Chapter 106: Before the Banquet

“After all, sooner or later, we have to face these kinds of situations. It’s better to get familiar with it now. If there’s anything I don’t understand, I’ll trouble you, Van!” Yichen’s habitual gentle smile made even Van feel that he had truly grown up—not the kind to faint or be devastated upon hearing the news of his parents’ passing.

Beside him, only visible to Yichen, Ruoxing and Ruocheng floated nearby, waving their hands excitedly. “Exactly, exactly! At least you have to experience life like this! The identity we arranged for you is quite impressive! You can’t just waste the chance.”

“Ouch, that hurts~!” Seeing the two little girls teasing him, Yichen flicked their heads lightly with a finger. Immediately, they crouched, holding their heads.

Chuckling softly, ignoring their reactions, Yichen said, “That’s all well and good, but I have no idea what to do. I really have no experience with this kind of thing. But it seems C.C. taught me some things that should be useful at events like this!”

“If it’s C.C., it might get interesting.” Bai Ji, knowing C.C.’s personality well, remarked. When C.C. took things seriously, many were unknowingly toyed with.

“Well, actually, tomorrow night there’s going to be a banquet. Most of the influential members of the Stellar Group will be invited, along with members from other groups. Though it’s called a banquet, it’s really about seizing control of the Stellar Group today.” Despite not knowing where Yichen and Bai Ji got such confidence, Van explained the recent developments.

“How many people with status in the Stellar Group actually side with them?” Yichen was already somewhat annoyed that Ruoxing and Ruocheng had arranged such a troublesome situation for him, but he knew it wouldn’t be too difficult.

“That’s not the case. Only a very few harbor such ambitions. They’ve spent a lot of resources to sway some people, whose numbers rival those firmly supporting you. The rest remain undecided. Previously, they gained an advantage because the young master was unconscious. Now that he’s awake—and the Stellar Group rightfully belongs to him—our chances are still very high.”

“That’s not necessary. If they want to fight, let them have their share. Keeping them around is a risk; it’s better to resolve things once and for all. That’s why I hate trouble.” Yichen understood without Van needing to explain: they were relying on the lingering influence of his deceased parents to sway others and consolidate their power. But for someone who disliked complications like Yichen, this was not a good approach.

What if later, they acted as if he owed them because of past favors? In truth, the Stellar Group was essentially private property of the Ye family; others merely managed some revenue channels. Even if he renounced it, it would only be a financial loss.

“But young master, if you do that, the Stellar Group will suffer and need some time to recover.” Van was at a loss and wanted to advise further. Yichen said something more, and Van immediately nodded respectfully and left.

After Van left, Bai Ji’s first words were, “If it were C.C., she could handle this much better than you.”

“That’s why I’m not good at these things. I’m already doing pretty well, okay!” Yichen shook his head with a wry smile. “Besides, I really want to know where Xiao Zou has gone.”

Noticing Yichen staring at them, Ruoxing and Ruocheng calmly covered their heads and said, “We don’t know, but it won’t be long before you find out with your connection in this world.”

Obviously fearing Yichen would flick their heads again, they made this gesture. Seeing their posture, Yichen couldn’t bring himself to do it and sighed, “Forget it. Let’s talk about everything tomorrow.”

On the day of the banquet, countless successful figures from around the world were invited to the city. The Stellar Group was among the top three globally in influence. Although the highest authority had recently died, it remained strong. Some members suddenly received a message, and upon reading it, their faces changed drastically.

Because they were to appear at the banquet, Yichen and Bai Ji had already changed into formal attire. A boy and a girl, both quite young, but once dressed, their entire aura transformed. Yichen’s calm and gentle demeanor exuded an ethereal charm that naturally drew affection.

Bai Ji displayed the allure of a nine-tailed celestial fox. Her pure white princess gown accentuated her innocence and sweetness. The smile she unconsciously revealed seemed to captivate hearts and minds. Simply standing in one place, she instantly became the center of attention.

As soon as they entered, all eyes focused on them. Their appearance was so striking that many women attending the banquet gazed at them with hearts full of admiration, wishing they could embrace these two children more adorable than dolls.

Some recognized Yichen and Bai Ji and, aware of their identities, dared not show any disrespect. Van, their steward, stayed close to Yichen, concerned for his safety and how he would handle such a setting. Soon, many people gathered around.

Some were drawn by their cuteness; others knew Yichen’s status and wanted to leave a good impression on the future heir of the Stellar Group. Usually, children surrounded like this might feel unhappy, but Van was surprised that Yichen showed no discomfort. His gentle smile never wavered as he handled everyone with ease. His words seemed carefully considered, revealing nothing sensitive or provoking anger—rather, leaving a favorable impression.

Such composure would make others think this was a seasoned socialite, unshaken by any circumstance—not a boy barely ten years old.

In another corner of the banquet, a group of men in expensive suits gathered, their faces dark with hostility, eyes fixed on Yichen. They wore fake smiles while exchanging words: “Wasn’t that kid supposed to have fainted from shock? How is he here? We planned to use his unconsciousness to strip him of his inheritance.”

As outsiders, it was already difficult to seize the Stellar Group. Now, with the most legitimate heir unharmed and present, their position was weakened. However, taking over the entire group was a mere fantasy; they did not expect too much.

Their real goal was to wrest the greatest benefits and then break away independently.