Quan Jiu waited until ten fifty, then led the child downstairs with gifts, arriving at the community entrance precisely at eleven.
Just as she was considering whether to send a message to Lin Zhongren to say she had arrived, Tu Tu pointed in a direction and exclaimed, "Wow, a Rolls-Royce, so cool."
Quan Jiu followed Tu Tu's gaze and saw a capable-looking person walking towards her.
Mi Mi squinted, "Dragon-like stride, powerful and resonant. Judging by his physique and posture, he's a retired soldier. Seeing us but maintaining a steady, unwavering gaze means he knows we are the people he's waiting for, and he's acting on behalf of someone else." Otherwise, there would be some emotional fluctuation on his face, not this meticulousness as if on a mission.
Mi Mi asked curiously, "Mom, did you show our photos to that Lin Zhongren?"
Quan Jiu thought for a moment, "I didn't show photos, but I mentioned I have children. Coming out with two children at this time, there's no one else but us."
Mi Mi paused, realizing it made sense, and dropped the matter.
"Teacher Mitu, please get in the car." The person stopped and stood, just as Mi Mi had said, her stance giving it away.
Quan Jiu thanked him and got into the car with the children.
...
At the old residence of the Chu family, the large courtyard was bustling with activity.
"Old Master Xing of the Xing family has arrived!" Old Li, standing at the entrance to welcome guests, announced loudly.
Chu Zhenhua, inside the courtyard, quickly walked out. Upon seeing the person, he greeted him warmly, "Old Master Xing, you've made the trip. We should have picked you up. Please forgive any lack of courtesy."
Old Master Xing waved his hand and smiled, "You're too kind, too kind. I can still walk. How is your father's health recently?"
"He's fine, no major issues." Chu Zhenhua exchanged pleasantries, his gaze falling on Xing Di beside Old Master Xing, and he praised, "This child is so well-developed, tall and handsome, clearly a virile young man."
"Heh, don't praise him too much. He's just sturdy; he needs a good beating every few days to behave," Old Master Xing said with a hint of disdain. "Unlike young Chu, who manages the company so well at such a young age. You must not be involved with the company affairs at all now, right?"
Chu Zhenhua invited Old Master Xing into the courtyard, smiling, "I haven't been involved for a long time. Let him be busy."
Xing Di muttered, "He's thirty-seven and still considered young. Then am I considered a child?"
Old Master Xing glared at him, "He looks much younger than you, steady and sensible, so worry-free."
A poker face, and still worthy of praise. Xing Di scoffed inwardly.
Chu Zhenhua, accustomed to this, ushered the grandfather and grandson into the outer courtyard for guests.
"I'm going to chat with my old friend. Don't mind me, go about your business," Old Master Xing said. As soon as he entered, he familiarized himself with the way to the inner courtyard. His eighty-something-year-old legs looked quite agile.
As they were old family friends, Chu Zhenhua didn't stand on ceremony. He told Xing Di to look around freely and turned to receive other guests.
Xing Di wandered around and ended up in Chu Rong's room in the east wing. Seeing a gaming computer in the room, he unceremoniously started playing.
...
In the reception courtyard, Yuan Zijun displayed her exceptional social skills, chatting and mingling with the ladies. None of the dozen or so distinguished female guests in the courtyard were neglected.
After settling everyone, she took a moment to go into the side room of the inner courtyard to chat with relatives. She came out again, and just as she stepped out, she heard Old Li announcing at the main entrance that the Ren and Yun families had arrived.
Ye Suhua and her daughter Ren Kui entered the courtyard first.
Yuan Zijun smiled and went to greet them, "Su Hua, it's so thoughtful of you to make time despite being so busy."
"Auntie," Ye Suhua said with a smile, "It's only right. No matter how busy I am, a birthday banquet is more important."
Ren Kui giggled, "Great Aunt, you look younger than last year."
Yuan Zijun laughed heartily, "You have the sweetest mouth. Go on, I know you young people don't like these occasions. Go play in the courtyard."
Ren Kui's eyes twinkled with joy, and she darted away.
Ye Suhua shook her head, "Slow down, slow down. No manners at all. How will you ever get married in the future?"
"Xiao Kui is still young. Young people love freedom. Has she graduated?" Yuan Zijun led Ye Suhua into the relative's room in the inner courtyard.
"She just graduated. Speaking of which, she's about to drive me crazy. I wanted her to join Tianyu, but she refused. She found a new company herself, called Chu Xin Culture. She refused even when I offered to set up a personal studio for her. She's completely devoted to Chu Xin Culture. I don't know what kind of spell she's under."
Yuan Zijun raised an eyebrow, "Xiao Kui joined Chu Xin Culture?"
"Auntie, have you heard of it? It became popular for a while recently. It's just opportunistic business tactics. I don't have high hopes for it. I'll observe for a while longer. If it doesn't work out, I'll just pay the liquidated damages. I can't let her ruin her future." Ye Suhua complained.
Yuan Zijun chuckled twice. Not knowing how to explain for the moment, she advised, "Xiao Kui has always been good at judging people and situations. She chose it, so it must be right." Her daughter-in-law's company couldn't be bad.
...
Ren Kui arrived at the east wing, intending to find an empty room to entertain herself. She casually pushed open a door and found someone already inside.
The side profile looked somewhat familiar. She stared at it for a while before remembering, "Xing Di? You're here too."
Xing Di hurriedly closed a small booklet in his hand and turned around, "Hm? Oh, it's you. What, want to play games? Come, you play. I'm done." He said as he stood up.
Ren Kui's eyes were fixed on the small red booklet in Xing Di's hand, "What is this? It looks a bit like..." a marriage certificate?
"Are you married?" Ren Kui asked, dumbfounded.
Xing Di smiled and casually tucked the small red booklet into his pocket, "No, don't guess. I'm a good young man who hasn't even had a girlfriend. Don't ruin my reputation."
Ren Kui wanted to ask more, but Xing Di had already pocketed his hands and left潇洒 (xiāosǎ - carefree and elegant). She had to give up.
Never mind, it has nothing to do with me. In such adult occasions, not playing on my phone would be against heavenly principles.
...
After settling Ye Suhua, Yuan Zijun hurried out to greet more guests and happened to bump into Yong Cuirong and Yun Shu coming from the opposite direction.
Yuan Zijun remembered her son's instructions and paid extra attention and warmth to the mother and daughter.
"Oh, honored guests have arrived. We are deeply sorry for not welcoming you sooner," Yuan Zijun said politely.
Yong Cuirong smiled, "We are like family, so let's not be so formal."
"Yes, Aunt Yuan. Don't be so polite with us," Yun Shu said softly.
Yuan Zijun said approvingly, "Yun Shu is getting more beautiful. She looks virtuous and dignified. I wonder which young man will be lucky enough to have her in the future."
Yun Shu and her mother exchanged a glance.
Yong Cuirong smiled, "She's very picky. She insists on having a 'spark.' I don't know when that spark will arrive. If you have any suitable candidates around, please introduce them to her. She's almost twenty-eight, and I'm getting anxious."
Yuan Zijun's heart leaped. This was exactly what she needed. She immediately said, "Don't worry, your daughter is so beautiful. I will definitely find a good one for you."
Other distinguished ladies nearby, also idle, gathered around to exchange pleasantries, all praising Yun Shu.
"She's sensible and polite, knowledgeable and virtuous. Mrs. Yun has raised her well. Unlike mine, who is a complete hooligan."
Yun Shu maintained a smile on her face, but her heart was blooming with joy. At today's banquet, she was undoubtedly the most dazzling presence.
"This dress really suits you. I remember this seems to be from Yun Lan Ge. I even attended the summer new product launch event of Yun Lan Ge." Someone suddenly exclaimed.