Chapter 51: Framing

Everyone was momentarily stunned before someone burst out laughing, immediately setting off a wave of uproarious laughter throughout the private room.

“Haha, this is killing me! The Honored Master Chen is as elusive as a dragon, always seen in glimpses but never truly present. How could we be so lucky as to drink at the same table with him? If you’re the Honored Master Chen, then I must be the President of the United States! Hahaha…”

“In that case, ‘Honored Master Chen,’ allow me to offer you a toast. From now on, you must take good care of us! Hahaha!”

“You really ought to take a look at yourself in the mirror. The real Honored Master Chen is known for his plain, simple attire—he’s never played the spoiled rich kid, and that’s something everyone knows about him. If you want to tell a joke, at least get your facts straight first!”

Several of the girls shook their heads and sighed. In their eyes, this man was quite handsome, but how could he be so foolish? Clearly, one cannot judge a book by its cover—handsome men aren’t always clever, and the Honored Master Chen in their hearts remained flawless.

Bai Lang also shook his head, feeling sorry for Yu-ge. Why bother comparing himself to that Honored Master Chen, let alone pretending to be him? What was the point?

He even felt tempted to have Chen Yuyi show off his skills in public and awe everyone, just to see who was truly the more impressive—Honored Master Chen or his own Yu-ge. But that was impossible; if Yu-ge revealed his abilities, it would be far too shocking, and he didn’t want to scare everyone into stupidity.

When Chen Yuyi made that claim, Xiang Xuerou felt a slight stir in her heart. Could she have hit the jackpot after all? After all, the abilities Chen Yuyi had shown before her were plain to see. He’d dared to stand up to the Yan family in public and had even extorted a billion from that Young Master Yan. How many people in the world could pull off such feats?

Zhu Shaohui was now completely dumbfounded. He even had the urge to tell everyone outright that this man really was the Honored Master Chen. But did he dare?

Beside him, Hai Qin kept shaking her head. What was Zhu Shao still worried about when it came to people like this? If it really was inconvenient for him to step in, she wouldn’t mind helping him out.

Just as everyone was laughing loudly, a polite knock sounded at the door.

“Jin Shao, are you inside?”

The laughter died down as curiosity took over—who else could be visiting at this hour?

Jin Junmin chuckled, “Alright, let’s treat that as the joke of the century. If we keep going, I’m going to split my sides.”

He continued, “That’s probably a little brother of mine knocking. His family has a bit of capital, and he’s quite sharp for his age, though he’s still in high school. He often asks me to look after him. Coincidentally, he’s here today, so he’s come to pay his respects.”

“Oh,” the others nodded in understanding—it was someone coming to offer a toast.

“Come in,” Jin Shao called out.

A boy and a girl entered.

Chen Yuyi narrowed his eyes slightly when he saw the girl—it was his “little sister-in-law,” Shen Youlin. The boy was, of course, the young master Fang Kai.

Though only fifteen or sixteen, the two seemed quite accustomed to such events, greeting the young men and women present with polite, knowing smiles.

Fang Kai, holding Shen Youlin’s hand, stepped forward, raised his glass to Jin Junmin, and then poured himself a full glass of white liquor. “Thanks to my brother Min, I have the honor of meeting everyone here tonight. This glass is a token of my sincerity!”

With that, he downed the drink in one gulp. Then he introduced, “This is my girlfriend, Shen Youlin. I hope everyone will look after her from now on!”

Shen Youlin smiled and greeted everyone, earning a string of compliments on her beauty.

But then, she caught sight of a familiar face. It was that nominal brother-in-law. She instantly felt uneasy. But how could he look so different—so handsome now? Was she imagining things?

Fang Kai, following her gaze, also spotted Chen Yuyi and was equally surprised. Why was he here, dressed in designer clothes?

He suddenly remembered seeing Chen Yuyi at the mall, where he obviously couldn’t afford any of the clothes. Could he have stolen them? If he really was a thief, and had snuck in here dressed up, maybe he was planning to steal from everyone.

If that were true, he had to warn Brother Min.

“Alright, Xiao Kai, you’ve offered your toast, so you two can head back now,” Jin Junmin said with a smile.

Fang Kai gave Jin Junmin a subtle look.

Jin Junmin caught the cue and stepped outside with him.

Fang Kai recounted his encounter with Chen Yuyi at the World Trade Mall and shared his suspicions.

Jin Junmin clapped his hands in delight. “So he’s just a penniless nobody! I thought he was a young master from some rich family, but it turns out he’s just here to put on airs, freeload, and maybe even steal a bit on the side.”

He’d been wanting a good excuse to put Chen Yuyi in his place. Even if he couldn’t prove anything, he could still drive him out in disgrace.

Fang Kai didn’t quite understand why Brother Min seemed so pleased, so Jin Junmin briefly explained what had happened inside. Fang Kai was eager to help kick Chen Yuyi out or even have someone throw him out directly.

“Alright, that’s enough. I know what to do. I’m going back in. When you get home, tell your father to come see my family tomorrow—we’ve got some business for him.”

With that, Jin Junmin returned to the room, hands behind his back.

Fang Kai was so overjoyed he could hardly contain himself—this meant his little family company would get to work with the Jin family, a major player. His father would surely praise him for this achievement.

Shen Youlin couldn’t care less about what made Fang Kai so happy. Guys like him would get dumped once she was done with them. She was only curious why her nominal brother-in-law was here, looking so proper in his suit. He really did look quite different now. If she hadn’t met him before, she’d think he was a young master from some wealthy family.

“Go ahead and keep pretending. No matter how you act, you’ll never win my sister’s heart!” She lifted her chin, confident in her understanding of Shen Zhujun. Besides looking down on her brother-in-law, she also enjoyed watching him make a fool of himself.

Back inside, Jin Junmin’s gaze toward Chen Yuyi changed, eyes brimming with a sly smile. He was determined to see this man utterly humiliated—it would be a waste to have held back for so long.

“By the way, Bai Shao, where exactly did you meet this friend of yours?”

Bai Lang, chopsticks poised over his food, loosened his grip. “Where did I meet him? I’ve forgotten. We just bumped into each other on the way here.”

“So you barely know him at all—he’s not really your friend!” Jin Junmin said meaningfully, finally feeling reassured. Who knew how that kid had conned Bai Lang into bringing him, but there was no need to show him any more courtesy.

“Everyone, I don’t think this person belongs in our circle!” He couldn’t resist anymore and stood up, announcing loudly.

Bai Lang nearly threw his chopsticks at him, but on second thought, Yu-ge really didn’t belong to this crowd.

“What are you trying to say?” Chen Yuyi, now finished with his meal, dabbed at his mouth with a napkin, his smile ambiguous.

Everyone watched Jin Junmin with curiosity, eager to hear what he’d say next.

Zhu Shaohui shivered despite himself—Chen Yuyi’s half-smiling expression sent a chill deep into his heart.

“You’re no young master at all. You’re just here for the free food and drink,” Jin Junmin declared, showing no more courtesy.

Everyone had suspected as much but had kept quiet. Whether or not he was a young master didn’t matter; freeloading wasn’t such a big deal. But acting so self-important while doing so was another matter. Besides, being handsome was a crime in itself—they were all eager to see him brought down a peg and watched the scene in silence.

“And?” Chen Yuyi’s lips curled slightly. Now that he was full, it was time to find some amusement.

“Also, those clothes you’re wearing are stolen!” Jin Junmin shouted, making sure everyone heard.

Bai Lang almost leaped up, but Chen Yuyi shot him a look, and he stayed seated without a word.

Xiang Xuerou quietly chuckled. These people certainly had vivid imaginations. Still, she said nothing, simply watching, her gaze drifting from time to time to Chen Yuyi.

The room buzzed in shock at Jin Junmin’s accusation.

“Jin Shao, do you have any proof for what you’re saying?” Some found it hard to believe—a thief, here? It seemed impossible.

“It’s perfectly plausible. He looks refined on the outside, but who’s to say he isn’t a thief? It’s not like thieves write ‘thief’ on their faces.” Some immediately expressed their belief and began to be wary.

Zhu Shaohui sighed silently. Before, nothing serious might have happened, but now that they were slinging mud at that man, the consequences might be far more dire than just getting themselves dirty.

“My little brother just told me he saw this man at the mall earlier, too poor to buy anything and just loitering around with shifty eyes. So I have every reason to believe those clothes are stolen!”

With that, everyone began to eye Chen Yuyi with suspicion.

Chen Yuyi smiled lightly. “Is there more?”

“There’s more—you dressed up like this to take advantage of us and steal our belongings! So everyone, please keep an eye on your possessions and don’t let him slip anything away!”

At his words, everyone grew alert, checking their things and only relaxing when they found nothing missing.

“Oh no, my bracelet is gone!”