The sprawling parking lot now appeared extremely empty.

Most of the parking spots were vacant, and Xu Fan estimated that the few cars parked could put together an impressive luxury car exhibition.

The exhibition being held here today has drawn the well-to-do. Xu Fan surmised that for security reasons, not only the parking area but likely the entire hotel was emptied of other guests today.

The event taking place today could hardly be called an exhibition; it was more like a lavish banquet for Jinling's elite.

"Xu Fan, let's go."

Xiao Lan had just parked the car, and the two of them took the elevator to the top floor hall of the Jinling Century Hotel.

This exhibition had attracted the upper crust of Jinling society, so the entrance checks were very strict.

At the entrance of the hall, one could see a group of stern-looking bodyguards stationed, carefully reviewing the invitations of each guest.

Xu Fan took out his invitation from his pocket, and after passing the entrance check, he and Xiao Lan entered the hall together.

Upon entering the hall, they were greeted by an array of artifacts and pairs of men and women dressed in opulent attire, socializing.

A quick glance from Xu Fan revealed that eight out of ten were celebrities who frequently appeared on television.

Even from a distance, Xu Fan noticed a familiar figure.

Xia Yanyu.

Xia Yanyu was the leader of the Xia Family. As today's event featured representatives from all sectors of Jinling, her presence to network was expected.

"Xu Fan, Uncle Yao hasn't arrived yet. You go browse around; I have something to do and will come back later."

"Yeah, go ahead."

Following the direction Xiao Lan left in, Xu Fan observed that a few Southeast Asian individuals were surrounded by a group of influential locals.

While also Asian, they displayed distinct cultural differences from the Huaxia people and were likely the Southeast Asian tycoons here for the exhibition.

Their visit was not solely for cultural exchange; it was also aimed at penetrating the Huaxia market.

Being children of wealthy landowners, Xiao Lan would certainly not miss such an opportunity.

As Xiao Lan departed, Xu Fan headed towards the food and drink table that was set up aside.

Rather than using this occasion to cozy up to a few rich moguls, he found it more satisfying to fill his stomach.

After all, he hadn't had a proper meal yet.

It must be said that the Century Hotel had put in a lot of effort to accommodate these guests, with top-tier arrangements for both beverages and food.

Xu Fan was thoroughly enjoying his feast, the only dampener being the groups of people glancing over at him every now and then and whispering amongst themselves.

In contrast to Xu Fan's forthright demeanor, those around him carried themselves with a noble air as if they were born aristocrats.

Without guessing, he knew they were probably skeptical about how this starving ghost managed to sneak in.

"What are you looking at? Haven't you seen a handsome guy before?"

Xu Fan tossed a piece of pastry into his mouth and irritably rolled his eyes at the surrounding people.

When he was on a mission in White Crescent, even the English prince from the Imperial Family was picking his nose when they met him, so why bother with such pretense?

Since the ticket was in his pocket, Xu Fan didn't care to mingle with these folks and continued to indulge himself.

"Xu Fan, how did you get in?"

While he was pondering when the rascally Uncle Yao would arrive, a surprised voice suddenly rang out from beside him.

The person was Xia Yanyu, who had put on a light purple evening gown for the exhibition and had her hair styled in a coiffure behind her head, exuding the aura of a regal queen.

Those invited to the exhibition today were significant figures from Jinling, and even the entire Xia Family had received just one invitation.

Xia Yanyu looked at Xu Fan with bewilderment, wondering if he could have possibly clambered in through a window...

Although Xu Fan had some martial skills, in Jinling he always remained a nobody, far from the word "privileged". Xia Yanyu really couldn't see how to connect him with that term…

"Sorry…"

After greeting a few important people around her, Xia Yanyu walked over to Xu Fan.

"Xu Fan, what are you doing?"

Xu Fan didn't immediately respond to Xia Yanyu, he glanced at her companions who were quietly talking about him, leisurely finished the snack in his hand, and then looked towards Xia Yanyu.

"Can't you see? Foraging."

"..."

Xia Yanyu was speechless, truly unable to comprehend how this guy could be so content eating away at such an event.

"This isn't the place for you, take advantage now that it's not crowded and leave immediately."

Xia Yanyu thought to herself that Xu Fan must have sneaked in relying on his good fighting skills.

But what kind of place was this? Did he really think that being skilled in martial arts was so remarkable?

She knew all too well that causing trouble in such a place would lead to no good end!

"..."

Listening to Xia Yanyu's words, Xu Fan felt increasingly uncomfortable.

"Xia Yanyu, what do you mean by 'not the place for me'?"

"Look at these calligraphy and paintings around us, can't you tell that I emanate the aura of a cultured person from my very bones? How is it that I shouldn't be here?"

Xu Fan said, pointing at the precious calligraphy and paintings around him, straightening his back.

"What do I mean? Don't you understand?"

Xia Yanyu gave Xu Fan a look of speechlessness. Didn't he realize how great the gap was between him and the people around?

"Xu Fan, don't be temperamental with me. You've helped me before, and I'm only saying these things for your own good. You cannot afford to mess around at an event like today's. If you don't want trouble, I advise you to leave right now."

Xia Yanyu seemed convinced that Xu Fan had infiltrated this exhibition to fish in troubled waters. Watching her impatient look, Xu Fan couldn't help but start to laugh.

"Xia Yanyu, do you realize how annoying you truly are when you're so full of yourself?"

"You!"

Xia Yanyu's temper flared; she had good intentions, yet Xu Fan responded with such an attitude.

She was trying to help him, so why did he have to be so stubborn? Did he really need to be kicked out by the security before he would be satisfied?

"Miss Xia, would you like us to call security?"

At that moment, a few onlookers asked.

Even though they did not understand the nature of the relationship between Xia Yanyu and this plainly dressed man, they could vaguely sense that he was not part of the invited guests of this exhibition.

"No need, you might have misunderstood. He is my friend," Xia Yanyu explained briefly, then looked towards Xu Fan.

It seemed that because of her sister, she and this fellow always ended up arguing after no more than a few words.

Having said all she meant to, Xia Yanyu shook her head and said, "Xu Fan, since you won't listen to me, then take care of yourself…"

She seemed a bit hopeless and walked away without looking back.

Xu Fan saw this and rolled his eyes.

"Nutcase…"

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