Calix brought Leslie and Calliope to greet the guests after they finished eating. The banquet was still in full swing as the people mingled with one another, sharing stories and jokes.
"Aiya, I finally could et you, Mrs. Xu. Oh! Seems like you wear the necklace this young Mr. Xu got from the auction. It indeed looks lovely on you."
Mrs. Feng was among the happiest when Calix introduced Leslie and Calliope to her. The older woman’s remarks cast a lovely shade of pink on Leslie’s cheeks while Calix smiled proudly.
"Thank you, Mrs. Feng. It’s my pleasure to et you. My husband has ntioned that you t at the auction before."
Leslie still struggled with making small talk with the guests, worrying about her conduct with the people who had been in high society far long before her. Fortunately, she managed herself better than expected.
"Hehe~ I just couldn’t wait to see the lady who snatches this bachelor’s heart. Jokes aside, I wish you two well, Mrs. Xu."
Leslie happily accepted Mrs. Feng’s well wishes. Calix also did the sa.
The family of three mingled with the other guests after moving from Mrs. Feng. Calliope’s excitent spiked when she began seeing her classmates from kindergarten.
A few of them were the children and grandchildren of the guests invited. Calix and Leslie let Calliope play with them, knowing that their daughter would feel bored without doing much.
The little children played at one part of the hall, the one Harper specifically ordered the hotel to turn into a children’s playground. A white, short fence barricaded the area.
Toys, books and beanie bags were among the items placed in the play area. Calliope, Alia and the other children stepped away from the boring adults’ chatting.
As the hour passed by, Leslie was tired from standing and walking for too long. She saw Irene relaxing on a couch across the hall.
The hotel provided several comfy couches aside from the chairs for the banquet tables. The couches were placed near the windows, overlooking the garden.
"You should go to Irene," whispered Calix into Leslie’s ear, sensing his wife’s exhaustion. He gently squeezed her waist, "Get so rest. Don’t worry about Poppy. She’s busy playing."
Faint laughter escaped Leslie’s lips, acknowledging Calix’s words. Calliope was too busy playing with Alia and her friends.
"Okay. I’ll sit with Irene for a bit."
"En. Go."
Calix released his arm from Leslie’s waist, watching her walk toward Irene. He still had more to speak with the other guests.
"Big Sister!"
Irene waved at Leslie once she saw her elder sister sinking into the couch. She scooted closer to the young lady.
"Are you tired already?" Leslie arched her brows, asking Irene, "You can go back to your room if you want to. Your brother-in-law has told so."
Irene also would stay the night at the hotel. Calix made sure one room was booked for the teenager. She was grateful for her brother-in-law’s thoughtful gesture.
"Hehe~ I’m still okay ah. You’re the one who looks tired."
Irene was as cheerful as ever. Even though the main Li family was still in shambles, the teenager wasn’t really affected by the chaos.
Her schoolmates still treated Irene well. Calix’s move of donating funds to the school under her na played a role in preventing the teenager from being outcasted by shallow-minded people.
Even though CEO Xu clearly disfavored the Li family, his younger sister-in-law was an exception. Several guests were surprised to see Irene at this banquet because no one else from the Li family was invited.
Most people in high society had distanced themselves from the Li family.
Geoffrey no longer headed the business, replaced by a far more capable relative. As for Rowan, he remained in his position with no intention of stepping out to claim his heirship.
Leslie smiled warmly at Irene, pleased to see how well the teenager was. She knew how hard the latter had been in studying.
Thinking back to what Irene brought up before, Leslie asked, "How’s your study? You’ll really apply for the exchange program, right?"
Irene voiced her intention to enroll in a student exchange program held by her school[01]. She said if her grades were good, she would have the chance to apply once the new round was open.
"Oh! Hehe, my teachers said I’m already on the list."
Irene exclaid before quickly being replaced by hearty laughter. Leslie put her full focus on Irene as the teenager continued to speak.
"I didn’t know that our school would do that. My friend said the dean wanna know which students are qualified for the list."
According to Lydia, one of Irene’s best friends, the school usually had its eyes on the excellent students. The teachers would continue monitoring their grades, including their performance in other aspects.
If the sa students applied for the exchange program and their overall rit was good, they most likely guaranteed the spots.
"That’s great, Irene! You’ve done very well to earn your teachers’ recognition," Leslie bead in delight, being so happy for the teenager, "Keep up the good work! Who knows, we’ll go to visit you abroad next year."
"Hehehe~ I’ll continue to work hard."
Irene’s cheeks pinkened, all bashful yet pleased to receive praise from Leslie. She knew that her elder sister would be proud and happy for her.
Leslie smilingly listened more to Irene’s stories about her school and friends. She could tell how much the teenager enjoyed her school days.
This was far better than Leslie anticipated. After the initial chaotic ti suffered by the Li family, she only prayed for Irene’s well-being.
Rowan and Bianca had resigned to the fate of losing their eldest daughter. Old Madam Li, Geoffrey and his family also had stopped bothering Leslie and Calix.
’The new year won’t co yet but, I can’t wait for it already.’
For so reason, Leslie’s heart told her that the new year would be even better for all of them.
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