Before Zhao Feipeng and others had taken their seats, Yu Weidong hurriedly arrived and reported to Zhao Feipeng, "Sir, the patriarchs of the five major families have come with their sons to offer birthday wishes."

"What? How is that possible?" Zhao Feipeng was taken aback, but after glancing at Ye Fan, he understood the situation.

These esteemed guests had come for Ye Fan’s sake; the Zhao Family couldn’t simply command such respect.

He hastily said, "Please, invite them in quickly."

"They were very polite and asked me to report to the Patriarch first," Yu Weidong said.

"Oh, I see," Zhao Feipeng suddenly understood. With Ye Fan present, how could Li Chenggui and the others dare to act presumptuously? Naturally, they were quite courteous. He immediately instructed, "Prepare another table of food quickly."

"Yes!" Yu Weidong rushed away.

Zhao Feipeng approached Ye Fan and lowered his voice, "Mr. Ye, the patriarchs of the five major families and their sons have arrived. They’re here for your sake. I hope it doesn’t disturb you?"

This matter clearly needed clarification. It was obvious that Li Chenggui and the others weren’t just here to celebrate the elder’s birthday; it was merely an excuse. Their main purpose was likely to build and strengthen ties with Ye Fan.

If Ye Fan didn’t want to see them, Zhao Feipeng would explain the situation, and Li Chenggui and the others would naturally leave.

For the Zhao family, there would be no blame on them from Li Chenggui and the others; everything depended on Ye Fan’s wishes.

If Ye Fan didn’t mind, Zhao Feipeng would naturally welcome the esteemed presence of Li Chenggui and the others.

"Invite them in," Ye Fan said after glancing at the old master. "The old master, besides caring for his descendants, cherishes the memories of his business endeavors. Having Li Chenggui and the others entertain the old master is the best."

"Thank you, Mr. Ye, for making this happen," Zhao Feipeng expressed his gratitude and hurried to greet the guests.

This interlude naturally caught the attention of Zhao Zhongtian and the others, and after understanding the situation, they were all astonished.

They realized that all of this was due to Ye Fan.

This respect was indeed a great honor for the Zhao family and the old master.

"Patriarch Li, Patriarch Ma, Patriarch Zheng, Patriarch Chen, Patriarch Huang, please come in," Zhao Feipeng greeted the five patriarchs with a big smile. "Having the five of you grace our humble abode is the honor of the Zhao family."

"Patriarch Zhao, there’s no need for such formality," Li Chenggui said, "What did Mr. Ye say?"

"Mr. Ye asked you to come in. He mentioned that besides caring for his descendants, one of my old master’s proudest feats is his past in the business world. He invited you to accompany the old master," Zhao Feipeng conveyed Ye Fan’s wishes and then gratefully added, "I understand you are here for Mr. Ye’s sake, but I’m still deeply thankful."

"Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go quickly to pay our respects to Old Master Zhao," Chen Tiande hurriedly said.

"Indeed, let’s not keep Old Master Zhao waiting," Huang Jingwei agreed.

Upon hearing that Ye Fan didn’t oppose their visit and had made arrangements, the five of them no longer worried or hesitated. Their main concern now was to follow Mr. Ye’s instructions and ensure Old Master Zhao was happy.

Zhao Feipeng led Li Chenggui and the others into the Zhao family home, with Li Yang and the five young masters closely following behind.

After exchanging glances with Ye Fan, Li Chenggui and the others followed Zhao Feipeng to Old Master Zhao’s presence.

They wouldn’t dare to run up to Ye Fan and chat casually; in this setting, they had to prioritize the host family’s wishes, which was a sign of respect to Ye Fan.

Li Chenggui and the others stepped forward one by one to present their birthday wishes to Old Master Zhao.

In terms of generation, Old Master Zhao was in the same rank as the fathers of Li Chenggui and the others.

"Li family brats, Ma family brats..." Old Master Zhao muttered with the demeanor of a senior, his spirit much lifted, and his eyes gleaming. He naturally recognized Li Chenggui and the others. In the past, in the business realm, he often clashed with their fathers, having both victories and losses. Recalling those days in business, whether triumphant or during intense rivalries, all were engaging stories worth reminiscing.

It was precisely those memories that formed the recollections of Old Master Zhao’s life.

Old Master Zhao, along with Zhao Feipeng and his brothers, and Li Chenggui and the others, sat at one table.

Ye Fan, Jian Tao and her daughter, Zhao Gui, Chen Yifei, and Li Yang’s five counterparts sat at another table.

At that table, the elder figures sat together.

At this table were peers of the younger generation.

Li Yang and the five didn’t go to greet Old Master Zhao; the old master didn’t know who they were, and to save the effort of introductions and ensure no energy was wasted on them, they actively avoided Old Master Zhao.

Once Jian Tao invited Ye Fan to sit down, Li Yang and the others, seeing Ye Fan had taken a seat, hurriedly scrambled, with Li Yang and Ma Qianqiu quickly taking up the spots on either side of Ye Fan.

Zheng Zhonghai and the others, who were a step behind, could only unwillingly sit next to Li Yang and Ma Qianqiu.

Seeing this scene, Jian Tao, Chen Yifei, and Zhao Gui were stunned, internally grumbling, "It’s just a seat, is it really worth stretching your necks and fighting to sit next to Ye Fan? You are the sons of the five major families, have some pride, won’t you? Being so spineless, aren’t you afraid of being laughed at?"

Zhao Gui led Chen Yifei to take a seat.

Jian Tao sat down holding her daughter.

"Can’t you have a little dignity?" Ye Fan said helplessly, "What’s the point of scrambling to sit next to me?"

"We just want to say a few words to you and serve you a little, like pouring you a drink or turning the table to move your favorite dishes in front of you. Doing these little things satisfies us," said Li Chenggui with a charming smile.

"Why don’t you just help me eat and drink too?" Ye Fan said casually.

"Well, heh heh," Ma Qianqiu awkwardly chuckled, "We don’t have that function, you see? Eating and drinking relies on your tongue and mouth, that’s where the deliciousness lies."

Li Yang and the five attentively served by Ye Fan’s side.

What else could Ye Fan say?

You don’t hit someone who’s all smiles.

Jian Tao felt a bit resigned, with an inward wry smile, "The five young masters of the five major families, no matter the occasion, are glamorous figures. People would usually show them respect and defer to them, yet only before Ye Fan are they so cautious."

"These are the young masters of the five major families, their influence is enormous. Yet why, before Ye Fan, do they resemble five little dogs? Why, oh why?" Chen Yifei said enviously through gritted teeth.