How could I possibly be confined in a cage?

Chapter 233 Young Master Dragon

Even before arriving, the atmosphere was already lively and bustling. Listening to the cheerful laughter in the flower hall, one could tell that the guests and hosts were having a great time.

Just as they were about to go in, Guo Zixing stopped them, saying, "Are you going in like this? They say there are important guests. Why don't you change your clothes first?"

Qingru refused, "No need. I used to think that clothes make the man, but who am I now? I'm just your deputy, a small policeman in the Sifang City Police Department. Why should I dress so formally? It's better to be clean and neat now. If you want to look down on me, then look down on me."

Saying this, she shook off Guo Zixing's hand and went inside by herself, and Guo Zixing had no choice but to follow.

Commander Guo sat in the main seat, his imposing expression now replaced by that of a kind and approachable elder.

Sitting below Commander Guo was a young man. Because he was sitting, his height was not clear, but there was a murderous aura between his brows that could not be concealed.

Although Qingru entered first, she knew she had to wait for Guo Zixing to greet her, so she stood aside and waited for Guo Zixing to come forward.

"Father, is this the Young Master Long you were talking about?"

Commander Guo said, "That's right. His father is the famous King of Yunnan. You must treat him well."

Young Master Long stood up. He was about the same height as Guo Zixing, but his face was more fierce, as if he had just come from a battlefield.

"Young Master Guo, I've long admired your name. I am Long Jinzhi, the third son in my family. You can call me Long San."

Guo Zixing grasped his hand and smiled, "Young Master Long, my name is Guo Zixing. I am utterly useless; I rely entirely on my father's reputation."

Long San smiled knowingly, "Oh? Young Master Guo is truly a man of deep feelings and integrity, unlike me, who is too embarrassed to speak up because of my father."

Everyone smiled, and that's how the conversation started.

Guo Ziyou had already taken his seat. The meal hadn't started yet, and the group chatted and laughed about lighthearted topics.

Qingru remained silent, simply sitting quietly.

Commander Guo glanced at her several times, probably wondering what was on his mind but unable to ask due to the occasion.

Zheng Peilan moved among the group with ease, but when she suddenly saw Qingru sitting leisurely to one side, she felt indignant. "Miss Lü? It's been a long time since we last met. What experiences have you had in Shanghai? Tell us so we can broaden our horizons."

Seeing that the topic had been turned to her, Qingru didn't hesitate and said generously, "My trip to Shanghai was extremely difficult, and I could talk about it for three days and three nights without finishing. Let's not talk about it. I think what you just told me about your experiences abroad was very good. Neither of us have been abroad, and just listening to you talk about it is interesting."

Zheng Peilan was flattered and couldn't help but feel a little smug. However, she still remembered how close Qingru had been to Guo Zixing and harbored resentment towards him.

She deliberately stuck out her newly protruding belly and threw the topic back, "If only I've been there, then I can just make it up. What's the point? We've all been to Shanghai, so why don't you tell me what changes have occurred?"

Qingru smiled faintly, "As for the changes, I can't really say, after all, it was my first time there. But there were quite a few interesting things, would you like to hear them?"

Zheng Peilan was taken aback. When did Lü Qingru become so eloquent?

"Tell us what you think, let's see if it's interesting."

Qingru smiled gently, "Well, that's a matter of opinion. When I was in Shanghai, I met a reckless guy who was grabbing pretty girls everywhere, claiming they were what his master was looking for. He kept coming and going, but he had no money, so he came up with a clumsy plan..."

At this point, Qingru stared straight at Long Jinzhi with her clear eyes and remained silent.

Long Jinzhi's heart fluttered, and he assumed that Qingru had taken a liking to him, so he took the liberty of playing the straight man and said, "What kind of stupid idea is that?"

Qingru laughed and said, "Take it, if you can't take it, shoot it. If you get caught, reveal the name of the master behind him. It's hilarious."

The others were confused, and Zheng Peilan made no attempt to hide her disdain, saying, "This isn't funny at all. What are you even talking about?"

Qingru didn't even look at her, but looked at Long Jinzhi and said, "Young Master Long, this matter wasn't originally funny, but that idiot actually has the same name as you, something like Qin San'er, so I find it funny. What do you think?"

Long Jinzhi was taken aback, feeling that the name sounded somewhat familiar. He then glanced at the attendant beside him.

The attendant said with a fawning smile, "I have seen it. Among our young master's entourage is a man named Qin San'er. Although he is not very honest, he is a very well-mannered person. He should not be the person Miss Lü mentioned."

Qingru smiled in agreement, "I think so too. Just by looking at how well Young Master Long speaks and acts, I know that his subordinates must be very disciplined. It was my presumption that led me."

Long Jinzhi thought that Qingru's words were all pearls of wisdom and must not have been mentioned by chance. Therefore, he said, "Even so, we still have to be careful. If I am not able to keep my guard up, it will frighten Miss. Uncle Yu, go and get a gift for Miss Lü as a greeting gift."

Qingru smiled magnanimously and did not refuse.

Long Jinzhi already knew what was going on.

Zheng Peilan was always the center of attention in social situations, so how could she accept being ignored like this? She immediately said, "Since it's a misunderstanding, why bother? Qingru is the kindest and gentlest person. Young Master Long, you're too kind."

Long Jinzhi said gently, "Second Young Madam, you are mistaken. I was traveling around on my father's orders to maintain harmony with the neighbors. Since Miss Lü seems to have been offended by my men, I am obliged to apologize. Besides, it is never wrong to be polite. If it is just a misunderstanding, consider it my greeting gift."

As he spoke, Uncle Yu stepped back into the hall, carrying two boxes in his hands.

Upon seeing this, Long Jinzhi felt greatly relieved; Uncle Yu was indeed experienced in handling affairs.

He handed over the boxes, and Long Jinzhi opened one of them. “Yunnan is rich in jade. This pearl and jade necklace is my new favorite. But as a man, I don’t need these things. They’re perfect for you though.”

Qingru picked up the necklace and looked at it. "South China Sea pearls, size is secondary, what's rare is that each one is round and full, and the teardrop-shaped jade in the middle is icy pinkish-purple, with a moist and clear texture. It's pure, rich, fresh and even, which is quite rare. Thank you."

She accepted the gift generously and put on the necklace in front of everyone, instantly adding a touch of luxury to her simple and unadorned attire.

Long Jinzhi was surprised by her generosity and felt a bit of admiration for her. "A gemstone suits a beautiful woman. This necklace doesn't just add to your radiance; it's an honor for the necklace that you wear it."

Zheng Peilan gritted her teeth. Had Long Jinzhi never tasted good food before? An ordinary woman, with a slightly plain face, was worthy of such praise.

Long Jinzhi snapped out of his daze and then presented another gift, "Since there are two ladies here, I have also prepared two gifts for you. Second Young Mistress, why don't you take a look?"

Despite her pride, Zheng Peilan couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. "No need," she said, "I have plenty of these things. Thank you, Young Master Long."

Long Jinzhi smiled knowingly, "Of course, the second young mistress comes from a prestigious family, so she doesn't need to be bothered with her."

Because of her jealousy, Zheng Peilan lost her usual alertness and failed to notice the dissatisfaction in Long Jinzhi's words. "How come Miss Lü is so knowledgeable about jewelry? I've never heard you mention it before."

Qingru said, "My father used to run an antique shop, so I've handled a lot of this kind of jewelry, and I can tell at a glance."

Zheng Peilan smiled enigmatically, "Is that so? So it's because you've handled so many things that you naturally understand them. Now that you finally own one, it's not bad at all."

Qingru looked straight back, "Whether you handle it or own it, it's all just external possessions. Ultimately, a person has to be able to stand on their own two feet."

Just as Zheng Peilan was about to get angry, Commander Guo spoke up, "After all that talking, you've forgotten the time. Shouldn't we start the banquet?"

The adjutant hurriedly said, "Oh dear, it's all my fault. I was so engrossed in listening to the young masters and ladies talking that I forgot the time. It's already dark, and we're all starving."

Commander Guo nodded at his head. "You're getting more and more reckless. Have you been spoiled?"

Zheng Peilan's face was flushed, but fortunately no one was watching her.

After a few laughs, the banquet finally began.