Chapter 57: Once Again in Dire Straits

In Fang Nian's established impression, Duan Lenghan ought to be a rebellious and aloof character. Yet, now it seems he is not quite as cold as expected; at least outwardly, Duan Lenghan appears approachable and amicable.

Pulling himself from his thoughts, Fang Nian returned to the Summer clan's contingent. This time, he was not greeted with ridicule and angry shouts, but rather with resounding cheers and applause.

“Wow... Brother Nian, you’re amazing! You’re my idol, I love you, mwah!”

“Haha, did you see that? Even though we’re stuck in row eleven, you’re still the one making waves. Want to know why? Because we have a superstar. Even the most privileged lady is nothing compared to Brother Nian!”

“Brother-in-law, you’re incredible! If my sister finds out you dominated again today, she’ll definitely reward you when you get home. Keep it up!”

The plump fellow patted Fang Nian’s shoulder, suspicion in his voice.

“Old Fang, not bad! I didn’t expect that after playing the quiet man at the Summer home lately, focusing on your studies, you’d actually get a handle on mathematics. I saw it myself—her face turned green with anger. But isn’t it bad to bully your own future teammate like that?”

Fang Nian awkwardly spread his hands.

“I really don’t know. We’ll just have to see how things go. For now, let’s eat. I’ve heard tonight’s banquet is excellent. If you keep messing around and show up late, you might not even get a seat.”

The plump fellow jumped up from his spot as soon as he heard this.

“What are we waiting for? Let’s go!”

... ...

The banquet hall at North City International Hotel was truly magnificent. Spread across two thousand square meters, not a single supporting column marred the space. The ceiling soared over ten meters high, adorned with hundreds of grand crystal chandeliers, radiating an air of luxury and opulence.

At this moment, the hall was neatly arranged with over fifty tables, each large enough to accommodate a crowd. Naturally, the banquet had its own hierarchy, and anyone with a discerning eye could see that the two tables at the very front were reserved for honored guests—the most distinguished attendees of the evening.

Behind these two tables were another four, covered with red tablecloths. Though not as prestigious as the first, their distinction was clear; these belonged to the major families of District Sixteen, each marked with its own nameplate.

People were beginning to arrive, finding their designated seats. Yet, Fang Nian’s group searched for a long time and failed to spot the Summer family’s nameplate among the front rows.

“Brother-in-law, where’s our seat? How come there’s no nameplate for the Summer clan?”

Fang Nian’s brow furrowed, unable to help but lament the clumsy trickery at play. It seemed the scene from the earlier speech, where seats were snatched, was about to repeat itself.

He smiled wryly, pointing to the cluster of tables further back.

“Let’s check back there. We should find it.”

The Summer clan’s group followed the table numbers, and sure enough, found their nameplate at the very last row. Their table was nearly out of the hall, placed alongside the one for security staff overseeing beverages, both at the farthest edge.

Seeing this, the Summer clan’s anger flared.

“Manager! Where’s your hotel manager? Explain to me what’s going on here! Damn it, you have the nerve to disrespect the Summer family like this? You really don’t take us seriously, do you?”

“That’s right! Bring your manager here. This is outrageous. We tolerated the nonsense at the speech earlier, and now this? If we have to endure one more slight, I’d rather not eat at all!”

“Exactly! Even if we don’t eat, we won’t sit here. What’s the meaning of this? How can you insult the Summer clan this way? Manager! Where’s the manager? Get out here and explain yourself!”

... ...

This time, Fang Nian did not stop his companions. Indeed, the hotel staff had gone too far.

The Summer clan was a renowned family in District Sixteen, though its focus was hunting and managing game reserves. This time, the Summer clan’s delegation did not include its highest authorities.

Yet Fang Nian was the clan’s son-in-law, and the Summer clan’s status in District Sixteen needed no further explanation. At the speech, Fang Nian had already demonstrated the prowess of the Summer Game Reserve. By rights, they didn’t need the front row, but they certainly didn’t deserve to be banished to such an insignificant corner.

It was obvious that someone had orchestrated this, intending to humiliate the Summer clan and Fang Nian.

Soon, the hotel manager hurried over. Fang Nian recognized her as the same woman who sided with Xiao Xuefeng at the speech, and immediately understood.

Last time, she had relished putting Fang Nian in his place, boosting her confidence. Even with the mighty Summer clan behind him, he had been forced to the back by her.

So this time, seeing Fang Nian, she had none of the previous courtesy.

“Oh, it’s you again? What now?”

Her deliberate ignorance provoked Wei Jianshe, usually the most mild-mannered of the group.

“We’re not trying to cause trouble. We just want to know why our Summer Game Reserve was assigned this seat. Is this how North City International treats its guests?”

Seeing it was Wei Jianshe, whom she considered a pushover, the manager rolled her eyes in disdain.

“Hey, what kind of question is that? Seating arrangements are decided by the higher-ups. If you’re placed here, it means this is all you deserve. Why make a fuss? Don’t try to act important—you’re only worth this seat, understand?”

Fang Nian was truly incensed. If she weren’t a woman, he might have kicked her out of the hall. With such treatment, his temperament would never allow him to shamelessly fight for a seat. He turned to leave, leading the group away. If they didn’t want to host them, he wasn’t about to eat there anyway.

Just then, Xiao Xuefeng arrived with his entourage.

“Hey, isn’t that Mr. Fang? Leaving so soon? I heard the dishes tonight are exceptional. Isn’t it a pity to just walk away?”

With Xiao Xuefeng’s words, Xu Fan’s voice chimed in as if rehearsed.

“Yes, Brother Fang. We saw your prowess at the speech—you toppled the proudest young lady of District Sixteen. I was hoping to share a few drinks with you at the banquet, but if you leave now, it’s truly disappointing.”

Fang Nian was startled. Hearing Xu Fan’s words, he finally understood. He had been puzzled as to why the hotel manager dared treat the mighty Summer clan so poorly.

So that was it...