeasure.

The butler, catching on, promptly opened the box fully.

The sight of the emerald pearls took many onlookers aback.

"Are those the Emperor Green Jade pieces from the recent auction?"

"Oh dear, why turn them into pearls? They would have made such exquisite jewelry."

"Over 94 million yuan? Wow, these are truly rare treasures."

Murmurs of awe filled the air, along with some who decried the waste of such heavenly gems—most of the critics were women.

Even the security guards' faces paled at the mention of 94 million.

Qian Yuhao subtly arched an eyebrow, feigning nonchalance. "This is a gift for Lord Worm. Do I have the authority to have him removed?"

The guards seemed tempted by the idea.

Tang Xueqi and Wang Yulan had returned as well.

Wang Yulan's look of defeat was a clear sign of her failed attempt at persuasion.

Yet, upon seeing the emerald beads and hearing the surrounding whispers, she realized they were Qian Yuhao's intended gift for Lord Worm.

She blurted out, "I totally forgot... No, Luo Yun, look at yourself, then look at him. You're just clueless, showing up without even a gift."

"What's the point of bringing a gift?" Luo Yun responded coolly.

Qian Yuhao burst into laughter. "I suspect you simply can't afford anything of value. And if you can, it's just junk not worth showing."

Luo Yun chuckled. "Affordability aside, let me tell you, that kid won't accept your emerald beads, not in a million years."

That kid?

The crowd was momentarily taken aback.

Talk about audacity!

Qian Yuhao scoffed. "Haha, don't act like you're on close terms with Lord Worm. You can't even fake it properly. It's hilarious. And why on earth would he refuse a gift without reason?"

"Him," Luo Yun mused, stroking his chin. "He's allergic to jade."

"What?"

"That's absurd. I've never heard of anyone being allergic to jade."

"This is Luo Yun, the Tang family's fool. Why the laughter? It's illegal to mock the intellectually challenged."

Laughter erupted among the crowd.

Qian Yuhao was momentarily dumbfounded, then doubled over in mirth.

Tang Xueqi was at a loss for words.

Wang Yulan, teeth clenched, implored, "Can't you just keep quiet for once? You're such a pain. I'm begging you—shut up!"

Luo Yun quirked an eyebrow. "What's wrong with speaking the truth?"

Allergic to jade? Hardly.

Lord Worm simply had an aversion to accepting gifts—whatever was offered would invariably trigger his 'allergy.'

Luo Yun was well aware of this quirk.

As Qian Yuhao was about to retort, a sudden cry rang out: "Director Wu and Lord Worm have arrived!"

The crowd turned their attention and saw a portly middle-aged general with a round belly, emerging from a side door, laughing jovially alongside Lord Worm.

At that sight, Qian Yuhao slightly raised an eyebrow and commanded, "Kid, keep your eyes on me!"

With that, he grabbed the gift box from the old butler's hands and strode forward.

"Rumor has it that Lord Worm has graced Yunhai City with his presence. I've prepared this gift especially for you, Lord Worm, and I hope you'll graciously accept it."

He bowed and extended the gift box.

Lord Worm gave it a cursory glance and scratched his nose.

"Ah... Achoo! My apologies, I'm allergic to jade. Let's just skip it."

"…"

"!!!"

A hush fell over the entire banquet, plunging it into a profound silence.