Chapter 901 - Backlash
"Darling, that was incredible!" Iris exclaimed later that night when their meeting with her big brother and Lu Zihao's remnant was over. "I never expected that something like that was possible. I wonder if my situation were any different, that I would've also experienced something similar."
Jin Liwei frowned, displeased at the idea. "I'm glad that it didn't happen to you. I might be a jerk to the original Long Xiulan to be thinking like this, but I'm glad that her remnant didn't evolve to be able to take over your body and have conversations like a normal person."
She sighed. "Xiulan was not that bad of a person, Liwei. She was just...immature and shallow in so many ways. If only she had been guided and educated properly while growing up, perhaps she would've developed into a better person than she did."
"Hmm. Maybe you're right. We don't really know what could've happened but there's one thing that I'm sure of. I'm glad that everything turned out the way it did because I got you." He caressed her cheek and gazed into her eyes. "It was a rocky beginning for the two of us but here we are now."
"Yes, here we are now," she whispered, smiling at him. "We're going to be married in a few days."
"En." He placed his hand on her stomach. "And we're going to be welcoming our twin babies in less than a year. You've made me a very happy man, Evelina. I can't wait until you officially become Mrs. Jin. I promise to do my best to make you happy for the rest of our lives."
Her smile turned brighter. Although she still felt scared about becoming a mother, her love for her babies who she hadn't even met yet were growing bigger with each passing day. It was a different kind of love from what she felt for Jin Liwei but was equally if not more profound. It was amazing and a little frightening.
Despite the fear, she knew that no matter what happened, she would fine as long as Jin Liwei was by her side. He was her strongest supporter and she felt like she could do anything together with him. It was such a glorious feeling that she had never experienced before.
It was already past midnight but Iris was still wide awake. Her eyes were sparkling with amazement at the incredible meeting she had with Lu Zihao's remnant. At first, she even suspected that her brother and Jin Liwei might be pranking her but quickly rejected the idea. Jin Liwei might do it, if only for the purpose of entertaining her, but her brother? No way!
She remembered what happened earlier. The meeting with Lu Zihao's remnant was very short but fun. It was obvious that the original Lu Zihao was the total opposite of her brother's very intense character. Lu Zihao was easygoing and somewhat of a jokester. Iris immediately felt comfortable talking to him even though it was the first time that they "met".
Unfortunately, they couldn't talk for too long because the remnant grew tired quickly and needed to "recharge". This concept intrigued Iris. She wanted to know more, perhaps study it and eventually understand how it really worked in the future. To achieve this, she planned on interviewing both her big brother and Lu Zihao's remnant but Jin Liwei told her not to rush anything.
It was only then that she noticed that her brother Nikolai was back in control of the body and was sweating profusely. He was also very pale and looked weak. Her curiosity was quickly replaced by alarm and worry for her brother.
"I'm fine!" Lu Zihao, no, Nikolai told her when she was about to rush to him.
"What happened?!"
Nikolai tried to act nonchalant about it but the slight trembling of his hands and knees betrayed the real state of his body. "It's just a little backlash. That's all. Nothing to be worried about."
"Backlash?!" Iris became even more worried.
"You look better tonight that you did last week," Jin Liwei commented, also in a nonchalant tone, but his arm wrapped firmly around Iris' shoulders to prevent her from running to her brother.
Both men remembered that she couldn't take her brother's scent right now and didn't want to risk her getting sick again.
"Yeah. I guess it gets better with experience."
"Experience, huh? So you're okay with letting my fifth brother's remnant take over more often?"
Nikolai glared at Jin Liwei. "Hell no! F.u.c.k this shit! I don't want to go through this again."
Jin Liwei chuckled but sadness and regret flashed in his eyes.
Upon seeing her frustrated confusion, her brother gave her a brief explanation about the backlash both he and Lu Zihao's remnant would experience every time he allowed the remnant to take over. Nikolai would experience lethargy while the remnant would need to recharge for a longer period of time. Learning from what happened last week, they kept the takeover very short this time to minimize the backlash.
In the end, Nikolai felt too exhausted to leave tonight so he decided to sleep over at the mansion with Long Jinjing again. Iris was glad. She often missed her brother if they didn't see each other for too long.
Back to the present, Iris and Jin Liwei were lying on their bed. She couldn't sleep because her mind was still thinking about everything that happened during the meeting.
"Darling," she called.
"Hm?"
"Do you want Fifth Brother's remnant to stay?"
He stared at the ceiling and didn't answer right away. "I can't lie to you. Yes, I want my fifth brother's remnant to stay."
"Big Brother won't let him," she whispered.
His mouth curved into a sad smirk. "Don't underestimate Fifth Brother. He's happy-go-lucky, yes, but he's still the grandson of Grandpa Lu. He won't be defeated so easily even if it's against your brother, Nikolai Vetrov."
"I just hope that whatever happens to the two of them, that it won't be dangerous. Just like how you care for Fifth Brother, I also care about Big Brother."
"I know, love. I know."
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Chapter 902 - Inspiring
Ming Li, a.k.a. LittlePhoenix, wiped her wet hands on the skirt of her brand-new formal dress that she bought with her mother as soon as she received the invitation. The dress was nothing too fancy but she felt like a lady while wearing it. She hoped that she could channel even just 1% of Boss Iris' gracefulness and elegance during the party today.
At the moment, they were driving on their way to the party. She sat in the backseat while her father drove. He was Ming Li's plus one guest. Sitting in the front passenger seat was Zhou Mei'er, a.k.a. CaptainBlackStar, founder and president of the Black Stars fan club. Zhou Mei'er didn't bring anyone to accompany her so she hitched a ride with the father and daughter instead so that they could go together.
"I'm so nervous," Ming Li said. "I wonder what kind of party Boss Iris is throwing today. The invitation didn't mention anything." [This novel is a contracted work with W e b n o v e l . c o m (remove spaces). If you're not reading this chapter on W e b n o v e l, it has been stolen. It's very discouraging to see thieves profitting from my hard work. Please support the original author, ArriaCross. Thank you!]
"Big Bros Wu Chen and Hou Liang are attending," Zhou Mei'er replied. "The four posh aunties are also coming. They think that the party might be a fund-raising event for Boss' charity, Iris of Hope. As far as I know, we're the only ones who got invited from the Black Stars. That's why the two of us are very lucky. The two big bros are now bigshots in the gaming industry while the four posh aunties come from prominent, wealthy families. It's not surprising that they got invited to a classy party like this. Just look at the invitation and you'll know that it's a classy party. As for the two of us, we're just regular university and high school students but we still got invited because of Boss Iris. She's really the best!"
"I know, right? She never forgets about us." Then Ming Li addressed her father. "Dad, you have to check my manners and Big Sis Mei'er's during the party, okay? I don't want us embarrassing ourselves in front of Boss Iris and CEO Jin and the other guests."
"Alright, I'll do my best," her father replied. "I don't really know much about high society etiquette but I at least know how to conduct myself at company parties. I think that should be enough."
"Sorry for the trouble, Uncle," Zhou Mei'er said. "And thank you very much for letting me ride with you. I'm just a poor university student so I don't have my own car."
"It's no trouble at all. Besides, didn't the invitation say that if you don't have dresses or a ride, Iris Long will provide everything for you?"
Zhou Mei'er scratched her nose. "We're too shy to take Boss Iris on her offer. This party sounds like an important event given that we have to dress up. We don't want her to worry about sending dresses or cars for us when we already feel honoured to just be included in her guest list. Boss Iris had already done so much for us."
"Ah, true." Ming Li's father nodded. "I heard that she started sponsoring you for a scholarship for your university education?"
Zhou Mei'er's eyes misted over before she nodded. "Yes, Uncle. It's not only me. She also offered it to the other most loyal members of the Black Stars. As long as we maintain good marks, she'll basically pay for our tuition, textbooks, and everything that we need to finish our university education. But if we flunk, then she'll take away the scholarsh.i.p.s."
"Well, that's to be expected and only fair. My daughter also got the same scholarship offer from Iris Long, although she's still in high school. We've been saving up for when Little Li goes to university but then this girl suddenly announced that she wants to study foreign languages abroad and become an interpreter and a translator." He sighed. "We can't afford that so if she really gets a scholarship from Iris Long, then that would be a great help to our family."
Ming Li giggled shyly. "Boss Iris was so cool when she worked as the official interpreter at the International Business Conference. I don't think I'll be able to be as awesome as her and speak so many languages but I want to be proficient in English at least and maybe one other language, maybe French or Spanish because they sound so fancy."
Her father shook his head but there was doting smile on his face. "To be honest, your mother and I thought that Iris Long was a bad influence and that joining her fan club will lead you astray. But we now admit that we were wrong. Ever since Little Li started hanging out with you and the other Black Stars, she has matured a lot and started doing better in her studies and also becoming more goal-oriented."
"Of course, Dad! That's because Boss Iris is so inspiring and amazing. We, the Black Stars, need to also do our best so as not to embarrass her!"
Zhou Mei'er gave her a thumbs up. "When I graduate, I plan on applying to Orchidia Beauty. I want to work at Boss Iris' company. I'll start interning there next year."
"We're almost there," Ming Li's father announced as they saw the gated security entrance of the exclusive village, Dragon Palace Homes.
"Wow!" Ming Li looked out of the car window in awe.
"Oh my. Look at those cars! They must cost millions!" Her father was also equally in awe.
Similarly, Zhou Mei'er was too awed to speak.
"I...I feel like, uh, we're out of our league here." Ming Li's father began to feel nervous, causing the two girls to also become nervous.
"What's your business here?" The intimidating security guard asked when they reached the gate.
They handed the two girls' invitations instead of speaking. The security guard took them and checked on the computer system. The three in the car felt nervous. Then finally, the security guard returned and handed the invitations back.
"Welcome. Dragon Palace Home #10 is the last property and also the biggest. You'll encounter additional security checkpoints along the way, just so you know."
"T-thanks, sir!"
Then they drove inside of what felt like another world.
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Chapter 903 - Whose Wedding?
Gold Heights Condominium.
After getting beautified by her own glam team, Vizcondesa Lan walked out of her daughter's glam room which she temporarily claimed as her own while staying at the penthouse. She reached the living area where her new best friend Randy and the rest of the household staff were waiting for her. All of them were dressed up in similar fancy, formal dresses and tuxedo suits.
Randy, the Zumba instructor, was Wei Lan's plus one guest. She was the one who chose his clothes for today. It was a modern take on a classic European tuxedo suit with a tailcoat to match her Spanish-inspired dress that had elegant ruffles, flares, ruby roses and emerald vines.
Yi Mei and the cook including the other staff members who had been working for Iris at the penthouse the longest were also invited. Iris sent them dresses, suits, shoes, and even professionals to help them glam up so they didn't need to worry about anything. Only some of the younger staff would be left behind so that the penthouse wouldn't be left completely unattended. Yi Mei and the cook initially declined the invitation, saying that such a fancy event didn't suit old people like them, but Iris insisted. Since they didn't want to disappoint their young miss, they eventually gave in and agreed to go with Wei Lan to the party.
"Vizcondesa, is it really alright for me to come with you to Miss Xiulan's party?" Randy asked while adjusting his polka-dot bowtie for the thirtieth time.
Although Wei Lan had been mostly successful in improving his fashion sense, he couldn't completely abandon his love for neon colours and gaudy prints. His polka-dot bowtie and bright neon green pocket square artfully folded in his b.r.e.a.s.t pocket was an ode to his former fashion sense.
"Of course, Raaaaandyyy doll~ The invitation says that this vizcondesa is allowed to bring one additional person so I chose yoooouuuu because you and I together are both faaaaaaabulous!"
Randy shimmied his chest in response but Wei Lan gave his arm a light smack.
"Watch your image, Raaaaaandyyyy! We are going to be elegant, graceful and classy today! Understooooood?"
He cleared his throat and straightened his muscular back. "I understand, Vizcondesa! No twerking today, I promise!"
Wei Lan released a dramatic sigh. "I wish my husband was here to escort me. I miss him soooooo much! But since he's not here, you'll be my escort today, Raaaaandyyy doll, so do your best to match my elegance and grace. Alright?"
"Yes, Vizcondesa!"
"Alright. Let's go, everyone! I don't want my daughter accusing meeeeee of being late to whatever this event is. What would dear Liwei saaaaaay? Now hurry up, everyone. Don't keep us waiting anymore. Chop chop! We need to get going!"
Everyone looked at each other after hearing what Wei Lan said. They had the same exact thought in their minds. All of them had been ready for at least an hour now. It was Wei Lan who kept them waiting for a long time. If they were late, it would be her fault, but nobody dared complain. They just nodded and prepared to leave the penthouse together.
At the same time, all of them wondered what kind of event they were going to attend at their Young Miss Xiulan and her fiancé's house at Dragon Palace Home #10.
###
Long Ancestral Residence.
"President, the car is ready and waiting outside," Cai Guang, Long Tengfei's long-time assistant, announced.
"Thank you." It was Yang Jiahui who replied with a kind smile.
"No problem, Madam."
Yang Jiahui made a final fix to the collar of Long Tengfei's sapphire-blue changshan. Her qipao matched his traditional clothing but only in a few shades lighter of blue.
Cai Guang was also wearing a changshan but his was a light-green colour and less elaborate. To his surprise, he also received an invitation to the mysterious party at Dragon Palace Home #10. He tried asking his distant nephew, Dominic Chua, who was the Young Miss Xiulan's assistant, about the nature of the event but the brat wouldn't reveal anything. He was annoyed but also proud of his nephew because loyalty to one's boss was an important trait of a great assistant.
They all climbed inside the car one by one and left the ancestral property.
"Are you sure that Xiao Mei is already at Xiulan's?" Long Tengfei asked.
"Yes. She left at dawn," Yang Jiahui replied.
"I wonder what event my daughter is throwing today."
"I think it's a wedding," said Yang Jiahui in a calm voice.
"Whose wedding?"
"Who else? Xiulan and Liwei's, of course."
Long Tengfei frowned. "No, that's not possible."
She looked amused. "Why do you think that?"
"There are many traditions that we must follow before the actual wedding day. My daughter can't just marry today without informing me, her father! We haven't even done a proper betrothal ceremony yetâ"
Yang Jiahui placed her hand over her husband's arm. "Tengfei, you already know that Xiulan is the most non-traditional person among your children. I, for one, have long since stopped feeling surprised whenever we hear about her latest feats. She's the type of person to follow the beat of her own drum especially after her personality changed for the better. And also, this is the modern times. Some of the young ones are foregoing our old traditions."
Long Tengfei was dissatisfied. "We aren't sure yet what kind of event it's going to be. It might be a fund-raising event for Iris of Hope just like what Cai Guang thinks. The wedding is just your guess. I'm sure you're wrong. There's no way that my daughter will be marrying today without my knowledge."
She only smiled. "Yes, I might be wrong. But I may also be right."
"Did Xiao Mei tell you something?"
She shook her head. "You know that child. She's like Cai Guang's nephew. They're fiercely loyal to Xiulan. They won't tell anybody anything."
"Well, since you don't know for sure, I believe that your guess is wrong."
"Hmmm, maybe," she murmured. This was what she said but her female intuition was dead-set on her initial guess. "We'll see when we get there."
"Yes, we'll see."
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Chapter 904 - Arrival Of The Geniuses
About a couple of days earlier, the media and some well-connected people in different fields had detected the arrival of some notable international figures in the country. Since most of these notable figures belonged to highly specialized fields, they weren't household names. However, people working in their fields knew exactly who they were, and of course, admired them very much.
Among the group, there were two people who had worldwide recognition and were considered as celebrities in their own respective fields.
The first one was a famous young beauty in the art world, Ashandra Knightson. She was also quite popular in the fashion world as a designer. However, she was most well-known for her breathtaking paintings.
Her Chinese fans almost went crazy with excitement when they heard that she arrived in the country. They tried investigating where she was staying but her whereabouts remained unknown.
What was Ashandra Knightson doing here?
There were lots of speculations about her purpose in coming here. This was the second time this year that she came to the country. People remembered that she attended Orchidia Beauty's grand launch where it was revealed that she was friends with the owner. Since everyone now knew that Iris Long was the beauty company's owner, it meant that the two were friends.
People who knew this connection discussed online.
"Maybe Ashandra came to visit Iris Long again."
"That's possible. Iris Long has recently limited her public appearances to a bare minimum possibly due to health reasons. Maybe Ashandra is visiting because she's concerned for her friend's health and wellbeing."
"Goddess Ashandra is the best!"
Of course, there would always be some people who just had to say something negative in any online discussions.
"Do you all seriously believe that crap about Ashandra Knightson being friends with Iris Long? I'm telling you that's bullshit! I bet Iris Long only became acquainted with an important person like Ashandra Knightson because she's CEO Jin Liwei's fiancée."
"That's right! Iris Long is a nobody compared to someone of Ashandra Knightson's stature. Well, I don't really know who this Ashandra Knightson is but I did a quick web search and read that she's a super famous artist. There's no way that someone important like her will be genuine friends with Iris Long."
Within minutes, the Slippers Army led by the new fearsome duo KittyBaby and PantherBaby who turned out to be actual siblings in real life descended in droves and trolled all of these Iris Long naysayers into embarrassing smithereens.
At the same time that Ashandra Knightson's fans in the art and fashion worlds were busy trying to gather more news about her stay in the country, the leaders of almost all the important fields in running society were shocked to learn of the second notable figure's arrival in the country. His arrival was quieter and didn't cause an online stir like Ashandra Knightson but it definitely rocked the leaders and the elites at the top.
Professor Erwant Dupont, headmaster of the legendary school of geniuses Cross Academy, was a highly respected and ill.u.s.trious figure admired by many leaders and elites all over the world. He enjoyed the same treatment as members of royalty or leaders of sovereign states because of the unshakeable independent power that Cross Academy held for more than two centuries.
A few people were aware that he also briefly visited the country last year for a private business. As far as they knew, Professor Erwan Dupont didn't meet anyone of importance during those few days that he stayed in the country last year even though many impressive figures including officials extended personal invitations to meet up with him. If he did, word would've surely spread because nobody could resist bragging about meeting him. Many considered meeting him to be one of the highest honours in the world.
Those who knew that Ashandra Knightson was a Cross Academy student connected her with Professor Erwan Dupont. Perhaps something big was happening in the country that not many were aware of.
Why did these two Cross Academy geniuses come to the country?
Some of the smarter ones tried asking for information from Sir Lu Jianhong knowing of his direct connection to Cross Academy as an alumnus. However, they couldn't get a hold of him. They even tried reaching him through Jin Corporation but soon discovered that Jin Liwei took a short break and couldn't be reached either.
All of this made people suspicious and more curious about what was really going on. But no matter how hard they tried digging for more information, their efforts were all futile. It felt like someone was intentionally blocking them from learning the truth. It was frustrating, but in the end, they had to stop their search for fear of offending Cross Academy.
###
Jin Family's Old House.
Boisterous laughter boomed in the living area as Grandpa Lu bragged to Huang Yuyan about his new granddaughter-in-law.
"Haohao brought Jinjing girl to my mansion this past Saturday! We had an amazing dinner feast! The only problem is that the girl eats like a bird. I told my pinheaded grandson that he needs to fatten her up a bit so that her body will be able to safely bear my great-grandbaby soon. And do you know what that dunderhead told me? Hmph! He said, 'Don't interfere with my relationship, old man. Jinjing and I know what we're doing. We're already a.d.u.l.ts.' Bah! If those kids really know what they're doing, why haven't they given me a great-grandbaby yet? I want to know!"
"Zihao is right," Grandma Li's slightly cold voice said as she descended the staircase with great elegance. "Don't interfere with your grandson's relationship too much, you old buffoon, or you'll have to wait longer to finally get your great-grandchild. Kids these days don't like being pressured."
"I like Long Jinjing," Huang Yuyan chimed in.
"That girl is actually a lot like you, Yuyan!" Grandpa Lu said.
Grandma Li nodded. "Indeed."
"Oh." Huang Yuyan thought about what they said but still couldn't figure out how she was similar to Long Jinjing.
Grandma Li glanced at the huge grandfather clock. "We need to leave or we'll be late."
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Chapter 905 - Wedding Or Birth
"Yes, Mother!" Huang Yuyan immediately stood up and became frantic in trying to hurry. "Oh, no. I hope we're not late to my son and dear Xiulan's party."
"Calm yourself, dear," Grandma Li said.
"Y-yes, Mother."
"See? You and Jinjing girl are quite similar! Bahahaha!" Grandpa Lu slapped his thighs before standing up as well.
Huang Yuyan felt confused but didn't ask for clarification. She was more worried about leaving the house right away so that they wouldn't be late for the party at Dragon Palace.
They rode Grandpa Lu's limousine. Grandma Li was wearing an elegant dark blue qipao with golden embroidered decorations. On the other hand, her two companions were dressed in modern Western-style clothing. Grandpa Lu was in a sharp custom-tailored tuxedo suit while Huang Yuyan wore a simple yet refined bluish silver dress.
"Do you know what kind of event we're attending?" Grandma Li asked.
Grandpa Lu harrumphed. "Those kids won't tell me anything! I ask and ask and ask so many times but they only tell me, 'Just please come, Grandpa Lu. You'll know what it is on the day.' Why is there a need for such secrecy? Tell me what's the reason. I want to know!"
"Maybe my son and Xiulan are going to make an important announcement," Huang Yuyan suggested.
Grandpa Lu's eyes lit up. "Excellent suggestion! Maybe Liwei my boy and Xiulan my girl are finally announcing a wedding date. About time! Or better yet, maybe those slowpokes are finally going to give Sister Zhiruo and I our long-awaited great-grandbaby! So I hope you're right, Yuyan. This old man can't wait!"
Grandma Li smiled and nodded in agreement. However, she still told Grandpa Lu, "Brother Jianhong, tone down your impatience a little. We don't want to jinx anything or we might end up waiting longer for a wedding and great-grandchildren."
Huang Yuyan sighed dreamily. "I can't wait to be a grandmother to Liwei and Xiulan's children. Oh, I mean human children. I heard that I have four cat grandchildren now but I only met Ice Cream and Popcorn. Such adorable cats. I haven't met the two youngest yet. There's Ketchup and the newest one. I forgot his name. My son told me when I called the other day but I can't seem to remember my new grandson's name."
"His name is Sausage!" Grandpa Lu said in a confident, booming voice. "Or maybe Barbeque. Something like that! I know it's meat."
Grandma Li touched her forehead and shook her head before releasing a light sigh. "I adore Xiulan and can't wait for her to marry my grandson but that child has a terrible naming sense. Liwei is also not without fault. He doesn't see anything wrong with Xiulan choosing names based on food. I fear what they will name their childrenâhuman children in the future. We must persuade them to allow us or anyone except the two of them to name our great-grandchildren, Brother Jianhong."
They all nodded in a solemn manner.
Since Dragon Palace was quite far from the Jin Family's old house, the trio spent the journey chatting.
"I'm very happy that my two sons seem to have gotten closer," Huang Yuyan said, her eyes watering. "I cried in happiness and relief when I heard that Chonglin asked his older brother for Jin Corporation shares and Liwei gave him the ones that my husband originally left for our younger son when he...when he d-died...."
Grandma Li sighed, her own eyes starting to mist over. She didn't lose control of her emotions like her daughter-in-law but that didn't mean that her own pain was any lesser than Huang Yuyan's. It was her own son who died before her, after all. That was a permanent pain that would never heal for any parent.
Grandpa Lu passed a box of tissues to Huang Yuyan.
"Thank you, Uncle." She daintily wiped her tears, somehow managing to avoid ruining her makeup. "Please excuse me for losing control of my emotions."
The two elders waved her apology away.
"Those two boys will only grow closer from now on," Grandpa Lu said in a more subdued booming voice. "I'm advising them on their new venture. Chonglin my boy and Xiulan my girl are planning on establishing their own talent management and entertainment production company by converting Liwei my boy's current film production company."
Huang Yuyan nodded. "Yes, I heard something about that from Chonglin. If the three of them are partnering, I have faith that they will be successful, especially since Uncle Jianhong is providing them with wise advice."
"Indeed," Grandma Li agreed. "Liwei might not be as involved in the company but he has always been reliable, not to mention that he's a savvy businessman like his grandfather and father. He'll provide Xiulan and Chonglin with a strong backing. Chonglin has a strong and problematic womanizing tendency, except for when that horrid girl Fan Luo trapped himâ"
Huang Yuyan winced and couldn't help but look guilty.
"âbut he's extremely dedicated to his profession and is not afraid to work hard. That's how he reached the success that he's enjoying now. As for Xiulan, what more can I say? That girl is a genius."
"Bahahaha! You got that right!" Grandpa Lu puffed out his chest and acted as if the compliments Grandma Li just said were all for him.
Grandma Li gave him a cold snort before patting her daughter-in-law's shoulder, silently telling her not to dwell on the past.
"Thank you, Mother," Huang Yuyan whispered.
The elder woman shook her head while giving her daughter-in-law a gentle, reassuring smile. "You mustn't show such a sad expression at your son and future daughter-in-law's party today."
"Yes, Mother. I won't."
"Good! Very good! Now if we only know what kind of party it is, then this old man will feel less annoyed at those pinheads! Hmph! They better be announcing a wedding date or the birth of my great-grandbaby today! Why are they so slow in fulfilling this pitiful old man's wish? I want to know!"
"Calling yourself pitiful? How shameless!" Grandma Li sniffed in mock derision.
Grandpa Lu grinned. "Oh, we're almost there!"
Dragon Palace Homes loomed in the distance.
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Chapter 906 - When The Time Is Right
"Thanks for taking me as your plus one guest," Lin Dong said as he climbed inside the car.
"No problem at all. We're colleagues." Tang Yiyi checked all of her sides before rejoining the traffic on the road. "And Iris and Jin Chonglin want you to come."
"They want me to come but didn't send me an invitation. I don't even know what kind of event we're attending today."
"Me neither. Iris has become extremely secretive in these past few weeks and it's almost driving me crazy. And speaking of driving me crazy, have you really made up your mind regarding their plan?"
Lin Dong clenched his hands, determination flashing in his eyes. "Yes. I'll follow Chonglin wherever he goes. My letter of resignation is already prepared. I'll hand it as soon as Iris and Chonglin iron out their departure from Bright Summit." Then he glanced at her. "How about you? I heard that Iris also invited you to follow her."
She sighed, her hands tightening around the steering wheel. "To be honest with you, I also want to follow her but I'm worried about the other artists that I'm managing. I can't just abandon all of them."
"The other talents that I'm managing, they're also following us to the new company," he revealed.
Her eyes widened. "Is that true?"
He nodded. "Chonglin invited them. Just one word from him and they were all won over. The new company will be paying for their termination fees. I heard that Iris already gave her approval. If you want to follow us to the new company, maybe you can talk to Iris and ask her to do the same thing for the other talents that you're managing."
She frowned. "But wouldn't all those termination fees be too expensive?"
"Of course, they're expensive," he said in a dry voice. "But don't forget that Chonglin is a Jin, not to mention that he's a famous superstar and a top endorser. Iris isn't poor either. She came from a wealthy family herself and now owns Orchidia Beauty. And let's not forget that she's also the fiancée of CEO Jin, one of the wealthiest men in the world. Those people are filthy rich."
She paused for a few moments to think before replying, "Let's say that Iris agrees. Do you think that Bright Summit will just let all of the talents go just like that? Letting go of Jin Chonglin alone would hurt Bright Summit. If Iris joins him with all the other talents that we're managing, the higher-ups will probably go ballistic."
"I was worried about that too, but Chonglin seems confident of Iris' ability to negotiate with Bright Summitâ"
"What?! Iris is the one negotiating?!"
"Look at the road!"
Tang Yiyi hurriedly returned her eyes on the road. When they calmed down again, she sighed. "I wish Iris tells me more about these things. You know more about their plans than I do. I feel like she doesn't trust me."
"I only know about these things from Chonglin. But even he doesn't know all of Iris' plans. He says that they have to be extra careful so as not to tip anyone especially the media."
She sighed again. "Yeah. I'm just so worried about Iris. She's basically turning into a social hermit and for an in-demand celebrity, that's akin to a career suicide. I'm just glad that she's at least still working on her music but the media interest in her has been declining ever since she started limiting her public appearances to a bare minimum. I'm worried about her showbiz career but more than that, I'm worried about her health."
"Maybe you'll get the answers that you need from her today since I'm sure that we'll see her at her own party," Lin Dong said in an encouraging tone. "Chonglin is already there since dawn, helping them prepare or something."
"They're all acting so mysterious about this party, huh?"
"Yeah. So annoying."
They chuckled, lightening the atmosphere.
"Maybe we'll get a chance to talk to both Chonglin and Iris at the party later about the details of their plan to leave Bright Summit and establish their own company," Lin Dong said.
"I hope so. Well, Iris promised to tell me everything when the time is right. I just don't know when is that."
He nodded.
Silence fell in the car as they became absorbed in their own thoughts.
Then Lin Dong leaned forward and peered at the imposing sight of the exclusive village's gated entrance in the distance. "Is that it?"
She smiled. "Yes, we're almost at Dragon Palace."
###
When the two managers finally passed through the massive gates of Dragon Palace Home #10, Lin Dong released a big sigh of relief.
"Wow, that was intense! This place is stricter than airport security. So many checkpoints! And those scary guards! CEO Jin truly lives in another world than the rest of us mortal beings!"
Tang Yiyi chuckled. "My thoughts exactly. And Iris is engaged to that kind of man. She's amazing, too."
"That's true." He continued looking around the magnificent property like a child experiencing an amus.e.m.e.nt park for the first time. "I sometimes forget that CEO Jin is Chonglin's brother."
"Well, I never forget that CEO Jin is Iris' fiancé. That man is always calling her. And I bet that if he's not busy running a multinational company, he'll make it a point to hover around Iris 24/7. I honestly was so surprised and a little disillusioned when I witnessed their relationship for the first time with my own eyes. They're too sticky with each other."
They laughed while continuing to enjoy the beautiful view.
Around twenty minutes later, they finally caught sight of the majestic palatial mansion. There was a short line of luxury vehicles dropping off passengers at the bottom of the grand front steps.
"Isn't that Mr. JJ?" Lin Dong pointed at the attractive older man who got off a red sportscar and handed his keys to the attending valet.
"Yes, I thinkâ"
"Holy smokes! That's Enrique Valdez! He's here?!" Lin Dong's voice turned a few octaves higher in his excitement.
"This party looks like it's a big deal," she murmured.
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Chapter 907 - Gathering Before The Appointed Time
"Dupont, you bastard!" a booming voice echoed in the vast front hall where some of the guests who just arrived were congregating. "You're here! Bahahaha! It's nice to see your old, wrinkled face again!"
"Speak for yourself, Jianhong," Professor Erwan Dupont replied in German. His stern, sharp eyes twinkled as he shook his old friend's hand before giving each other hugs. "Still as loud as a blue whale, I see."
"Bah! I'm just speaking louder than usual so that your old ears can hear what I'm saying. Bahaha!"
Grandpa Lu "patted" his old friend in the back and it was a miracle how the much thinner headmaster of Cross Academy was able to endure such force. The people around them winced at the loud sounds. Looking at Professor Dupont, however, his back remained tall and straight. His expression also didn't change.
"Sir Lu, it's good to see you again," Giulia Moretti, Cross Academy's admissions counselor who also doubled as Professor Dupont's assistant sometimes, stepped forward and greeted.
"Giulia! You look even more beautiful than before!"
The others also stepped forward and greeted Grandpa Lu. There was Iris' language instructors, Professor Kalisha Schwarz and Professor Hisakawa Akio.
On the students' side, there was the beautiful artist Ashandra Knightson, the charming but quirky inventor Amanpio Kileksky, the small and bubbly economist and Cross Academy's star moneymaker AJ Zheneres, the pretty and shy environmental inventor Florence O'Sevan, and finally, the conscientious biomedical engineer Theresa Blipsburg.
Afterwards, Grandpa Lu introduced Grandma Li and Huang Yuyan to Professor Dupont. The others already met the two Jin madams at Orchidia Beauty's grand launch.
They heard more people arriving and turned their heads to see Enrique Valdez walking together with Maestro Ludovico De Luca and JJ.
"You're here!" Once again, Grandpa Lu's voice boomed in the front hall.
After a brief chat, they finally started talking about the mysterious event. There were many extra staff both male and female dressed in the same refined butler suits welcoming all the guests after checking the invitations. The entire front hall was decorated with many colourful wildflowers, artfully crawling vines, beautiful green shrubs and small potted trees, and hanging lights that looked like glowing fireflies.
At the top of the grand twin staircases was a new and bigger painted portrait of Iris, Jin Liwei and their four cats.
The fat grey cat sitting on Iris' lap seemed to be the haughtiest as if she was looking down on everyone in the world.
The striped ginger one looked comical with his tongue lolling out like a dog as he balanced his agile body on the back of Iris' throne-like chair.
On the arm of the chair beside Iris was a pure shadow-black cat with striking golden eyes. His stone face looked bored but his curled tail made him adorable.
Standing beside Iris was the tall Jin Liwei carrying an adorable pure snow-white cat with beautiful green eyes in his arms. She was definitely the most photogenic cat that the guests had ever seen in their entire lives.
"How cute!" AJ Zheneres exclaimed.
"Hahaha! Look at that white cat! It smiles exactly like Xiulan!" Amanpio Kileksy pointed at Ketchup. "What the heck? Did she really give birth to a cat? How else could it look so much like her? Hahaha!"
The ladies all shook their heads at him but still inwardly agreed that the white cat indeed smiled like their friend Xiulan.
Then Amanpio offered both of his elbows to his female companions. "Since Exlorsson, Wiztein and Seekerton are all unable to come, it seems that I'll be your only escort today. Don't worry, ladies. I can accommodate all of youâ"
"No, thank you," Florence interrupted him before grabbing Ashandra's arm. "We're good."
"Yes, we're fine by ourselves," Theresa followed suit and paired up with AJ.
Amanpio stared at them and at his empty elbows. "Damn! I'm the one who doesn't have a partner?!"
The ladies laughed at him before chatting among themselves while looking around the beautifully decorated surroundings. They were all interrupted by the mansion's head butler.
"If you will all please follow me and the other staff, we'll lead you to the parlour where you can have some refreshments before the event starts."
"What is the event? How come we still don't know what's going on? Tell us, we want to know!" Grandpa Lu's booming demand voiced out the exact thoughts of the other guests.
"My apologies, Sir Lu and everyone. The master and mistress have not granted us authority to disclose that information. We ask you to be patient for now. We assure you that everything will be revealed at the appointed time."
"Hmph!"
Grandpa Lu pretended to be displeased but his eyes couldn't hide the excitement and anticipation. The others were also in similar states. When they reached the parlour, there were already some people inside.
The Bauer siblings were there. Alric was chatting with his sister Alona who flew from Germany to attend today's event. The Cross Academy students headed straight to them to give them a greeting. They had met before at Orchidia Beauty's grand launch. Amanpio was especially friendly with the German siblings because he had closely worked with Alric before in creating special equipment.
Qiao Yu, Iris' financial manager, was sitting at a corner and chatting with Xu Tian, Jin Liwei's right-hand man. Both of them actually knew what was going on today but pretended to be clueless like everyone else.
Near them sat the two managers Tang Yiyi and Lin Dong.
At another corner, there was a big group comprising of the Black Stars officers. Zhou Mei'er (CaptainBlackStar), Ming Li (LittlePhoenix) and her father were there. The four posh ladies Feng Wan (MrsLovePhantom), Si Xinyue (JJNumber1Fan) with her Police Chief husband, Bai Li (JJNumber2Fan), and Kung Mian (JJNumber3Fan) were all present. To complete their group, Hou Liang (MonkeyFace) and Wu Chen (iEatSlippers) also attended, of course.
Grandpa Lu formed his own group at the centre of the parlour with Grandma Li and Huang Yuyan, Professor Dupont and Giulia Moretti, Professor Schwarz and Professor Hisakawa, and also Enrique Valdez, Maestro De Luca and JJ.
The door opened again as more people entered the now bustling parlour.
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Chapter 908 - The Appointed Time Has Come
There was still about ten minutes left before the appointed time indicated on the invitation. Most of the guests arrived well before that. They didn't know who else were invited to the event but they were sure that not everybody had arrived yet.
"Dear Xiulan's father and mother aren't here yet," Huang Yuyan said as she looked around the parlour.
Her eyes met with Madam Feng Wan and her three posh friends, including the Chief of Police. They smiled and nodded at each other. All of them were acquainted and moved in similar circles in high society. They weren't close in any way but they were still friendly to each other whenever they met in social gatherings. Ever since Iris Long came into their lives, their encounters had become more frequent and that contributed to them becoming even friendlier with each other.
"I'm sure that they'll arrive soon," Grandma Li replied. "I don't believe that Liwei and Xiulan didn't invite her parents."
"You're right, Mother. I'm just a little worried because it's almost the appointed time."
"Don't always worry about things that you can't control, Yuyan."
"Yes, Mother. I'll try."
At that moment, the door to the parlour opened. Long Tengfei and his wife Yang Jiahui entered, followed by Cai Guang. They swept their gazes across the room. When they saw Grandpa Lu's group, Long Tengfei led his wife and assistant straight to them.
The greetings followed. Grandpa Lu's booming voice was the most distinct sound in the room.
"Hello Madam Li and Madam Huang," Yang Jiahui greeted as she sat across the two madam Jins.
"Madam Yang, it's a pleasure to see you again," Huang Yuyan replied. "Where is your lovely niece?"
"Xiao Mei is already here but I haven't seen her yet. She left the house at dawn to help Xiulan and Liwei with the preparations. At least, that's what she told me."
Huang Yuyan nodded. "It's the same with my younger son. Chonglin should've also been here since dawn."
"Those children are really secretive," Grandma Li said. "We still don't know what this event is all about. We haven't seen any of them yet. The butler or any of the other staff here won't tell us anything either. Even this old gorilla beside me is unable to intimidate them into telling the truth."
"Who're you calling an old gorilla, you old hag?" Grandpa Lu interjected in the middle of his conversation with Long Tengfei and Cai Guang. "Which part of me looks like a gorilla? Tell me, I want to know!"
Grandma Li gave him a cold snort before ignoring him. She resumed her conversation with her fellow ladies.
Yang Jiahui looked around and gathered from the conversations that nobody knew what was going on. She was tempted to share her guess to them but restrained herself. Her husband had been unhappy when she told him earlier that she thought the event was going to be his daughter's wedding. She wasn't sure if the Jins were also going to be unhappy like Long Tengfei and insist that the couple should follow all traditional ceremonies before marrying. Therefore, she decided that it was better to keep her thoughts to herself for now.
About five minutes before the appointed time, the door opened again and in sashayed Wei Lan to the parlour while holding on to the arm of a very tanned, muscled man followed by a large entourage which some recognized as Iris Long's staff from her penthouse.
"Welcome, Madam Wei," the butler greeted while giving her a standard gentlemanly bow.
"It's Vizcondesa Lan," she corrected him.
"Vizcondesa Lan."
She nodded, smiling in satisfaction. She looked around the entire parlour while striking a pose as if there were hundreds of cameras taking her photos in a red-carpet event. Of course, her escort for today, her new best friend Randy, the Zumba instructor, followed her example and also struck a pose.
As for Yi Mei and the other staff from Gold Heights penthouse, they quickly withdrew to the side and pretended not to know the two weird people in front of them. Yi Mei and her companions greeted the Dragon Palace staff that they recognized and caught up with them. There were a lot of new faces that looked unfamiliar but they soon learned that those people were from the event coordinating company hired just for today.
Like Long Tengfei and Yang Jiahui before them, Wei Lan and Randy also headed straight to Grandpa Lu's group. She greeted everyone with exaggerated warmth and enthusiasm except for when it was her ex-husband and his current wife's turn. She still greeted them because she was now a benevolent viscountess but her tone was several degrees colder than when she greeted the other people.
Long Tengfei also treated Wei Lan coldly while Yang Jiahui looked awkward but still tried her best to maintain a pleasant expression despite the situation. Everyone noticed the uncomfortable tension between the two sides but didn't comment. This wasn't an appropriate time to gossip about the family of Iris Long who was the hostess of today's party.
Wei Lan pulled Randy and squeezed themselves beside Huang Yuyan and Grandma Li. But before she could initiate a conversation with her future in-laws, the butler made an announcement.
"Esteemed guests, the appointed time has come. Please follow me and the rest of the staff and we will all lead you to the venue."
"Finally!" Grandpa Lu's booming voice said. "About time! We've all been waiting and waiting and waiting here in the parlour for so long that I almost fell asleep!"
"Oh, tone it down, you old buffoon," Grandma Li's cold voice scolded him. "Don't make a scene and embarrass Liwei and Xiulan."
"Bah! In what way am I making a scene, you old hag? Tell me, I want to know! And for your information, those pinheaded kids are never embarrassed of their beloved grandpa because their Grandpa Lu is the best! Bahahaha!"
"Shameless!" Grandma Li rolled her eyes but the corner of her lips curved up a little. "Let's go, Yuyan dear."
"Y-yes, Mother."
Everyone began filing out of the parlour in an orderly manner and followed the butler and staff.
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Chapter 909 - Tantrum Before The Wedding
Everyone arrived outside the huge rotunda which had been turned into a magnificent indoor forest. Those close to Iris Long and Jin Liwei knew the romantic story behind it, that it was one of his presents for their first anniversary as lovers. It quickly became a favourite place for their guests to visit.
The indoor forest was the venue for today's mysterious event?
They began entering. Those who never visited it before like the Black Stars were amazed at the sight all around them. The forest was much bigger than they expected. Since everyone was still near the entrance and at the very edge of the forest, all they could see were the trees, plants, butterflies and the beautiful nature inside the rotunda. The glass domed ceiling provided them with a clear view of the sunny sky. It felt like they were outside without suffering the cold late autumn weather.
"Dad, Big Sis Mei'er, this place is amazing!" Ming Li, a.k.a. LittlePhoenix, exclaimed. She hadn't stopped looking around, the excitement clear in her eyes.
It wasn't only her. Their group consisting of the Black Stars were all awed at the indoor forest.
"Beautiful," Feng Wan, a.k.a. MrsLovePhantom, sighed dreamily.
Si Xinyue, a.k.a. JJNumber1Fan, squeezed her husband's arm in delight. The Chief of Police gave her hand a light pat. Then he glanced at the two young men walking beside them.
"You don't seem surprised. You've been here before?"
"Yes, sir," Hou Liang, a.k.a. MonkeyFace, replied.
"I don't usually need to wear my mighty slippers here because Boss Iris allows me walk barefoot in her forest," Wu Chen, a.k.a. iEatSlippers, said next.
"I see," the Police Chief nodded and didn't question them any further.
Hou Liang and Wu Chen also didn't explain why they had been here before. They hadn't announced yet that their Boss Iris was the real owner of the gaming company, Planet Monkey. She would sometimes invite the two of them and a few key employees who knew her identity as Planet Monkey's owner to the mansion so that they could personally update her about the company's progress. These meetings had been held in the indoor forest a handful of times. Then they would always have a nice meal afterwards.
The last ones to enter was Wei Lan's group. She insisted on letting everyone go in first because in her mind, an important person like her, a viscountess, should have the grandest entrance among everyone present here today.
"Yi Mei, go ahead. Raaaandyyy and I will enter after you."
"As you wish, Madam," the old housekeeper said. She and the cook and the rest of the Gold Heights penthouse staff went in.
"Now it's our time to shiiiiine, Raaaaandyyyy doll. Reeeaaadyyyy?"
The Zumba instructor offered his elbow to her, straightened his posture, and flashed his widest smile. He had been infected by Wei Lan's habit of pretending that there were always photographers taking shots at them, so the two of them were always striking a pose even if there was nobody looking at them. It was a habit Wei Lan never abandoned from her days as a struggling model in her youth before she hooked up with Long Tengfei and married him.
"Ugh! Goooood thing there's a stone path in this...this jungle. Otherwise my heels would sink in the disgusting soil. The horror!" Wei Lan lifted her skirt a little to prevent the hem from touching the ground. "I told dear Liwei that he should've put tiles or maybe some marble flooring on the ground instead of all this dirty soil but nooooooo, my daughter said this is peeeerfect! Sometimes that child has nooooooo taste at all. Must've inherited such lack of taste from the Longs."
Randy looked around and thought that Iris was right. This was perfect. Imagine a forest with ceramic tiles or marble floor. Would that still count as a forest? He didn't voice out his real thoughts, however, and just allowed Wei Lan to continue criticizing her daughter's alleged lack of taste and her ex-husband's genes for passing down such a bad trait to their child. Fortunately, the two of them were at the back and nobody could hear her except for him.
Finally, the first group reached the centre of the forest. They could be heard gasping and exclaiming in shock.
"What's happening?" Wei Lan asked and stretched her neck in a futile attempt to see what was causing such a reaction from the people in the front."
"Oh my!" Huang Yuyan, who was usually quiet and a bit timid, couldn't restrain her shocked exclamation either. "Mother! T-this is...oh my!"
"Ah, those children really got all of us this time," Grandma Li murmured.
"Bahahahaha! This is good. Very good! Great! No, this is the best! Those kids aren't such slow pinheads after all! They made this old man very happy today! Bahahaha!" Grandpa Lu's booming voice must've scared some of the koi fish in the pond because there were splashes and ripples on the crystal-clear water surrounding the islet.
Unable to hold her curiosity any longer, Wei Lan dragged Randy and pushed their way to the very front. When she saw the sight in front of them, her face twisted into different expressions. First was confusion, then shock, before finally settling into horror.
"WHAT?!!! Raaaaaaandyyy, tell me that this is not happening and that this viscountess is dreaming right now! There's noooooo waaaaaay that my daughter is marrying dear Liwei today without informing meeeeeeee, her viscountess mother, beforehand!!! A viscountess' daughter should have a graaaaaand wedding with hundreds, no, thousands of guests and held in a graaaaand palace like royalty! This is not a grand wedding at all!!!"
Everyone wore different expressions on their faces as they watched her. Some looked awkward and embarrassed. A few pretended that she didn't exist and wasn't making a scene in front of all of them. Most of them, however, were frowning and looking at her with clear disapproval.
"Control yourself, Wei Lan," Long Tengfei's cold voice scolded her. "Stop throwing a tantrum like a toddler and don't let our daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law hear what you're saying!"
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Chapter 910 Ex - Wife Vs Ex
Wei Lan's face twisted in fury. She glared at Long Tengfei and his current wife, Yang Jiahui, as her red-blood, talon-like nails dug hard on Randy's arm.
The Zumba instructor winced at the pain but endured it, not wanting to create another spectacle in front of so many notable people. He was now regretting his decision to escort the impulsive and volatile Wei Lan.
"How dare you scold me in front of so many people?" Wei Lan snarled at Long Tengfei. "You don't have the right! You're not my husband anymore."
"And thank heavens for that," Long Tengfei muttered.
"Tengfei," Yang Jiahui warned him in a soft voice and tugged his arm in an effort to remind him to restrain his temper.
"What did you say?!" Wei Lan stepped forward and looked ready to fight.
"Enough!" a booming voice echoed throughout the indoor forest.
Grandpa Lu stepped forward and positioned himself between the battle-ready ex-spouses. He glared first at Wei Lan and then at Long Tengfei. [This novel is a contracted work with W e b n o v e l . c o m (remove spaces). If you're not reading this chapter on W e b n o v e l, it has been stolen. It's very discouraging to see thieves profiting from my hard work. Please support the original author, ArriaCross. Thank you!]
"Why are you two quarreling like spoiled little kids? I want to know! I don't like interfering in other people's private business. You can fight all you want for all I care but this involves Xiulan my girl since both of you are her parents. This old man just can't stand back and allow the two of you to ruin this wonderful day! This is a happy occasion for your daughter, for Liwei my boy who's going to be her husband, and for all of us, their family and friends! And yet both of you are causing this ugly drama! Aren't you embarrassed?! I know that it's a huge shock to all of us that Xiulan my girl and Liwei my boy kept their wedding today a secret but what can we do when that's what they want? We should all respect their wishes and be happy for them! Hmph!"
Long Tengfei's face burned red in embarrassment. Although he was one of the more open-minded individuals compared to the other old-fashioned members of the Long clan, pride and face were still very important to him. He felt like he had been shamed today by his ex-wife in front of so many distinguished figures and even caused the legendary Sir Lu Jianhong to scold the two of them like little misbehaving children.
In contrast to him, Wei Lan didn't feel embarrassed at all. She only felt annoyed at being scolded by Grandpa Lu. She had no time to feel embarrassed when she felt very upset that her daughter Xiulan didn't allow her to plan a grand wedding!
How could the daughter of Vizcondesa Lan marry in such a simple garden wedding with just a few guests?! For goodness' sake, Jin Liwei was a billionaire! The man could afford anything money could buy! Why did he not spend millions in what should be the grand wedding of the century? Did he not love her daughter Xiulan enough that he was being stingy like this?
The wedding of multi-award-winning musician Iris Long and multibillionaire Jin Liwei should be broadcast on national television! The guests should be showbiz A-listers, company executives, high-ranking officialsâin short, all the big names in every industry!
Wei Lan became more and more upset the longer she thought about her pitiful daughter's pathetic wedding. She fished out a lace handkerchief from her diamond-encrusted clutch and wiped nonexistent tears from her eyes.
"My poooooor daughter! As her mother, I find this plain wedding completely unacceptableâ"
Randy made a decision in that instant. He lifted Wei Lan and carried her off.
"What are you doing, Raaaaaaandyyyyyyy?! How daaaaaaare you manhandle this viscountess?!!!"
They disappeared behind the trees.
When they were gone, everyone looked at each other. The atmosphere was very awkward.
Long Tengfei clenched both his fists and stepped forward. "Everyone, I offer you my deepest apologies for what just happened. As Xiulan's parents, I am deeply ashamed that the two of us lost control of our tempers in front of all of you especially during this important occasion in our daughter's life."
Yang Jiahui also stepped forward and held on to his arm. Her face was also filled with silent apology.
"Let's not dwell on it anymore and leave it where it belongsâthe past." It was surprisingly Huang Yuyan who said this. She was usually shy and a little timid but her current expression was very sympathetic. "We are going to be official in-laws today. We're about to be family."
"Indeed," Grandma Li's cold and authoritative voice said next. "Now let's remove this gloomy mood at this instant. I don't want the groom and the bride and their entourage to enter and see this unpleasantness among their guests. We've all been invited here today because Liwei and Xiulan want to share this important lifetime event with all of us. Therefore, it is our duty to make this day extra memorable to both of them."
Everyone murmured their agreement.
"Now that's settled! Good!" Grandpa Lu turned to the event staff hovering in an awkward manner in the background. "This old man's poor knees are weak and very tired from standing for too long. Do we have designated seats or can we just sit wherever we want? Tell us, we want to know!"
The wedding planner immediately signaled for her staff to lead everyone to their assigned seats. In just a few moments, everyone settled down.
At that moment, a much calmer Wei Lan and an exhausted but relieved Randy finally returned. They were also shown to their designated seats beside Long Tengfei and Yang Jiahui as the parents of the bride.
Everyone looked at her warily, wondering if she was going to make another scene and complain about being seated beside her ex-husband that she just fought against. To everyone's relief, she settled down on her seat without a single word of complaint while smoothing her dress in an almost prim manner.
Then she leaned towards her escort and whispered, "You're right, Raaaaandyyy doll. I'm a viscountess now and should always maintain a classy, elegant and benevolent image. Thaaaaanks for the reminder. I'll buy you some new outfits after this."
Randy's smile was a little stiff but his relief was immense deep inside.
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