Unconventional [Rebirth] - Chapter 46

After the “Third-Day Wash” ritual, the baby’s formal name was decided: Zhou Hao. It was chosen by He Fumei after consulting with Jiang Rui. Zhou Yongping, following the old belief that “a cheap name makes for an easy life,” had suggested names like Zhou Zhu (Pillar) or Zhou Shuan (Bolt), which made He Fumei glare at him until she finally revoked his naming rights.

On the day of the baby’s one-month celebration, Jiang Rui booked a banquet at Taibai Restaurant. Zhou Yongping had heard of the place before and knew it wasn’t a venue for ordinary people, but he hadn’t realized it was owned by the very “Boss Yang” the Jiang family spoke of so casually.

Zhou Yongping was inwardly stunned. Whether by luck or design, connecting with the owner of Taibai Restaurant was no small feat. It suggested either incredible fortune or a deep, calculating mind. Looking at his nephew’s usual gentle and sensible demeanor, Zhou Yongping wondered if his own mind had simply grown too cynical from years in business—perhaps Jiang Rui was just lucky. Still, he no longer dared to view the boy as a mere ignorant child.

None of the main Zhou family members attended; only a few distant relatives were present. Most of the Jiangs were there, with the exceptions of Huang Wenhua and Li Xiuzhi. The former sent a gift via her husband, while the latter had gone into hiding—He Fumei couldn’t even find her to deliver the invitation.

Li Xiuzhi’s absence was a relief. Having stayed in the village during the New Year, He Fumei had heard the rumors about Li Xiuzhi’s shameless behavior with her lover and wanted nothing to do with her.

Zhou Yongping’s mother, a widow who had raised him alone and suffered much in her youth, was overjoyed by her “golden grandson.” She spent the entire time competing with her daughter-in-law to hold the baby.

Before the banquet even started, a chaotic chain reaction of crying broke out. Yuanyuan started it; then Tongtong joined in out of sympathy; then Xiaoxiao, unable to soothe them, burst into tears herself. On the other side, Jiang Min, hearing the commotion, followed suit. The adults were left helpless and embarrassed.

Ultimately, it was Jiang Rui who went around and coaxed each “little ancestor” into silence. However, once their attention shifted to him, they became even more demanding. Yuanyuan, in particular, was incredibly possessive. As long as Jiang Rui held him, he would glare and threaten to cry if his sisters or even Jiang Min got too close.

Just as the banquet was starting, the Cao father and son arrived. Knowing Jiang Rui was close to his aunt, they had prepared gifts long before the birth.

Zhou Yongping didn’t recognize them personally, but the moment they introduced themselves, the room buzzed. While Cao Xingjian was a jade enthusiast and Cao Yuke kept a low profile in Qing City, the name of their shop, Lianyu Villa, was legendary. Their “Aura-Deriving Jade” was being traded at astronomical prices in elite circles.

Zhou Yongping had wanted to buy one for his son, only to find that people like him—mere “ordinary” wealthy merchants—couldn’t get their hands on one even with a pile of cash. It was rumored that a Qing City tycoon stood behind them.

Why are they here? Zhou Yongping wondered. He had never met them. Then he remembered: a few days ago, Jiang Rui had asked him for a few extra invitations.

He looked over at Jiang Rui, who was gently teasing Yuanyuan. Could it be… that my nephew invited them? He immediately dismissed the idea. His nephew was smart, yes, but he was just a high school student. How could he know people of the Caos’ caliber? Neither Jiang Jianjun nor He Fulan had those kinds of connections.

Despite his confusion, Zhou Yongping welcomed them warmly. The Caos hadn’t just brought a gift for the baby; they had brought gifts for the Zhou sisters and Jiang Min as well.

“Mr. Cao, this is too precious…” Zhou Yongping said, sweating as he looked at the gift list.

“Don’t be a stranger, Brother Zhou,” Cao Xingjian laughed. “It’s just a small token. We hope our sudden appearance hasn’t caused you any trouble.”

“Not at all! People in Qing City would cross a river of fire just to meet you. It’s an honor!”

Cao Yuke added politely, “Uncle Zhou, you flatter us. The Zhou family has deep roots here, and your Yonghe Pharmaceuticals is a giant. In the future, our Lianyu Villa will need your guidance.”

Zhou Yongping was baffled. Why would a jade merchant need guidance from a medicine seller? When it came to seating, the Caos noticed the main table was full and gracefully suggested sitting at the “kids’ table” with Jiang Rui and the girls. Zhou Yongping hesitated, but the Caos insisted, with Cao Yuke playing the role of a humble junior perfectly.

Midway through the banquet, another guest arrived. This time, Jiang Rui’s parents recognized him immediately. He Fulan hurried over, smiling. “Boss Yang, you’ve finally arrived!”

“I am so sorry,” Yang Feng apologized. “I had a matter I couldn’t walk away from. Please forgive my lateness.”

Yang Feng scanned the room and raised an eyebrow when he saw the Caos sitting with Jiang Rui. After greeting the senior Jiangs, he headed straight for that table.

Zhou Yongping, finishing a conversation with some old friends, turned around to see a new figure at Jiang Rui’s table. At first, the man’s back was turned, and Zhou Yongping assumed it was just someone trying to curry favor with the Caos.

But then, the man turned his head.

The glass in Zhou Yongping’s hand nearly shattered on the floor. He had seen that face on the front page of the Qing City newspapers just two days ago.

It was Yang Feng. The legendary tycoon with such deep backing that even the city’s leadership tread carefully around him. The “God of Wealth” himself.

Why is HE here?

Then, a realization hit him. The owner of Taibai Restaurant was named Yang. Jiang Jianjun had said Jiang Rui was “acquainted” with the owner…

Watching Jiang Rui chatting and laughing naturally with Yang Feng, Zhou Yongping realized he had never truly known his nephew at all.

That is Yang Feng! That is Yang Feng! Zhou Yongping’s own palms were dripping with nervous sweat just looking from a distance. Does Jiang Rui even realize who he’s talking to? Is this the ignorance of youth, or is there something else?