Ch 39 (Part 1): Rebirth of the Tool Man in a Pampered Protagonist Novel

Uncle Liu and Aunt Zhang might be minor characters, but having earned Fang Ziyang’s trust over the years, they were naturally skilled actors. Fang Yandong would never suspect that the two of them had been turned, and he wouldn’t doubt the words of two insignificant figures. Once everything was confirmed, Fang Yandong tidied himself up and went to the banquet hall to greet the guests.

At this time, the well-known wealthy businessmen of Jiang City also began to arrive one after another.

Fang Yandong was considered a notable figure in Jiang City. No matter what everyone thought privately, they all gave him face on the surface. Especially since the status of the engagement between the Fang and Xie families was still unclear, no one would rashly offend him. However, everyone was curious about such a formal banquet being held by the Fang family today.

Boss Wang had a straightforward personality and a good relationship with Fang Yandong. As long as they didn’t discuss business, they were very frank with each other and never beat around the bush.

To be honest, Boss Wang did not approve of Fang Yandong making such a fuss about bringing an illegitimate child home. Although illegitimate children were not uncommon in their circle, the higher one’s status, the more they valued their reputation. Everyone understood these matters, but there was no need to make such a big deal out of it.

Considering their long-standing friendship, Boss Wang couldn’t help but say a few words, “Yandong, we all understand the matters at home. We can’t say much about you caring for your child, but making such a big show of it today, it’s not good for Ziyang and Qianhao’s reputation. Isn’t this… a bit too much?”

He didn’t finish the sentence, but the meaning was clear. Even if he didn’t like his legitimate sons, they were still his sons. Besides, Fang Ziyang was indeed unruly, but Fang Qianhao was very outstanding. The children were already adults, so there was no need to create family strife over such matters.

Moreover, even though Old Master Lu had passed away, the Lu family had been involved in national research for several generations and had some unknown connections. If someone from the Lu family found the situation intolerable, they would definitely take action, which would be a big problem for the Fang family.

In fact, Fang Yandong had also considered this. He had never dared to openly act against his youngest son mainly for this reason. But now things were different.

Xie Wenxu was going to leave his youngest son for Yan Tong. For the sake of his career, he had no choice but to value Yan Tong. As long as the marriage alliance with the Xie family succeeded, the Lu family’s connections wouldn’t matter.

Fang Yandong put on a fatherly smile and said, “Old Wang, I know you’re being kind, but no matter what, Yan Tong is still my biological son. What his mother did has nothing to do with him, and I can’t be that heartless.”

“As for Ziyang and Qianhao, I’ve discussed it with them. They’ve agreed that the Fang family’s assets will belong to the two of them in the future. I just want to bring this child home…”

The biggest issue with bringing an illegitimate child home was the inheritance. Now that he had clarified the future distribution of assets, anyone listening would think that Fang Yandong was a loving father.

Having said this, Boss Wang, an outsider, couldn’t say much more. However, he was curious about what kind of child Yan Tong was to be so favored by Fang Yandong. After all, having known Fang Yandong for many years, he knew Fang Yandong wasn’t as gentle and modest as he appeared. Could an illegitimate child he had never met really win his favor at first sight?

In fact, many people who had dealings with Fang Yandong had similar doubts. Someone couldn’t help but ask with a smile, “We all know you’re a loving father, but this youngest son of yours must be quite remarkable for you to accept him so quickly, right?”

It was known that this illegitimate child not only grew up in a slum but was also raised by Zheng Yating. Everyone in the circle knew what a troublesome woman Zheng Yating was. Could such a woman raise an outstanding child? It wasn’t that they were being judgmental, but the facts spoke for themselves.

Fang Yandong didn’t want Yan Tong’s reputation to be tarnished by Zheng Yating. Otherwise, no matter how much Xie Wenxu liked him, the Xie family would never agree to the marriage. After all, even if the youngest son wasn’t great, he had the Lu family’s connections.

Therefore, Fang Yandong took this opportunity to speak well of Yan Tong in front of everyone. “Although Yan Tong grew up outside, apart from not learning our family’s rules, he is quite good. He has always been an excellent student. He got into No. 1 High School on his own merit, is polite, and is praised by his teachers…”

In fact, the original Yan Tong was indeed a good student, polite, and praised by his teachers. He had genuinely earned his place at the prestigious No. 1 High School in Jiang City.

However, the transmigrated Yan Tong was different. His academic talent was average, and he spent a lot of energy dealing with Fang Ziyang, so his grades were only mediocre now, disappointing the teachers who initially had high hopes for him.

Of course, Fang Yandong would never mention the decline in high school grades. The fact that Yan Tong had been admitted to No. 1 High School was enough to impress everyone. In wealthy families, children’s academic performance was highly valued.

As expected, after hearing these words, the crowd’s impression of Yan Tong, whom they hadn’t yet met, improved significantly. They congratulated Fang Yandong on having another excellent son. Fang Yandong was very pleased by this; after all, who doesn’t enjoy compliments?

Especially when he saw that Fang Ziyang was dressed appropriately and behaved well, not causing any embarrassing incidents like at the last auction, he felt even more relieved. His youngest son had been giving him a headache lately.

However, Fang Yandong was destined to be infuriated once again tonight.

Just as he was happily mingling with his business friends, Yan Tong, who had spent the whole afternoon getting ready, finally made his appearance.

And then…

And then the room fell silent, and Fang Yandong’s smile froze.

“Pfft!”

Fang Ziyang couldn’t help but laugh out loud, making Fang Yandong’s already stiff expression even darker.

The reason was obvious: Yan Tong’s outfit today.

Yan Tong not only wore the antique cufflinks Fang Ziyang had “advised” him not to choose, but he also added an expensive antique brooch!

In itself, wearing antique cufflinks and a brooch wasn’t a problem. Such valuable accessories could indeed make one appear more refined and sophisticated in high society.

There were even people who had worn a whole set of Empress Dowager Cixi’s jewelry to showcase their status.

But the embarrassing part for Yan Tong was that he paired these antique accessories with a million-dollar fashion watch and earrings.

Wearing these items separately might have made a striking impression, but together, they made him look tasteless and overly flashy.

The level of embarrassment was no less than when Fang Ziyang had caused a scene at the auction!

It was glaringly obvious to everyone that Fang Yandong had acknowledged a vulgar and greedy illegitimate son, a display of someone who had never seen good things before.

Fang Yandong had just praised Yan Tong in front of everyone, and now Yan Tong had given him this slap in the face.

In the banquet hall, many young men and women with ill intentions quickly took out their phones to capture the moment, eager to share it with friends who couldn’t attend.

Some wealthy individuals who weren’t on good terms with Fang Yandong couldn’t help but smirk and say,

“Ha, so this is the new son you’ve brought home, Yandong? Indeed, he is a dragon among men. Yandong, you’re truly blessed, congratulations…”

Who couldn’t tell this was sarcasm?

Many people in the banquet hall couldn’t help but laugh, joining in the mockery, especially those who had always been envious and jealous of Fang Yandong for having two good sons. Now they seized the opportunity to enjoy the spectacle.

Fang Yandong felt like he was about to faint from embarrassment.

Yet, Yan Tong, completely unaware that everyone was being sarcastic, genuinely believed they were praising him. His anxiety faded, and he couldn’t help but puff out his chest and lift his chin in pride.

He glanced provocatively at Fang Ziyang, his heart full of a desire to show off.

Walking over to Fang Yandong, Yan Tong affectionately greeted everyone and, as if to show off their deep father-son bond, linked arms with Fang Yandong and shyly said,

“Dad, I really like all these things you gave me, thank you!”

He deliberately mentioned the origin of his accessories in front of everyone, just to flaunt and prove his status.

Maybe also to subtly put down the legitimate son of the Fang family.

Yan Tong thought he was being clever and discreet in his tactics.

However, everyone present was a seasoned player in high society. Yan Tong’s immature display of pride and manipulation was easily seen through.

So, the crowd’s impression of Yan Tong, which had already been lowered, dropped even further.

After all, a newly acknowledged illegitimate child really wasn’t cut out for high society.

Fang Yandong felt like he was about to faint.

On the other hand, Yan Tong didn’t realize that everyone was being sarcastic. He genuinely thought they were praising him. His initial nervousness disappeared, and he couldn’t help but puff out his chest and slightly raise his chin, displaying his current sense of pride and self-satisfaction.

Yan Tong glanced provocatively at Fang Ziyang, his heart filled with a desire to show off. He then affectionately walked over to Fang Yandong, greeted everyone warmly, and, as if they had a deep father-son relationship, took Fang Yandong’s arm and shyly said, “Dad, I really like everything you gave me. Thank you!”

He intentionally mentioned the origins of his attire in front of everyone to flaunt and affirm his status. He might also have intended to undermine the legitimate heir of the Fang family.

Yan Tong thought he was being very discreet, but everyone present was sharp. Yan Tong’s ability to control his expressions during social interactions was still quite lacking, and his small triumphs and tactics were easily seen through.

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