As the host's voice faded, Zhao Shengtian linked his arm with Chu Ge and they walked onto the stage.
Chu Ge recoiled from Zhao Shengtian's arm but dared not react. After all, Zhao Shengtian's status was no ordinary one. As the eldest young master of the five great families, Zhao Shengtian's words could decide the life and death, honor and disgrace of countless people.
"Old Chu, look, our daughter and young Shengtian are so well-matched."
Chu Ge's mother, Lin Ziyuan, though fifty, was well-preserved and looked no older than thirty. Watching her daughter Chu Ge and future son-in-law Zhao Shengtian ascend the stage, Lin Ziyuan seemed to already see the Chu family soaring to prosperity and dominating Nanling.
"Yes, they are indeed well-matched. These two children are truly a perfect couple, a match made in heaven."
Chu Ge's father, Chu Zhanpeng, was a real estate businessman. However, before venturing into business, Chu Zhanpeng had served in the military.
In his youth, Chu Zhanpeng was spirited and bold, unafraid of death. Such a personality naturally made it easy to make friends.
At that time, a teammate from Longdu became sworn brothers with Chu Zhanpeng. During a border pursuit of tomb raiders, Chu Zhanpeng's team of eighteen, except for him and his Longdu teammate, were all annihilated.
The two of them, relying on their exceptional courage and formidable skills, pursued the enemy for over three hundred kilometers without communication, food, or even clean water, ultimately capturing all twenty-three tomb raiders.
At that time, Zhao Shengtian did not know his Longdu teammate's true identity. It wasn't until years later, after retiring and deciding to go into business, that he met his former teammate during a trip to Longdu.
It was then that Chu Zhanpeng learned that his once inseparable comrade was actually the son of the head of the Zhao family in Longdu, and moreover, the legitimate eldest son.
They hadn't seen each other for years, but upon meeting, they drank heartily all night. This one night not only changed Chu Zhanpeng's destiny but also the destiny of the entire Chu family.
Chu Zhanpeng was then a real estate businessman on the verge of bankruptcy. However, with the other's help, he quickly found smooth sailing and prospered. In less than ten years, he accumulated over eighty billion yuan, and the Chu family became a prominent family in Nanling.
Of course, that night, Chu Zhanpeng also arranged a marriage for his daughter, which was to marry her to the other man's son, Zhao Shengtian.
Ten years later, Chu Ge had blossomed into a graceful beauty, and the other man's son, Zhao Shengtian, was even more handsome and accomplished.
Thus, the childhood engagement became a reality, and tonight was the auspicious occasion for Chu Ge and Zhao Shengtian's engagement.
Chu Zhanpeng watched this scene with immense satisfaction. If there was anything he felt was not perfect, it was only that his old teammate's family had not come.
However, Chu Zhanpeng understood. His old teammate's current status was too noble. Without earth-shattering events, he likely would never leave Longdu again.
"Mr. Zhao Shengtian, Miss Chu Ge, tonight, in the presence of family and friends, you two will be engaged. Mr. Zhao Shengtian, please place the engagement ring on Chu Ge."
The host was a tall and attractive woman with a melodious voice. After Zhao Shengtian and Chu Ge took the stage, she spoke to them in a deeply affectionate tone.
Hearing the host's words, Zhao Shengtian produced a box, opened it under everyone's gaze, took out the prepared diamond ring, then took Chu Ge's hand and slowly extended it towards her finger.
Under the illumination of the lights, the scene was magnificent, like something out of a fairy tale, leaving the audience breathless.
But then, suddenly, there was a commotion, followed by over forty armed guards storming the venue, causing the faces of the spectators who were admiring the scene to turn ashen.
"Everyone, please remain calm. We are the W Guards, here to arrest a criminal."
As the forty W Guards entered and surrounded the hosting stage, Shen Lang, accompanied by Yu Youwei, walked in. He smiled at the startled guests and said, "Today, we are only apprehending Zhao Shengtian. Everyone else can sit down, eat, drink, do whatever you please. Just don't meddle."
"Big brother?"
Chu Ge, standing beside Chu Zhanpeng and Lin Ziyuan, widened her eyes upon seeing the newcomers and exclaimed in disbelief.
"Ling'er, you know him?"
Hearing Chu Ling'er call out Shen Lang's name, Chu Zhanpeng's expression turned shocked.
"Dad, he's Shen Lang. He's my friend. Last time my restaurant was poisoned, he helped me uncover the truth and had my restaurant's license reinstated."
Chu Ling'er nodded slightly at Chu Zhanpeng and replied.
"Shen Lang?"
Hearing his daughter's words, Chu Zhanpeng frowned and said, "I remember now. He's the 'Hero of Chizhi' who has been making waves online recently. He alone defeated the Japanese martial arts world and killed their number one expert, Ryūgen Tamashi. He's no ordinary person. But why is he here with people today?"
"Dad, I don't know that. But Shen Ge is a good person. He must have his reasons for doing this."
Chu Ling'er spoke highly of Shen Lang from the bottom of her heart, thus praising him.
"Hmph!"
Chu Zhanpeng, a seasoned veteran of the business world, saw through his daughter's feelings. He let out a cold hum and strode towards Shen Lang. Reaching him, he said, "Hello, I am Chu Zhanpeng. Today is the engagement ceremony for my daughter Chu Ge and her fiancé Zhao Shengtian. May I ask why you have brought people here?"
"Your daughter Chu Ge?"
Hearing Chu Zhanpeng's words, Shen Lang was slightly surprised and said, "So it's Uncle Chu. My apologies, young nephew, for my disrespect. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Shen Lang, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Nanling W Guard Bureau. I am here on official business today."
"Director of the Nanling W Guard Bureau's Criminal Investigation Department?"
Hearing Shen Lang's words, Chu Zhanpeng's eyes widened in disbelief that the Director of the W Guard Bureau's Criminal Investigation Department was such a young man, barely in his early twenties.
However, recalling the reports about Shen Lang's deeds online, Chu Zhanpeng knew that Shen Lang before him was definitely not an ordinary person.
"Uncle Chu, Ling'er and I are friends, and you are considered my elder. By rights, I shouldn't bring people to your daughter's engagement ceremony, but it's unavoidable. This is official business, so please forgive me."
Chu Zhanpeng frowned and asked, "What do you intend to do?"
Shen Lang looked at Chu Zhanpeng, smiled slightly, and said, "Your son-in-law is suspected of serious legal violations and crimes. We are here to take him away."
With that, Shen Lang waved his hand and said to his subordinates, "Apprehend the suspect Zhao Shengtian and bring him back to the W Guard Bureau. Anyone who dares to obstruct will be apprehended as well."