Chapter 37: Chapter 0037 Birthday Banquet Turmoil (2)
Sheng Xueqin descended from the second floor, dressed in an exquisitely elegant, nude-colored outfit. Compared to Mu Lan’s starry dress, hers was incredibly understated, displaying the deanor of a sophisticated young lady with every frown and smile.
“Look, without us having to call her, Xueqin has already co down.”
“Seems like she’s telepathic, knowing that Tingxiao has arrived.”
The Sheng Family elders, without regard for Mu Lan’s presence, started joking about the two of them outright.
“Auntie, Mu Lan is still here, please don’t tease and Tingxiao.”
With one sentence, Sheng Xueqin successfully drew everyone’s attention to Mu Lan.
...
In truth, the Sheng Family had not expected Huo Tingxiao to bring Mu Lan today; after all, the two families had been friends for generations, and it was taken for granted that Sheng Xueqin and Huo Tingxiao were a couple—until their inexplicable estrangent seven years ago. Although the interactions between the two families seed unchanged, they inevitably weren’t the sa as before.
Mu Lan could feel the complex emotions of the Sheng Family mbers towards her: so were there for the spectacle, so disdained her, and others simply disregarded her entirely.
In any case, it was clear she was not welco.
Just as she was about to speak, the butler interjected.
“The Huo Family Head has arrived.”
Huo Shiwen entered, leaning on his cane, followed by Huo Qitang. The elder Mr. Sheng promptly stood from his chair, his expression revealing a hint of excitent.
“Oh, my dear brother, you really honor your younger brother by coming.”
Mu Lan watched their warm interaction and obediently stood beside Huo Tingxiao. As a competent background figure, after all, today wasn’t her stage; being part of the crowd seed the better option.
“Grandfather Huo, long ti no see. You’re still as strong as ever.”
“Xueqin has returned. It’s been many years since I last saw you. Had it not been for your grandfather’s eightieth birthday, who knows when we would have t again.”
A loving smile spread across the old Mr. Huo’s face as various younger mbers of the Sheng Family also approached to offer their warm regards. This elderly man was a legendary figure in Sea City, after all.
“Xueqin grew up under your watchful eye since she was little, visiting the Huo Family even more often than her own ho.”
“Exactly, she would prefer to stay at the Huo Family every day if she could. I even joked that my niece was too extroverted…”
These relatives of the Sheng Family seed rather oblivious. Mu Lan found it amusing, wondering if they really thought she would be angered by hearing this.
Please, aside from proving that Sheng Xueqin likes to throw herself at others, what does this show?
So what if she went there every day? In the end, it’s herself who married Huo Tingxiao, isn’t it?
Though she had been quite calm, at that mont, a fighting spirit seed to alight within her.
Noticing Sheng Xueqin was about to step forward to assist the old Mr. Huo, Mu Lan subtly moved closer.
She took the initiative to support Huo Shiwen.
“Grandfather, you’ve arrived.”
Her face bead with a radiant smile, causing a flash of surprise in the old Mr. Huo’s eyes.
“You’ve arrived quite early.”
“For an important occasion at the Sheng Family, Tingxiao and I wouldn’t dare to be careless.”
Although it was the Sheng Family’s event, Mu Lan’s proactive words imdiately served as a declaration to everyone present of her status as the Huo Family’s future bride.
“Good child, you’ve grown up.”
Huo Shiwen certainly knew how to give younger people face in these situations.
As for Huo Tingxiao, he initially wanted to see when she would soften up towards him. He never expected this little vixen to be utterly unfazed—not to ntion savvy in turning the situation around.
The words from the Sheng Family just now were undoubtedly ant to embarrass her, but she quietly prepared a big move in response.
No matter how much fuss was made, stabilizing the old Family Head was what truly mattered.
Arriving a step late, Sheng Xueqin couldn’t help but retreat two steps unwillingly, watching Mu Lan settle the Huo patriarch beside the Sheng patriarch.
“I’m really envious of you, big brother, not having to worry about your descendants. Unlike , with this girl who’s fully focused on her career.”
“Grandfather, you’re the star of the day, not . Why bring into this again? Aren’t you afraid of being laughed at by others?”
Though Sheng Xueqin said this, she naturally took her place beside the Sheng patriarch. The Sheng Family’s heir, how could she not be the protagonist?
She casually glanced at Huo Tingxiao, only to find him sitting quietly throughout, with Mu Lan obediently seated beside him.
“We’re all family here, who would laugh at you?”
Huo Qitang was skilled at seizing opportunities, and he wouldn’t let such a good one slip by.
“Ah, such a good girl, Xueqin, I thought at one ti she might enter our Huo Family’s doors. But who would have thought—ah, look at , rambling nonsense. Mu Lan, you mustn’t be angry, okay?”
Mu Lan maintained a smile on her face. She hadn’t expected that Huo Qitang had actually grown wiser and learned to feign innocence.
“Auntie, what are you saying? How could I possibly be angry? We’re just having a family chat.”
Sheng Xueqin did not expect Mu Lan to behave so properly. What was going on? How had her perception of her changed so much?
The Huo patriarch glared sharply at his tactless eldest daughter. If not for her insistent pestering to co along, he would not have wanted her to be present at such an event.
And now she had spoken such awkward words, really losing face for the Huo Family!
The atmosphere turned sowhat awkward as Sheng Xueqian entered from outside, greeting the Huo patriarch first upon her arrival.
“Wow, it’s so lively at ho today. Grandpa Huo, you’re here.”
Her gaze deliberately ignoring Mu Lan’s presence. Really, what was she doing here on such an occasion?
“Qianqian has also grown up so much, the little girl has beco a young lady.”
“Indeed, I’ve grown from a child into an adult; I wonder when Grandpa Huo will beco a great-grandfather.”
The remark sounded casual, but everyone knew that Huo Tingxiao had been married for seven years, and there had been no news from Mu Lan’s belly.
Suddenly, the topic of children beca taboo.
The Huo patriarch’s face didn’t show displeasure, yet his eyes couldn’t help but show a hint of change.
Huo Qitang, never afraid to stir trouble, took up the thread of conversation.
“Grandpa Huo also particularly wants to hold a great-grandchild. Young people these days don’t consider the deep longing of their elders, only focused on living carefree lives.”
The words weren’t harsh, but they were uncomfortable for anyone to hear.
This was the Huo Family’s private matter, and to discuss it publicly like this was a loss of face for the elder.
Huo Tingxiao raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping over the room before speaking lightly.
“Today is a festive day for Grandpa Sheng, and I didn’t want to steal the spotlight.
But since Xueqian brought it up, about the great-grandchild, perhaps there might be good news in a few days.”
He naturally took Mu Lan’s hand, his eyes lingering on her abdon for a mont, the aning was so obvious that no one present could misunderstand.
His tender protective manner silenced everyone in the living room.
The Huo patriarch was filled with anticipation, and he couldn’t help but let a smile spread across his face; it was the first ti in many years that he had seen Huo Tingxiao so protective of Mu Lan and personally hinting at the matter of children.
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