Manipulative Harem God

Zhang Wei's calculated chaos, the deliberate stir he caused, seemed like an planned event to lure Zhang Yuan.

As he engaged in conversation with Zhang Yuan, it became increasingly evident that every move was a strategic play to shift attention toward the engagement celebration and, more significantly, toward the man of the hour – Zhang Yuan himself.

Zhang Wei, his sly smile holding a touch of amusement, casually remarked, "The way everyone is staring at us now makes it quite obvious." With his words, the atmosphere in the room underwent a noticeable shift.

The once-muted interest turned into an undeniable focal point as all eyes gravitated toward the intriguing group.

Hu Ning swiftly noticed the sudden commotion. She sighed and walked purposefully toward Sun Qiang. In a hushed whisper, she instructed, "Go and take a look over there. Cover for him if needed."

Sun Qiang, receiving his orders, nodded, taking Wei Jun and his armed bodyguards along as they approached the center of attention. As Hu Ning watched, a sigh of relief escaped her lips.

Her motives were far from altruistic; it was a strategic move. By having Sun Qiang under her sway, she aimed to ensure that Zhou Jiajia, with her potential for explosive reactions, wouldn't inadvertently turn the gathering into chaos.

______

"Hey, brother Yuan!" Sun Qiang flashed a friendly grin, hands coolly tucked into his pockets, Wei Jun following suit. "Well, this is a surprise. Do you two know each other?"

Zhang Yuan's countenance shifted, a sudden hush enveloping the room as curious gazes converged on them. Seizing the opportunity to play it cool, he responded, "Yeah, we go way back. Old buddies catching up, you know how it is."

Sun Qiang chuckled, giving Zhang Wei a friendly clap on the back. "Small world, isn't it? Anyway, let's not ruin the party vibe. Cheers!"

Zhang Yuan, with a quick nod, echoed, "Exactly. No need to make a big deal out of it. Now, can someone please crank up the music? Let's keep this celebration rolling!"

Boom!

The music surged back, now with a vibrant intensity, as dazzling lights flickered and the main lights dimmed, setting the stage for a more lively atmosphere.

Zhang Yuan, taking the lead, ushered everyone toward a separate corner. "Alright, folks, let's pick up where we left off. Plenty of celebrating left to do!"

The incident, briefly stealing the spotlight, seamlessly melted into the energetic backdrop of the engagement celebration.

_____

As they retreated to a more secluded corner, a flicker of suspicion crossed Zhang Yuan's features as he addressed Sun Qiang, "Sun Qiang, why are you interfering?"

Casually, Sun Qiang shrugged, his demeanor easygoing. "No particular reason."

Zhang Wei, ever perceptive, caught the subtle exchange between Sun Qiang and Hu Ning. A resigned sigh escaped him as he realized that Sun Qiang had been dispatched by her.

Inwardly, Zhang Wei acknowledged that now wasn't the time for conflict with Zhang Yuan; rather, an opportunity to extend an olive branch presented itself.

The reason was clear – Zhang Yuan could be more useful than Zhang Ming, and, currently, they lacked conflicting interests.

Little did Zhang Wei suspect that he would soon find himself swallowing these sentiments and destroying bridges, in the burning water.

Zhang Yuan, sensing the undercurrents, sighed. Dealing with someone directly tied to the ministry was indeed a precarious venture, even for him.

Extending his hand toward Zhang Wei, he introduced himself formally, "Zhang Yuan, the first heir of the Zhang family and leader of the Dragon Squad at NSA."

Zhang Wei, extending his hand to meet Zhang Yuan's firm grip, reciprocated the introduction, "Zhang Wei, just a wandering soul causing a stir wherever I go." His tone carried a touch of charisma.

Zhang Yuan couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the response. "A wandering soul, causing a stir? Interesting choice of words. What brings you here, causing a stir at my engagement party?"

Zhang Wei chuckled, "Well, I heard there was a celebration, and I can't resist a good party. Plus, I wanted to meet the leader of the Dragon Squad in person."

Zhang Yuan raised his brows, suppressing a smile, "So, are you here to meet only me, or my cousin as well?" He gestured subtly toward Zhou Jiajia, who observed the scene from a distance, leaving the men to their conversation.

Zhang Wei, "A bit of both?"

Zhang Yuan's skepticism lingered, but he played along, "And what's your connection with Sun Qiang?"

"Oh, him?" Zhang Wei gestured casually towards Sun Qiang, who had been discreetly observing the exchange. "Just an old acquaintance. We bumped into each other in past and vibe matched."

Sun Qiang added in, "Yeah, just catching up with an old friend. No ulterior motives."

Zhang Yuan, though not entirely convinced, decided to steer the conversation toward a more neutral topic, "Well, regardless, I appreciate your presence. Let's enjoy the celebration, shall we?"

Amidst the dispersing crowd, the attendants swiftly presented two glasses of wine. Zhang Wei and Zhang Yuan, acknowledging each other's presence, raised their glasses in a silent toast before the attendees drifted away.

Zhang Yuan, steering Zhang Ming away from potential confrontation, offered a brotherly caution, "Xiao Ming, tonight, exercise caution. Why make enemies out of thin air?"

Zhang Ming, nursing a sense of injustice, argued, "But brother, he initiated it last time, with Wen—"

In the midst of the bustling crowd, Zhang Yuan, visibly frustrated, cut off Zhang Ming with a diplomatic smile as they navigated through the diverse gathering. "How many times do I need to remind you to engage your brain instead of... well, you know? That woman—why not just let her be and find someone who reciprocates? She clearly isn't invested in you."

A fleeting glance backward at Cai Wenxi revealed his indifference to whether she caught wind of his comments.

Zhang Ming's features tightened, a disgruntled frown etching his expression. He forcefully shrugged off Zhang Yuan's hands from his shoulders, firing back, "Brother, perhaps it's best if you refrain from meddling in my personal matters."

Zhang Yuan, with a hint of resignation, prepared to elaborate when the atmosphere abruptly shifted.

Lights dimmed, and the music ceased, replaced by a singular spotlight casting a glow on the top of the grand staircase—an announcement that the main lead of the party had made her entrance.