The Beautiful Boss's Personal Bodyguard
Chapter 148

Chapter 148: Chapter 148

The ever-changing political landscape is somewhat foreign to Ye Tian, a stinky soldier. The biggest struggle he had ever seen in the military was over a soldier’s promotion eligibility that resulted in two company commanders running 10 kilometers on the training ground, each carrying a load of 50 kilograms. In the end, the spot was given to a soldier who had connections and used backdoor influence at home.

There’s nothing too political, just more political.

What meets the eye is the mutual toasting, but Ye Tian can’t grasp this culture of drinking—he’s just concerned with his mouth and stomach, waiting until the charity auction begins on schedule.

Ye Tian and Zhang Houtu, of course, could not sit on equal footing with Chen Pingrui, so the two joined a few of their peers, who seemed to be youngsters brought out by their elders to broaden their horizons. Before long, they were all enthusiastically chatting together. Zhang Xiayang sat at another table, but in contrast to Ye Tian and his group, the people at that table seemed to be the silent type, all with tense faces, as if wearing a green hat with unspeakable grief.

They were all of the same age, and these young masters didn’t have bad tempers. After some banter about women, cars, and firearms, Ye Tian quickly became familiar with the group. Especially with cars and firearms, his knowledge really opened their eyes. One young master from a military family admired Ye Tian to the point of wanting to become sworn brothers with him. If it were not for the presence of the elders, Ye Tian might have gained another sworn brother then and there.

"Guys, are there any good items at today’s charity dinner? My beloved likes jade, and if there are truly good items, I’ll get something for her in return, to stop her from complaining that I don’t love her and am fooling around outside."

Ye Tian downed a drink and asked.

Upon hearing his words, several at the table laughed out loud, while the rest had knowing smirks. It seemed there was something they wanted to say.

Seeing the odd atmosphere, Ye Tian shifted uncomfortably, "Wha... what’s so funny, guys?"

"Ha, bro, it’s not that we’re laughing at you—your intention is commendable, but you’ve just picked the wrong place for trading treasures," said the young man sitting by Ye Tian, whispering into his ear and prompting nods from the others.

"How so?"

"Bro, is this your first time here?"

Ye Tian nodded, "Had nothing better to do, just came with my uncle. Bro, what did you mean by... what you just said?"

The young man looked around, then whispered in his ear again, "These so-called charity banquets are all about deceiving folks. Just you watch, after the auction items are sold, that’s when the real competition begins."

"What kind of competition?"

"Competition among the old timers, among the newcomers, and even between the newcomers and the old folks. Do you really think those people are just here to buy stuff? Hmph..."

He sneered and shook his head, looking like an all-knowing veteran educating a newcomer.

"Alright, rogue, weren’t you just as clueless when you first came? Why the act?"

"Exactly, you even fought over some pearl necklace your first time, I nearly died laughing!"

It seemed the rogue recalled some embarrassing incident as he waved it off, "Go on, what do you all know? A bunch of vulgarians!"

"Right, we’re all vulgarians. You’re the only refined one!"

The banter among the group livened up the atmosphere of the drinking scene. Ye Tian and Zhang Houtu shared a glance, both sensing that this dinner might not be so enjoyable after all. Turning to look at Zhang Xiayang, it wasn’t just him—everyone at that table was just sitting silently, occasionally lifting their wine glasses to drink. Other than that, not a word was spoken.

Killing aura filled the table.

"Don’t stare at them, watch out they don’t chop you up," the rogue by Ye Tian’s side said in a low voice when he saw Ye Tian looking over, "See that one in white over there? Butterfly Knife Zhang Xiayang is top dog in the underworld, too many people have died by his hand to count."

"Doesn’t the police catch him?"

"He’s a professional, clean. What grounds do you have to arrest him? Come on, come on, let’s drink. Here’s my business card, brother. Remember me if you come across a chance to make money. Come on, let’s all drink together."

Looking around those present, deep calculations were reflected in everyone’s eyes, both advancing and retreating. Advancing to seize opportunities, retreating to protect oneself, whether businessmen or officials, all were carefully hovering between these two paths. Their every move, every look, and every word were carefully pondered—they live a weary life but cannot afford to stop living.

The saying is right, life is about working as long as you’re alive.

After downing a drink, Ye Tian gradually withdrew from the conversation. He realized these kids were just here to watch the fun; they wouldn’t amount to one of Zhang Xiayang’s fingers tied together. Zhang Houtu, usually not much for words, noticed Ye Tian’s demeanor and looked elsewhere, not giving anyone a chance for small talk.

The seating order and logic have always been a major cultural characteristic of the Huaxia nation. Facing south for seats, surrounded by stars are the most basic practices. Anyone with discernment would know that the two tables in the center are for hosting the most important guests. Even Chen Pingrui, with his power over a region, was seated at the edge. Ye Tian could not think of anyone else more qualified to sit there.

In the last moments, the guests for the two tables finally arrived.

Ye Tian’s old squad leader once predicted his fortune, saying he was destined to have tumultuous romantic encounters, warning him not to casually provoke unfamiliar women, lest he gets bamboozled in the end. Just two days ago, he had sent Gu Yue on her way, met Song Qian this morning, and now he sees Tang Su—his wife-to-be. Was it fate or disaster? Who could tell!

At the two tables, the prominent guests were Tang Guoqing and another elderly man with somewhat graying hair, but he looked energetic. His glance revealed a sharpness in dealing with people and competence. Unlike Tang Guoqing, from the moment he entered the hall, he was always speaking, with colleagues, friends, subordinates, and even servers, like a leader inspecting public sentiments, yet also like a kindly neighborhood uncle. If both were of the same rank, their approach to matters was vastly different—yet this combination, one stern and one gentle, surprisingly exuded harmony and stability.