Bai Qian'er hadn't expected that Xie Jinhua had tampered with the invitation from the very beginning.

Xu Ke was a bit surprised as well.

He had checked the invitation and it bore a seal, but he hadn't realized it also needed a signature…

Only Lin Yu's face turned completely ashen.

So, does this mean I was in the wrong from the very start? And my future—isn't it completely dark now…?

"What I said was perfectly clear." A trace of spiteful satisfaction flashed across Xie Jinhua's face. "Men, throw Xu Ke out for me."

I can finally make him lose all face.

Upon hearing this, the numerous security guards and two bodyguards standing behind Xie Jinhua immediately stepped forward, fixing Xu Ke with menacing stares.

Bai Qian'er was furious. "You can't do this."

This isn't just about Xu Ke's dignity; it's about the Bai Family's. If I just declared that Xu Ke should be allowed into the party, only for Xie Jinhua to throw him out right in front of me, wouldn't that make the Bai Family seem inferior to the Xie Family? How could I possibly accept that?

Observing the situation, Xu Ke silently sighed and reached into his pocket.

But if Xie Jinhua is determined to throw me out, I certainly won't go down without a fight.

Xie Jinhua sneered, looking at Xu Ke. "We have every right to do this. Are you leaving on your own, or are we going to throw you out?"

"Leave on your own, and you can retain some dignity."

"If you force us to act, I'm afraid that by tomorrow morning, the whole province will know that you completely disgraced the Wang Family while in Sui City."

Upon hearing this, Xu Ke smiled faintly. "So I do have a choice?"

The crowd burst into laughter, thinking Xu Ke's response was an admission of defeat.

Bai Qian'er was exasperated. "Xu Ke, what are you doing? You shouldn't have to choose at all!"

She was furious. She was here speaking on his behalf, and he was already starting to back out? To make matters worse, she was anxious while he looked completely nonchalant, as if he were a mere bystander. It made her even angrier—who exactly was about to be thrown out here?

Xie Jinhua wore a mocking expression. "Qianqian, there's no need for you to speak for him. I don't think he's ever faced a situation like this before. He's probably scared out of his wits."

He felt very pleased. Surely Xu Ke's cowardly behavior has disappointed Bai Qian'er by now, right?

Bai Qian'er took a deep breath, just about to speak.

But Fang Caizhe spoke up, "Qianqian, don't speak for him anymore. He's already admitting defeat. No matter how eager we are, we can't help a coward."

Bai Qian'er's face flushed with anger as she saw Fang Caizhe interject. "What did you say?"

But Duan Zhuo'e spoke up with a cold snort, "Fang Caizhe, why are you getting so involved?"

Fang Caizhe's expression changed. "What did you say?"

Duan Zhuo'e ignored him and turned to Bai Qian'er instead. "Qianqian, leave this to me. Don't worry."

Bai Qian'er was taken aback.

Duan Zhuo'e stepped forward. "Xie Jinhua, if you dare throw Xu Ke out, I will make you pay a price you cannot afford."

The Seasoned Envoy of the Northern Dragon Guard being thrown out? He wouldn't stand for it! If he allowed it, Duan Chongfeng and Ki Qinyin would beat the life out of him…

Xie Jinhua glared at Duan Zhuo'e, absolutely livid. "Who the hell do you think you are? Some Tom, Dick, or Harry daring to run your mouth in front of me?!"

He had no idea of Duan Zhuo'e's real identity. All he knew was that this person had been following Bai Qian'er around like a lackey. In his eyes, this person was just some slightly talented Northern Dragon Guard prodigy—utter trash compared to the Xie Family!

Seeing Duan Zhuo'e speak up, Xu Ke drew back the hand that had been reaching into his pocket for his phone.

Duan Zhuo'e erupted into laughter, his eyes suddenly turning ice-cold. "This young master was already raising hell in Long Capital ten years ago, and you're calling me a nobody? Have you never heard of Duan Zhuo'e, you motherfucker?"

"Duan Zhuo'e?"

At that name, everyone's expression changed. Xie Jinhua was particularly incredulous.

Duan Zhuo'e, the notorious young prodigal of Long Capital. Although he was much younger, with the backing of the Duan Family, Duan Zhuo'e was considered the number one troublemaker in Long Capital.

Seeing Duan Zhuo'e speak, the expressions of both Bai Qian'er and Fang Caizhe changed.

Duan Zhuo'e... why has he suddenly become so aggressive? Wasn't he always so low-key?

They knew Duan Zhuo'e's true identity. However, they also knew that the Duan Family had forbidden him from using his family's power. The goal was for him to calm down, go through his training, and shed his bad habits. They even wanted him to experience the harshness of the real world.

If the Duan Family found out Duan Zhuo'e was revealing his identity and using their name to pressure people, wouldn't he be breaking the rules? And all for Xu Ke?

After pondering for a moment, Bai Qian'er could only come to one conclusion—it was probably Duan Zhuo'e's proud nature flaring up. He couldn't stand seeing Xu Ke being oppressed, and since she was already sticking up for Xu Ke, he had decided to step in and offer his righteous help.

Thinking of this, Bai Qian'er's heart was moved…

Those years of training together weren't for nothing!

Little did she know, Duan Zhuo'e was doing this purely to help his Seasoned Envoy.

Xie Jinhua's expression flickered uncertainly. "You are Duan Zhuo'e?!"

"That's right!" Duan Zhuo'e announced proudly.

Seeing Xie Jinhua's fear, he secretly raised his eyebrows at Xu Ke and patted his chest. It was a clear signal: he was formidable, and Xu Ke could leave everything to him. At a time like this, he still hadn't forgotten to keep Xu Ke's identity a secret.

Xu Ke didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Are all members of the Duan Family cut from the same cloth?

The scene fell into a deadlock, and no one spoke. They had all heard of Duan Zhuo'e, and many now recognized the young man who had stepped forward. If the Duan Family's number one prodigal was taking a stand here, it would indeed be difficult for them to expel anyone.

It wasn't Duan Zhuo'e they feared, but the power of the Duan Family of Long Capital.

Just then, Fang Caizhe suddenly shouted, "Duan Zhuo'e, have you forgotten that you're forbidden from using your family's name and power? Right now, you're just a low-ranking soldier in the Northern Dragon Guard. Back down!"

At these words, looks of pleasant surprise appeared on the faces of Xie Jinhua and his men.

The Duan Family really had a rule like that to restrain Duan Zhuo'e?

At the same time, the faces of both Duan Zhuo'e and Bai Qian'er turned ashen.

"What are you talking about?" Duan Zhuo'e thundered.

"Isn't this what your father told us, that we shouldn't let you use the Duan Family's name? I'm doing this for your own good!" Fang Caizhe said with an innocent expression, but a sinister smile lurked in his eyes.

He would never let Duan Zhuo'e ruin Xie Jinhua's plan. Xu Ke had to be disgraced!

Duan Zhuo'e gritted his teeth.

This Fang Caizhe... he's doing this on purpose...

But he couldn't refute it, because Fang Caizhe was right. His father did indeed have such a rule.

"Well then, Young Master Duan, perhaps you should step aside. I'm just following the rules by asking Xu Ke to leave," Xie Jinhua said with a wide smile.

At least for now, the Duan Family wouldn't intervene. As long as I don't harm or offend Duan Zhuo'e, the Duan Family will have no reason to get involved.

Duan Zhuo'e's face was ashen. He turned to Xu Ke, his voice helpless. "Xu Ke, I…"

"It's okay. I'll handle it." Xu Ke smiled and pulled out his phone. He looked at Xie Jinhua. "Are you sure you want to throw me out?"

"Of course!" Xie Jinhua shot back, his expression full of provocation.

In this situation, he'd like to see who else could possibly save Xu Ke.

Just then, a furious shout echoed from a distance.

"You disgraceful offspring! If you dare to throw him out, I will kick you out of the Xie Family tomorrow!"