Ming Zhi Tian heard an unkind voice and hurried over, only to find Xiao Hong already starting to cry in fright.
Ming Zhi Tian scooped her up, patting the back of her head to comfort her. "Xiao Hong, your brother is here. It's okay, don't cry~"
Xiao Hong was obedient and stopped crying after a few sobs.
Soon, a uniformed head security guard arrived with four young security guards, holding black batons and looking quite imposing.
Seeing that the child's guardian had arrived, the head security guard pointed his baton at Ming Zhi Tian and barked, "Who are you? How did you get in here? And you brought a kid! Get out, or you'll regret it."
Ming Zhi Tian calmly replied, "Where did this mad dog come from?"
"You!..." The security captain was speechless for a moment, then roared, "What are you four idiots waiting for?! Throw him out!"
Yuan Qing Min and Yuan Jia He watched with schadenfreude, wishing Ming Zhi Tian would be beaten to death.
Just as the four young security guards were about to move, a clear and lovely voice called out from behind them, "Stop!"
Qing Kong Lan Xi hurried over. The head security guard, seeing her, quickly straightened his posture, adjusted his cap and uniform, and then respectfully bowed to her:
"Greetings, young lady!"
Qing Kong Lan Xi glared at the security captain. "They are all esteemed guests of my Qing Kong family. Who do you intend to throw out?"
The head security guard paused, then puffed out his chest. "There's always been a rule at banquets that children cannot enter. I was merely performing my duty!"
Qing Kong Lan Xi waved her hand. "That's enough, all of you, stand down. We'll make an exception today."
The head security guard immediately became unhappy. "No, children are not allowed at today's banquet."
Qing Kong Lan Xi grew angry. "Since when has this place been yours, a mere security guard, to dictate? Whether it's allowed or not, my Qing Kong family decides! Stand down!"
"Yes! Miss." The head security guard, full of suppressed anger but daunted by Qing Kong Lan Xi's status, could only meekly tuck his tail between his legs. He then, swallowing his resentment, led the four young security guards away.
As he passed Ming Zhi Tian, the head security guard whispered, "Kid, be careful out there. I've got my eye on you!"
Ming Zhi Tian calmly replied, "You should be grateful you didn't hurt even a single hair on Xiao Hong's head."
A moment later, a wave of fanfare echoed from not far away. "Mr. Qing Kong has arrived! ... The patriarch of the Qing Kong family is here! ... The host of the banquet makes an early appearance! ..."
A man in his middle years, with hair slicked back, a kindly face, and of medium build, walked slowly, followed by Uncle Feng, who wore gold-rimmed glasses, and ten bodyguards.
"Look, on either side are his only son, Qing Kong Xuan Lang, and his wife, the eldest daughter of the Bai family, Bai Tian Feng," a well-informed person whispered.
At this point, the music stopped. Qing Kong Lan Xi trotted over and hugged Qing Kong Yue Zhang's arm, acting spoiled. "Daddy~"
Qing Kong Yue Zhang doted on his only daughter, gently stroking her face. "Good girl, Xi Xi."
He then gave Uncle Feng a look. Uncle Feng nodded, then clapped his hands, signaling everyone to quiet down.
"Distinguished guests! Friends and family! Allow me to say a few words..."
"Today is not only Mr. Qing Kong's birthday, but there is also an important matter. As the saying goes, heroes emerge from youth. Today, Mr. Qing Kong has tasked me with finding a prodigy in antiques. Ladies and gentlemen, if you know of any young individuals in this field or who understand it, please do not hesitate to recommend them. Be brave and take on the challenge. My Qing Kong family will not be stingy."
With that, Uncle Feng had someone bring over a brocade box, which already contained a replica of the azure Bi Yan.
Uncle Feng took the brocade box, opened it, and everyone leaned in curiously.