Chapter Sixty: Is This a Charity Gala?

Fang Nian followed Duan Lenghan to the foremost table. Duan Rui didn’t think anything of it and simply found a seat. The lively crowd noticed Duan Lenghan approaching and rose to greet him, exchanging polite, official words.

Soon, those gathered began to pay attention to Fang Nian at Duan Lenghan’s side. A lady in a red evening gown regarded Fang Nian with a flirtatious smile.

“Mr. Duan, who is this handsome gentleman?”

Duan Lenghan replied, introducing Fang Nian to everyone.

“Let me introduce him properly. This young man is from the younger generation of the Xia Hunting Grounds, here to represent them at the hunting forum. He’s also the husband of Xia Moyan.”

Though Fang Nian’s name had begun to gain some recognition in their circles, it hadn’t yet reached the ears of these industry titans. But the reputation of Xia Moyan, the most beautiful woman in District 16, was well-known by all.

The lady smiled politely, though Fang Nian could see disappointment flicker in her eyes—clearly, she had expected more from his identity.

“So, you’re the son-in-law of the Xia family. You’re lucky indeed to have married their famed beauty. Hello, I’m Tan Hong, Executive Director of Tan Hunters’ Camp. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Fang Nian was a little surprised but shook her hand politely.

“Hello, Director Tan.”

Duan Lenghan continued the introductions with a smile.

“This is Zuo Wei, Director of the District 16 Energy Bureau.”

“This is Bai Lu, Director of Security for District 16.”

“And this is…”

Fang Nian shook hands with each of them, marveling inwardly at how he’d ended up in such company.

These were the top figures of District 16, the giants of business and politics who controlled the lifeblood of every industry. Any one of them would make the district tremble; none were lesser than the Xia family.

Yet, when Duan Lenghan came to the last person, the atmosphere changed.

“Fang Nian, I need to introduce you properly to this one, as he’s your peer in the hunting industry and your direct supervisor. This is Wei Jin, Deputy Director of the District 16 Hunting Grounds Regulatory Bureau.”

Fang Nian was taken aback. This man was a significant figure in the district’s hunting industry. Every hunting ground, from research to launch, had to pass rigorous inspections.

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Safety, content, ratings—all had to be approved by the Regulatory Bureau before entering the market. As Deputy Director, Wei Jin wielded tremendous influence.

Though the world was falling apart, the rules remained intact. Those with authority dictated your fate, and you needed to navigate the path accordingly. The Xia family was no exception, as Fang Nian had discussed with Xia Moyan.

Whenever the Xia Hunting Grounds launched a new site, they’d offer Wei Jin plenty of benefits. Such was the way of survival.

Wei Jin sat quietly, sipping tea. Fang Nian took the initiative and reached out.

“Hello, Director Wei.”

Yet Wei Jin gave no response, continuing to drink his tea, making the atmosphere awkward.

Tan Hong smiled, quickly smoothing things over.

“Sit down, my friend. Mr. Duan, please take your seat. The banquet is about to begin.”

Duan Lenghan had little fondness for Wei Jin, but he acknowledged his competence. After years in District 16, Wei Jin had skillfully balanced the interests of the major families. Duan Lenghan wouldn’t quarrel with him. Smiling, he pointed to Duan Rui.

“No, I’ve been entrusted by this young lady to play host tonight.”

Everyone glanced at Duan Rui, already nibbling on snacks, and burst into laughter.

…

After a few minutes, the lights brightened, guests found their seats, and the banquet officially began.

Duan Lenghan stepped onto the stage, not with the stiffness of a master of ceremonies, but with a relaxed and genial smile.

“Welcome, everyone. I’m delighted you could attend tonight’s charity banquet. As you all know, after each Duan Feng Hunting Forum, our family hosts such a charity event. It fulfills my son Duan Feng’s last wish and aims to help those living outside the shelter zones.”

Fang Nian was moved by Duan Lenghan’s words. He happened to be seated beside Duan Rui, so he quietly asked her,

“Is tonight’s banquet a charity event?”

Duan Rui looked up at Fang Nian, impatient.

“What did you think it was?”

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Fang Nian gave a sheepish smile.

“What sort of charity? Are we supposed to donate money?”

Duan Rui, unimpressed by his penny-pinching, sneered.

“No need for cash. Each family donates items for auction, and ten percent of the proceeds go to charity.”

Fang Nian cursed inwardly.

“Xia Moyu really dropped the ball. He never mentioned this was a charity banquet. I’ve got nothing to offer and I’m sitting at the main table. How am I going to get out of this?”

Duan Rui noticed Fang Nian’s troubled expression and looked at him with amused interest.

“Don’t tell me you didn’t bring anything?”

Her question struck home, and Fang Nian was mortified, though he tried to play it cool.

“How could that be? Don’t be ridiculous. The Xia family would never lack for such things.”

Duan Rui actually laughed out loud at Fang Nian’s words. He was taken aback—this was the first time he’d seen the cold beauty smile, and he had to admit she looked lovely when she did.

Fang Nian forced a bitter smile and said nothing more. Soon, the dishes arrived.

He had to admit, the banquet fare was impressive—not only rare delicacies like king crab, but also a variety of vegetables scarcely seen in this world.

Since Earth began its decline, those once-common vegetables had become luxury items. Most families now ate mostly meat, a complete reversal of the past.

Everyone at Fang Nian’s table was wealthy and worldly, accustomed to the finest foods. They barely touched each dish, taking a few bites before setting their utensils aside and returning to their business conversations.

But Fang Nian was different. He was here for the food. Though the Xia family’s meals were decent, they were still home-style cooking—not quite the same as a hotel chef’s artistry.

He let himself indulge, though he maintained basic table manners and didn’t grab dishes outright. Still, it was clear to anyone that his hunger was no small thing.