They are all distinguished guests.

The location Qin Huali chose for the dinner was a famously exclusive private kitchen in the city, renowned for its signature dishes that were said to be exquisitely authentic. Many people sought it out by reputation, and since its opening last year, business had been booming.

When Xiao Yao arrived, Qin Huali’s guests were already waiting in the private dining room.

As soon as Qin Huali saw Xiao Yao enter through the door, he promptly rose to greet him. “Mr. Xiao, please come in. Your seat is ready.”

“My apologies for keeping everyone waiting,” Xiao Yao said, nodding politely to those present. Without further ceremony, he took the seat reserved for the guest of honor.

Besides Qin Huali, the host, there were five other guests seated in the room. These men were all old friends of Qin Huali’s, well acquainted with one another.

Today, Qin Huali had invited them to accompany him at this dinner, but with an air of mystery, he had never revealed the identity of the evening's honored guest. He merely told them that the guest was very young, had just done him a great favor, and was someone his entire family deeply respected. Because this young man was a local of Hanzhou, Qin Huali had especially asked them to join the gathering.

Qin Huali was one of the wealthiest magnates in Southeast Asia. For a young man to earn his regard was already remarkable, but for this evening’s guest to have done him such a significant favor—and to have gained the respect of both Qin Huali and his whole family—piqued everyone’s curiosity.

Especially upon learning that the young man was a local, the other guests were all the more eager to know just what kind of person Xiao Yao was.

As prominent figures in their own right, they found it surprising that such an outstanding young man from their own city had escaped their notice. Xiao Yao seemed truly enigmatic.

From the first glance, everyone present realized that this young man was far from ordinary.

It wasn’t merely Xiao Yao’s handsome appearance or his tasteful attire that set him apart—those were superficial details. What truly caught their attention was the calm composure he exuded, and the undeniable air of nobility about him.

A person’s bearing and cultivation are revealed in their words and actions. Faced with the courtesy of an eminent figure like Qin Huali, Xiao Yao remained poised, as though everything was perfectly natural and expected. This unintentional display of ease only emphasized the exceptional quality of his character.

The five guests present were all renowned local figures, each wielding considerable power within the province. Yet, in front of Qin Huali, none dared to put on airs; they knew they lacked the standing to do so.

Xiao Yao appeared to be in his early twenties at most, but Qin Huali addressed him with formal respect, even calling him “Mister.” What kind of person could prompt such deferential treatment from Qin Huali?

Given Qin Huali’s status, even the true heirs of the great families in the country would have to show him due respect as juniors. Yet, faced with Qin Huali’s reverence, this young man accepted it as his due—his identity was indeed a mystery.

Once Xiao Yao was seated, Qin Huali introduced him, “Mr. Xiao has done the Qin family a great favor these past days. Tonight’s dinner is a token of our gratitude. All present are my friends, and I hope you’ll grow close in the future.”

“Good evening, everyone. I’m Xiao Yao. Mr. Qin is far too kind—I only did him a small favor, no need for such a formal dinner. But since I have the chance to meet all of you, the evening is already worthwhile,” Xiao Yao replied. He then turned to Qin Huali, “Mr. Qin, your friends all carry themselves with impressive distinction. Won’t you introduce us?”

Qin Huali began with the man seated to his left. “This is Fan Jingyu, the city’s top official.”

Fan Jingyu, a man who appeared not quite forty, differed from the typical government official; he kept himself in excellent shape and exuded a scholarly yet energetic air.

Fan Jingyu stood and offered his hand. “Mr. Xiao, I’m Fan Jingyu, a humble servant of the people, presently serving as Deputy Mayor.”

“So you’re Deputy Mayor Fan. Pleased to meet you,” Xiao Yao said courteously, shaking his hand.

Qin Huali continued, “This is Ding Songqing, President of the Provincial Chamber of Commerce. His Shuangqing Group is a leading enterprise in the province, and he’s a nationally renowned entrepreneur.”

Xiao Yao was, of course, familiar with Ding Songqing’s reputation. Now in his fifties, Ding Songqing had long held the title of the province’s wealthiest man and was the most influential tycoon in the area.

Even someone of Qin Huali’s stature treated Xiao Yao with great respect, so naturally Ding Songqing was not inclined to put on airs. He stood and shook Xiao Yao’s hand warmly. “Mr. Xiao, you are a young man of remarkable talent. It’s a pleasure to meet someone so outstanding.”

“You flatter me, Mr. Ding. In the presence of a business leader such as yourself, I hardly deserve the words ‘remarkable talent.’ I’ll have much to learn from you,” Xiao Yao replied with genuine respect; Ding Songqing was not only a business magnate but also a noted philanthropist.

“Hanguang Group’s Chen Guangzhi is next—Hanguang Real Estate and Hanguang Supermarket are both under his banner,” Qin Huali introduced.

Chen Guangzhi looked only a little over forty; to be among the province’s top few tycoons at such an age was a testament to his abilities.

The fourth guest was Lu Yahong, whose Yahong Investment was known throughout the country. Although less publicly visible, his personal wealth might even surpass that of Chen Guangzhi.

The final guest was Guan Yonggang, the youngest among them at around thirty-five or thirty-six. Tall and robust, with a hearty voice and a forthright manner, he had only recently taken over the family business.

After these introductions, conversation among the group became more relaxed. Curious about Xiao Yao, the guests Qin Huali had invited all tried to learn more about his background through subtle questions.

After a few exchanges, it was Guan Yonggang, the youngest and most impatient of the group, who spoke up. “Mr. Xiao, you look quite young—I’m only thirty-five myself, still young, too. I imagine we must have plenty in common and shared interests as fellow young men. My family is in hospitality and tourism, so if you ever want to travel or have fun, just give me a call.”

“Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Guan. Let’s exchange numbers later and stay in touch,” Xiao Yao replied.

Since even Qin Huali showed such respect for Xiao Yao, Guan Yonggang was eager to get closer. With deliberate informality, he said, “We’re not too far apart in age. Calling me Mr. Guan feels too distant—just call me Dagang or Brother Guan, whichever you like. It’s more friendly that way. Honestly, calling you Mr. Xiao feels a bit awkward to me. You don’t mind if I use something else, do you?”