After Being Betrayed I Married the Glamorous CEO-Chapter 68: Don’t you feel immensely honored to be my dog?

Before their arrival, Shen Fanyun and Su Xiyang didn’t know how many people would be at the gathering.

Upon reaching their destination, Su Xiyang realized that quite a few guests were present, most of whom were young. This put her at ease. I was so afraid I’d run into another old lecher like Cheng Xiaolin. This younger generation should be more civilized.

Su Xiyang presented her invitation, and after the organizer verified it, she and Shen Fanyun walked inside.

Although it was their first time meeting in person, Su Xiyang and Shen Fanyun both recognized Hong Danggui instantly. The reason was simple: the girl’s attire was quite unusual. She wore black joggers paired with long boots and a thin, red practice shirt. The character ’Hong’ was cleverly printed on the left side of the chest, making her whole outfit incredibly distinct.

As they drew closer, Shen Fanyun finally got a clear look at Hong Danggui. She had short, dark hair and eyebrows as sharp as swords, giving her a truly gallant air. Her eyes were bright and full of spirit, yet despite her youth, she carried the stuffy, condescending air of a superior.

"Hello, I’m Su Xiyang. I was invited to this reception," Su Xiyang said, taking the initiative.

Hong Danggui’s attention wasn’t on Su Xiyang. Instead, she looked at Shen Fanyun, her hands clasped behind her back and her gaze sharp. "Hello, I am Hong Danggui."

Su Xiyang was speechless. What is this? Do handsome people get special treatment? Hong Danggui was the one who invited both of us, so why is she completely ignoring me now that we’re here? If that’s the case, why invite me at all?

"Shen Fanyun," he replied politely.

"I greatly admired the courage and audacity you displayed when you faced Hou Si at the Brilliant Building, not to mention the combat prowess you subsequently unleashed," Hong Danggui said. "You’re very impressive!"

If Shen Fanyun weren’t a head taller than her, Hong Danggui would have loved to pat his head in encouragement, but she simply couldn’t reach.

So, Hong Danggui must have noticed me at the Brilliant Building. That must be why she sent me an invitation, Shen Fanyun deduced. In other words, she’s interested in me, which explains why she’s giving Su Xiyang the cold shoulder.

"Let me add," she continued, "although you defeated Hou Si, that doesn’t mean you’re strong enough for everyone to fear you. You still have a long way to go. After all, no matter how good you are, there’s always someone better."

Why does she sound like an elder lecturing a junior? Shen Fanyun didn’t like her tone, which carried an inexplicable self-confidence.

"By the way, Hou Si has an explanation for his loss," Hong Danggui continued. "First, he claims he underestimated you. He says his intention wasn’t to kill you, so he held back, which gave you an opening. Furthermore, Hou Si insists you used dirty tricks and won dishonorably."

Shen Fanyun was puzzled. There’s more to the story from the Brilliant Building incident? That so-called Master of Fist Way was no match for me; I almost killed him with a single punch. He’s lucky to have survived. How could he not be grateful and instead be looking for revenge? And why is Hong Danggui even talking about this?

Hong Danggui chuckled. "Hou Si is a renowned Master of Fist Way in this city. How could a man with his pride accept being defeated by you? Right now, everyone who knows about the incident believes you used disgraceful means to beat Hou Si."

So he can’t accept his loss and now he’s trying to sling mud at me? The motive, of course, is to salvage his dignity. A famous Master of Fist Way losing to some unknown kid... how could he save face otherwise?

"Tonight, one of Hou Si’s disciples and his grandson will be here," Hong Danggui informed him.

Shen Fanyun slowly chewed on the implications. What the hell, is this a treacherous banquet? A setup?

"You set me up?" Shen Fanyun asked, a playful smile on his face.

Hong Danggui laughed heartily, dismissing the notion. "I have better things to do with my time and energy than to waste them on this. Today’s reception is simply a stage for you to perform. I admit you’re strong, but I need further proof. We can’t have it turn out like Hou Si said—that you have no real skills and only know a few dirty tricks."

After all, she, Hong Danggui, was the one personally selecting the candidates. She wanted another look to see if Shen Fanyun was truly qualified to become a retainer for the Hong Family. If Shen Fanyun could get through today unscathed and successfully impress her, only then would she officially recruit him into the Hong Family. If he turned out to be all for show, however... well, if he got himself killed, so be it. The weak didn’t deserve sympathy or regret.

Of course, Shen Fanyun was just one of her many prospects. Other young experts attending tonight were, like him, here to be assessed by the Hong Family.

"Perform well tonight," she said. "Personally, I have high hopes for you."

With that, Hong Danggui turned and left.

Su Xiyang was bewildered. Isn’t this a reception? Why is there an assessment? And Hou Si’s grandson is here too? Shen Fanyun nearly crippled Hou Si with one punch today. His grandson probably won’t let this go!

"She wants me to join the Hong Family," Shen Fanyun explained.

"Join the Hong Family?" Su Xiyang asked, startled. "What do you mean? Is she trying to recruit you as a live-in son-in-law? So you really are involved with that woman!"

Shen Fanyun was speechless. He patiently explained, "She wants me to formally pledge my allegiance to the Hong Family and work for them from now on."

The implication is that she wants to recruit me as the Hong Family’s watchdog. Yes, a watchdog. The word is crude, but it’s a brutally honest description.

"So you’d be a retainer for the Hong Family?" Su Xiyang finally understood.

Shen Fanyun nodded. She’s not that slow. She gets it with a little hint.

"I’ve heard the Hong Family has recruited many retainers, all of them top-tier experts," she said. "Are you saying they want to make you a retainer, too?"

This was the Hong Family of Hangcheng City, one of the oldest and most powerful clans, rumored to be the city’s underground emperors. How many people dream of having a connection to the Hong Family? This is like a pie falling from the sky! What incredible luck!

"With the Hong Family backing you, you could do whatever you want in Hangcheng City, and almost no one would dare to provoke you," Su Xiyang mused aloud.

"When did I ever say I would agree to be their retainer?" Shen Fanyun asked.

"What? You’re not willing?" Su Xiyang couldn’t understand. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! If you miss it, it’s gone for good! Why would you refuse such a powerful family?"

Shen Fanyun casually flicked Su Xiyang on the forehead and said with annoyance, "Living under someone else’s roof always makes you second-class. Why should we have to suck up to the rich and powerful? True strength is becoming strong ourselves."

It looked like tonight’s reception wasn’t going to end peacefully.