The Shen family elder’s birthday banquet was held at the main residence.

When Rong Shi and Song Yu arrived, the banquet hall was already filled with many people.

Their appearance immediately drew a flood of gazes.

“Isn’t that Song Yu? Why did he come this year?”

“And he brought his little boyfriend along, how rare.”

“They’re married, you should call him little husband.”

“This little husband is really handsome. No wonder he caught Song Yu’s eye.”

“Did you all hear about what happened a couple of days ago? He’s not interested in Omegas anymore; he just likes to mess with Alphas.”

“Watch your foul mouth, if he hears you, you’ll be in trouble.”

Their supposedly subtle whispers, however, largely reached the ears of both Rong Shi and Song Yu.

Song Yu frowned, his eyes icy: “Let’s go back.”

Just as he turned, he was held back by Rong Shi’s hand.

Rong Shi’s gaze swept across the entire hall, and he whispered, “Since we’re already here, let’s at least meet your grandfather before leaving.”

Song Yu wanted to break free and leave, but he ultimately held back.

---

Elder Shen was conversing with a few old friends. Catching sight of Song Yu from the corner of his eye, he immediately left his friends and rushed over.

“Xiao Yu, you’re here.”

Song Yu forced himself to turn around: “Grandfather.”

Rong Shi felt Song Yu’s hand unconsciously clenching. Seeing Elder Shen’s gaze turn towards him, he respectfully greeted: “Hello, Grandfather. I am Rong Shi, Xiao Yu’s partner.”

Elder Shen openly scrutinized him.

The young man before him was tall and slender, and his looks were beyond reproach. Standing next to his grandson, he was in no way inferior, especially his eyes, which held a rare, restrained calmness for his age.

This child is not simple.

Rong Shi allowed himself to be observed, calmly presenting the detailed gift list.

“This is a small token of our appreciation from Xiao Yu and me. We wish you health, longevity, and peace.”

Elder Shen snapped back to attention, took the list, and smiled happily.

“Thank you for your trouble.”

He beckoned the butler over, took out a red envelope, and handed it to Rong Shi.

“Live a good life with Xiao Yu in the future.”

Rong Shi accepted the red envelope, noticing from the corner of his eye that Song Yu hadn’t said a word.

“Thank you, Grandfather.”

Elder Shen wanted to chat more with Song Yu, but distinguished guests kept arriving one after another, so he could only swallow his words and attend to the guests.

For the Shen family, this was an important banquet, but for others, it was merely a dispensable dinner party.

After exchanging pleasantries, their attention completely focused on Rong Shi and Song Yu.

---

Half a month ago, almost no one in the upper echelons knew the name Rong Shi.

They only knew that Song Yu, the exiled prince with no chance of succession, had married an Alpha, but they simply didn’t care who that Alpha was.

For most people, the matter itself was just a topic for after-dinner conversation.

No one expected that half a month later, this person would command the attention of everyone in the circle.

Besides his outstanding appearance, Rong Shi’s abilities were also top-notch among his peers. Even Qian Li had unusually extended an olive branch. If this news were officially announced, the entire military would be shaken.

The Shen family, being the main lineage, had dwindled in numbers. Elder Shen only had one son, who passed away years ago, leaving him with barely Song Yu as his only maternal grandson.

In the complete absence of others, he had to help Elder Shen deal with the situation.

The majority of those present today were elders. Zhao Ji’s brother, Zhao Chu, and three old acquaintances walked over to greet them.

Taking advantage of Song Yu’s unofficial status, they openly and subtly sneered at him.

“You should come back more often, otherwise how lonely will Elder Shen be?”

“This is your partner? Your taste is truly unique, very similar to Si Nian.”

“Remember to get annual check-ups. Don’t be like Si Nian, alas, though that kind of illness probably isn’t hereditary.”

“Are you accustomed to studying at the Central Military Academy? But after all, it’s a second-tier planet; it certainly can’t compare to Imperial Capital Star.”

Song Yu’s face visibly worsened.

Rong Shi, fearing he might act rashly, slightly shifted his body to block their view, subtly sliding his fingers into Song Yu’s, intertwining them.

“Thank you all for your concern,” Rong Shi said calmly. “I also hope you all get frequent check-ups every year and strive to live a few more years.”

“You—!”

Zhao Chu, who was watching the scene with his wine glass, changed his expression.

This was cursing them to die!

“What kind of thing are you, daring to speak to us like that?!”

“Bastard! Apologize immediately!”

“Is this the upbringing of your Shen family?!”

Others heard the commotion and looked over.

Rong Shi, enduring everyone’s gaze, calmly said: “So you all don’t want to live? Then I’ll pretend I didn’t say anything.”

“Pffft—”

Suppressed laughter echoed around, and even Elder Shen turned his head to look.

Zhao Chu was stunned at first. When he reacted, his old face flushed crimson and purple with anger. He wished he could splash wine directly on Rong Shi’s face, but he controlled himself due to the occasion, causing his hand to tremble continuously.

“Involuntary hand tremors are an early symptom of stroke. I suggest you seek early treatment and medication,” Rong Shi said calmly, enduring Elder Shen’s gaze. “Otherwise, if it becomes severe enough that you can’t speak, you won’t be able to gossip about others. What a pity.”

Zhao Chu: “You motherf***er—!”

Never had a junior dared to speak to him like that!

Zhao Chu’s eyes widened, but he forcibly swallowed the insults.

The Shen family was just a declining household. Song Yu was unpopular. If it weren’t for wanting to see a spectacle and find amusement, he wouldn’t come to the banquet every year!

But the Qian family was different; they were nobles among nobles.

Currently, Qian Li held Rong Shi in high regard. Until definitive news of their partnership was confirmed, he couldn’t afford to offend him.

The other three, after quickly cursing, also realized this issue and could only swallow their grievances.

Some who had initially intended to go over and provoke them immediately abandoned the idea.

Don’t turn yourself into a joke while trying to watch one.

After getting revenge for his little cat, Rong Shi pulled him away.

“You’re usually so fierce with me, but in front of them, you’re so obedient?” Rong Shi whispered.

Little Song Cat didn’t tolerate any questioning or verbal humiliation. Usually, in such situations, besides verbal attacks, he would also use his fists.

But today, he was unusually quiet.

“Didn’t you pull me away?” Song Yu’s gaze followed Zhao Chu, his eyes growing colder.

Rong Shi: “I only symbolically pulled you.”

Song Yu: “…”

Seeing his silence, Rong Shi recalled the attitude of those people earlier and asked, “Do these people usually treat you this way?”

“Otherwise?” Song Yu scoffed. “Without my father’s support, I’m nothing in their eyes.”

Rong Shi tilted his head to look at him: “Is that why you didn’t want to come?”

Like a child who’s made a mistake and fears facing their parents, Rong Shi could see Song Yu’s respect for Elder Shen. Yet, he feared his presence would invite unpleasant topics, causing Elder Shen embarrassment.

Rong Shi: “Don’t be afraid. Your husband will stand up for you.”

Song Yu actually felt much better inside, but he still habitually retorted.

“You won’t let me kiss you, and you won’t let me hug you. Do you misunderstand something about being a husband?”

Rong Shi: “…”

Rong Shi: “Then what were you hugging last night? Air?”

Song Yu: “The hug I’m talking about isn’t that kind of hug.”

Rong Shi raised an eyebrow: “You even hit your teeth when we just try to kiss. How else do you want to hug?”

Song Yu: “…” Damn it.

It was so infuriating.

As Rong Shi was verbally sparring, Elder Shen was entertaining Gu Heng, the head of the Gu family.

“These two boys are truly a perfect match,” Elder Shen said with a chuckle, looking in Rong Shi’s direction.

Gu Heng, hands behind his back, showed a hint of mockery: “That old fox Zhao Chu only knows how to bully juniors. It’s about time he got a taste of his own medicine.”

As they spoke, the Shen family butler hurried over and whispered a few words to Elder Shen.

Elder Shen’s expression subtly changed: “How could he come?”

The butler looked anxious: “He said he came to wish you a happy birthday. We couldn’t stop him.”

Gu Heng: “Who came?”

Before they could answer, he heard a commotion from the entrance.

He turned his head and knew the answer to the question.

Song Ke swaggered in with a group of people, standing at the entrance of the banquet hall.

One hand in his pocket, his chin slightly raised, his gaze swept across the crowd.

“Why is no one here to greet such distinguished guests?!” Song Ke’s special assistant demanded sharply.

Elder Shen rushed forward with the butler.

Song Ke’s gaze was contemptuous as he scrutinized him from head to toe.

“Elder Shen? It’s been many years. How did you get so old? You must take good care of your health.”

Elder Shen’s lips gradually straightened. He bowed slightly: “Thank you for your concern.”

Song Ke leaned in slightly, lowering his voice with a chuckle: “You have to at least live to see me ascend to the throne, right?”

Elder Shen’s face changed dramatically. Just as he was about to answer, Song Yu appeared in his line of sight.

“What are you doing here?” Song Yu blocked his grandfather, looking down at Song Ke.

“It’s your grandfather’s birthday, after all. As an elder brother, of course, I should come,” Song Ke’s voice deliberately amplified. “Don’t throw a fit here; you’ll completely shame Grandfather.”

Song Yu’s face was cold, his words clipped and heavy: “Before I get angry, get out.”

Song Ke laughed impudently a few times and walked past him, heading inside.

“If you block me from entering today, the Shen family will be the laughingstock of the circle starting tomorrow.”

Song Yu’s hand, hanging by his side, clenched then relaxed, his expression returning to normal.

Rong Shi wanted to go and pull the little cat back, but was intercepted by Song Ke halfway.

Song Ke provoked in a low voice: “Don’t think you can do whatever you want just because the Qian family supports you. In my eyes, you’re nothing.”

Before Rong Shi could speak, Song Ke seemed to remember something and chuckled twice.

“Not to mention, the Qian family hasn’t taken any substantial action yet. No one knows what changes will happen until the very end.”

Rong Shi’s expression was very calm: “Yes, no one knows until the very end.”

Not long after, the Head of the He family arrived with He Nian.

While Elder Shen was talking to his own grandfather, He Nian searched the crowd for Song Yu’s figure.

Thinking of today’s task, his eyes darkened.

After a series of formalities, the birthday banquet began.

Song Ke forcefully made He Nian sit beside him, serving him dishes and soup directly in front of Song Yu.

Song Yu drank the soup Rong Shi served him, catching Song Ke’s smug smile from the corner of his eye, and mentally called him an idiot.

After Song Ke arrived, the atmosphere in the hall immediately changed.

The vast majority of nobles and great nobles in the hall were fawning over Song Ke. Seeing his clear attitude, they all, to show their loyalty, became like energized roosters, taking turns to cause trouble for Rong Shi.

Unable to gain an advantage verbally, they prepared to force drinks on him.

Although it was a birthday banquet, it was also a gathering of the upper class. The most important rule was to maintain proper etiquette.

If one got roaring drunk, what etiquette was there to speak of?

They took advantage of Rong Shi’s first visit to the Shen family as the maternal grandson’s partner, demanding that he toast every guest.

Not only toast, but toast in various elaborate ways.

Rong Shi held his wine glass, his eyes showing no emotion.

Everyone present clearly understood that Song Ke’s presence was to cause trouble.

Toasting was within the rules, and it was a game rule proposed by the opponent.

The losing party would no longer have a voice.

If Rong Shi couldn’t control the situation, let alone the Shen family, even Song Yu would be ridiculed by these people.

Rong Shi raised his glass, preparing to drink, but Song Yu gripped his wrist.

“I’ll do it.”

“You are you, and he is he. You can’t substitute,” Song Ke said, smiling smugly. “But since it’s such a happy day, if you want to drink, you can drink with him, but the amount will be doubled.”

Song Yu’s voice was icy: “Don’t overestimate yourself, Song Ke.”

Song Ke signaled to the others, who immediately understood.

“On such a good day, it’s improper not to drink.”

“My relationship with Elder Shen is so good, if you toast others one cup, you should at least triple it for me, right?”

“Come, come, come, the wine tower is ready. If you don’t drink it all, you won’t pass my test.”

“Those with good alcohol tolerance are the ones who achieve great things!”

Elder Shen saw the situation getting somewhat out of control and tried his best to dissuade them, but it was no use.

He frowned, his chest heavy.

These people were just waiting to watch them make a fool of themselves.

Rong Shi patted Song Yu’s hand: “Don’t worry.”

Song Yu tilted his head, scanning the stacked wine glasses on each table, his anger rising.

Rong Shi tilted his head back, downing a glass of red wine in one gulp.

He inverted the glass on the table, then reached for the top glass of the wine tower, drinking it down in one go as well.

At first, many people would cheer every time he drank a glass.

But when Rong Shi drank dozens of glasses without changing his expression, they stopped laughing.

This isn’t how you drink a wine vat, damn it!

Let alone the others, even Song Yu was surprised.

He himself could drink without getting drunk because he had undergone special alcohol-related training and had a naturally strong constitution.

But why was Rong Shi also so capable of drinking?

Elder Shen’s mood went from extreme anxiety to complete calmness. Finally, he simply sat with Gu Heng.

As the protagonists of this event, they were in a corner, eating peanuts and drinking wine with a friend, which seemed a little bittersweet.

Rong Shi’s steps were steady, his complexion normal, and his breathing wasn’t even disturbed.

He picked up the last glass of red wine, and before drinking it, he slowly swirled the glass, appearing at ease, as if these few drinks were nothing to him.

The last wine glass was inverted, not a single drop of wine fell.

Rong Shi: “Is that enough?”

Song Ke gritted his molars.

How did he not expect Rong Shi’s alcohol tolerance to be this good!

Most people would be either acting crazy or passed out after drinking this much, right?!

Is he even human?!

A drinking game intended for humiliation began with amusement and ended in speechless silence.

Everyone affixed another label to Rong Shi, the new rising star in the circle—Wine Vat.

Rong Shi excused himself to leave. Song Yu looked at him, then followed, leaving Elder Shen to manage the situation.

When they reached the central courtyard, seeing no one around, Song Yu supported him and asked worriedly: “How are you? Do you feel unwell?”

Rong Shi frowned: “Don’t talk for now, I’m dizzy.”

Song Yu: “…”

After standing with him for a while, Song Yu thought it might be better to rest in a guest room first.

Just as he helped him take a step, Rong Shi gripped his wrist.

Rong Shi: “Xiao Yu.”

Song Yu: “What is it?”

Rong Shi looked at him seriously: “You’re truly beautiful.”

Song Yu: “…”

Is he drunk?