Urban Seduction: Housewives Club Chapter 1957 - 286: Police Officer Xin Xiaoxiao 3

Rather than using their own estate or a high-end city hotel, the Zhang family decided to host this particular gathering at a resort situated to the west of Jinling City.

Despite the harsh living conditions humanity faces in this era, the general population still contains a significant number of wealthy individuals.

Furthermore, the current climate makes the wilderness outside city walls far too treacherous, while the cities themselves have grown excessively massive.

Many citizens spend their entire lives confined within a single urban sprawl. Consequently, people have developed a deep longing for the rustic, pastoral lifestyle often depicted in ancient scrolls.

Business opportunities always follow demand. Because of this, leisure spots like resorts and agritainment villas—which had vanished during the initial period of spiritual revival—have seen a massive resurgence in recent years.

The resort picked by the Zhang family stands as one of Jinling’s premier destinations; interestingly, the Zhang family itself serves as the establishment's primary shareholder.

According to Zhang Qingtian, influential figures from Tianhai were expected to attend today. This fact likely explains why the Zhang family selected this specific venue for the event.

In terms of both economic prosperity and the raw strength of their warriors, Tianhai is vastly superior to Jinling.

Even a high-end hotel in Jinling might be viewed as mediocre or even substandard by the elite standards of those from Tianhai.

Thus, opting for a resort with its unique pastoral charm was a strategic move to offer something refreshing and distinctive.

Because the Zhang family was utilizing the entire site for the party, the resort was closed to the public; entry was strictly prohibited for anyone lacking an official invitation.

Wang Yue and his companions, however, did not require any such paperwork.

As representatives of the three major families, their faces were well-known to anyone of consequence in Jinling.

Just as Zhang Qingtian had predicted, Wang Yue only had to show his face to be granted immediate access.

It was already past eight in the evening, and the formal dinner was drawing to a close. Arriving at such a late hour was quite a breach of etiquette on the part of Wang Yue’s group.

Wang Yue didn't care in the slightest. His only goal was to unmask these so-called "important figures" from Tianhai.

As for preserving the Zhang family’s reputation—if the situation turned hostile, what point was there in maintaining appearances?

Wang Yue was not the type to play double games or hide a dagger behind a smile; if someone provoked him, he would deal with them directly without any pretense.

While Wang Yue and his group weren't blocked at the gates, their arrival was immediately signaled to the hosts.

The moment they pulled into the parking area, Zhang Qingtian appeared to welcome them.

“Young Master Wang, Miss Su, and the other ladies, you certainly took your time. The dinner is nearly finished,” Zhang Qingtian remarked with a grin, pointedly ignoring Chu Mo. It was hard to tell if he was avoiding suspicion or acting out of spite, though the latter seemed more probable.

“I’m just here to look around, not for the food,” Wang Yue answered neutrally. Even with a smile on his face, Zhang Qingtian projected a cold, predatory aura; his laughter rang hollow, and he did a poor job of masking the malice in his gaze.

In the past, no matter how much he loathed Wang Yue, he would at least maintain a polite facade. Now, he didn't even bother to hide it, clearly emboldened by his new backers and no longer fearing the three major families of Jinling.

Keeping up his strained smile, Zhang Qingtian added, “That is a shame. Young Master Zhang brought many treasures from Tianhai—rare items that money simply cannot buy. You’ve missed out.”

Young Master Zhang... so it really was the Zhang family from Tianhai.

A flicker of excitement crossed Wang Yue’s mind; he hadn't expected the confirmation to come so easily.

However, Su Jiaojiao snapped, “Why are you still talking? We didn’t come here to eat, so just lead the way!”

Being barked at by a mere brat caused Zhang Qingtian’s temper to flare. His fake smile vanished instantly as he muttered, “Then please, follow me.”

The guest list for this Zhang family event was exclusive, with everyone gathered in the grand lobby of a villa-style hotel at the heart of the resort. They were huddled like stars around a moon, encircling three youths positioned at the center.

As expected, Wang Yue spotted Chu Kuo among the crowd. That old fox had decided to side with the Zhangs—or at the very least, he was attempting to play both sides of the fence.

Wang Yue understood the logic. Chu Kuo had the responsibility of the entire Chu family on his shoulders; in his position, one could never be too careful about survival.

Furthermore, now that the Jinling Zhangs had allied with the mighty Tianhai Zhang family, most observers believed the three major families of Jinling stood no chance of winning this power struggle.

“Mr. Wang Yue of the Jinling Wang family, Miss Su Jin’er, Miss Su Xiu’er, Miss Su Jiaojiao of the Su family, and Miss Chu Mo of the Chu family have arrived—” The host’s voice boomed through the lobby the moment they stepped inside.

The buzzing room fell into a sudden, heavy silence. Every representative of Jinling’s elite, including Chu Kuo, looked visibly uncomfortable.

They hadn't anticipated that the Zhang family would actually invite Wang Yue and Su Jin’er; it was a transparent move to force everyone to declare their loyalty.

While some had already firmly planted their flags with the Zhangs, many were still waiting to see which way the wind would blow.

With Wang Yue’s group appearing so publicly, there was no longer any middle ground. Since they were attending a Zhang family function, outsiders would naturally assume they were collaborating.

Wang Yue realized he had been played by Zhang Qingtian. Catching the smug look on the man's face, he felt a strong urge to rearrange his teeth.

It wasn't that he was frustrated by the scheme; he simply found Zhang Qingtian repulsive.

Wang Yue wasn't worried about the shifting alliances in the room. As long as he was there to protect the women of the three major families, they were safe. Allies were a luxury, not a necessity.

This stemmed from his total faith in his own strength and his unstoppable "power source."

Zhang Qingtian felt a twinge of disappointment when he saw no anger on Wang Yue’s face. However, the real show was just beginning, so he composed himself and guided the group toward the three strangers at the center.

“Mr. Wang, allow me to introduce you. This is Mr. Zhang Lingfeng of the Tianhai Zhang family. His father is the younger brother of the current Clan Head in Tianhai.”

Wang Yue felt a wave of boredom. He had expected a heavyweight, but this was just a second-generation relative.

With a faint, disinterested nod, Wang Yue acknowledged him.

Zhang Qingtian then gestured to the other two. “These are Mr. Zhao of the Tianhai Zhao family and Mr. Ma of the Tianhai Ma family.”

It was clear that Zhao and Ma were merely lackeys for Zhang Lingfeng, yet they still carried themselves with insufferable arrogance.

“Gentlemen, this is the sole male heir of Jinling’s three major families: Mr. Wang Yue,” Zhang Qingtian continued, before moving on to introduce the Su family women...

Compared to the "sole male heir," the three visitors from Tianhai were far more captivated by the four beauties, their eyes locking onto Su Jin’er and Su Xiu’er with intensity.

The twin sisters were stunning enough to overshadow any other woman at the party. Being identical twins only added to their magnetic appeal.

Watching these three leering at his cousins, Wang Yue felt a sharp spark of irritation.

He knew Su Jin’er and Su Xiu’er were beautiful enough to be the center of any room. He understood why people stared.

But understanding it didn't mean he would tolerate it. To Wang Yue, the lustful gazes these men were casting at his cousins were an insult he would not easily forgive.