Chapter 311 - Chapter 311 Chapter 311 Declining the Banquet
Chapter 311: Chapter 311: Declining the Banquet Chapter 311: Chapter 311: Declining the Banquet “Third Miss Lin?” Zheng Silin pondered for a moment, then her eyes suddenly lit up, “It’s the Lin family that runs the department stores, right? Their third daughter has just returned from abroad. She studied design overseas and had already won several international design awards before she even graduated. She is a girl blessed with both talent and beauty.”
“Mm.” Old Sir Zhong nodded, then spoke, “Old Man Lin has already stepped down, and he only has one son, who is now the head of the Lin family. Lin Wanrou is his third daughter, and she’s about the same age as Jing Hao.”
Zheng Silin’s eyes immediately sparkled, “Dad, are you considering Lin Wanrou?”
Clearly, she had heard of Lin Wanrou and was very satisfied with her.
But as for the person in question, Zhong Jinghao, the mention of Lin Wanrou’s name did not cause a ripple in his eyes. Even though he understood Old Sir Zhong’s intentions, he did not show much emotional fluctuation, as if she was just an insignificant person.
Zhong Niangyao looked at Zhong Jinghao with interest, wanting to see something. Unfortunately, she was unable to see through his thoughts.
Old Sir Zhong nodded, then addressed the somewhat indifferent Zhong Jing Hao, “Jing Hao, Old Man Lin and I are old friends, and we both think highly of the two of you. I’ve seen Lin Wanrou grow up since she was a child; she’s a good kid. Try to get to know each other better, and if things can develop further, that would be best.”
Zhong Jinghao had not even responded when Zheng Silin burst into laughter, “Dad, you can rest assured. I’ll keep an eye on Jing Hao, and I’ll make sure he doesn’t let this slip by.”
Zhong Jinghao remained silent but nodded in agreement.
Old Madam Zhong looked at Zhong Jinghao and spoke with a smile, “Jing Hao, we’re not forcing you to be with Lin Wanrou, we just hope you two can spend some time together. If it really isn’t a good fit, there’s no need to force it.”
“Grandma, I understand,” Zhong Jinghao said, his voice neither sad nor joyful, and continued, “I’ll do my best to get along with her.”
Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong nodded.
As they talked about tomorrow evening’s banquet, the atmosphere in the living room had become much lighter.
Only Zhong Mengxuan sat there with a gloomy face, emanating so much resentment that it made one uncomfortable just looking at her. But, nobody seemed willing to pay her any more attention.
Even Zhong Mingyu had no desire to look at this ‘white-eyed wolf’ daughter who schemed for his shares.
Just then, Zhong Niangyao suddenly spoke up, “Grandpa, Grandma, I have something on tomorrow night, so I won’t be attending the banquet with you. You and Brother Jing Hao can go.”
She had not forgotten that she had promised Lu Yichen to attend the Lu Family’s family banquet with him. Since she had committed to Lu Yichen first, naturally she wouldn’t go back on her word.
Tomorrow night’s banquet was probably already arranged by the elders of both families, serving as a sort of matchmaking event. Even if she didn’t attend, it wouldn’t matter.
“What’s so important?” Old Sir Zhong frowned, “If it’s not a significant matter, then cancel it! You, child, hardly ever attend banquets, and people are almost forgetting who you are.”
There was a time when Zhong Niangyao would frequently attend various banquets with them, but somehow she seemed to have lost interest. Unless it was something she absolutely could not get out of, she would not attend.
He hoped that Zhong Niangyao would attend this time not only to give her some breathing space but also to help her make more friends.
Although it appeared that Zhong Niangyao was now together with Lu Yichen, and he treated her well, thinking about the disparity between their families made him uneasy.
He did not distrust Lu Yichen, but the precedent set by Zhong Mengxuan was right before his eyes. The Zhong family had a reputation in the Imperial Capital and was considered a wealthy family, but it was insignificant before the truly illustrious clans. He was worried that if the Lu family opposed the match, Lu Yichen might not be able to stand against his family’s will. Ultimately, it would be Zhong Niangyao who would suffer.
“Grandpa, I really am tied up with something,” Zhong Niangyao said with a smile, shaking her head, “Next time, for sure, I’ll attend with all of you.”
“Alright, then you can explain what’s so important?” Old Sir Zhong seemed unconvinced by Zhong Niangyao’s assurances. He looked at her, his gaze filled with doubt, “What could be more important than accompanying me and your grandma?”
After consideration, Zhong Niangyao spoke, “I have promised Lu Yichen to accompany him to the Lu family’s banquet tomorrow.”
She added, “The Lu family is holding a banquet specifically to celebrate Long Jiarui’s pregnancy.”
As soon as she said this, the entire living room fell into silence. The atmosphere was even more silent than before, and within this silence, there seemed to be a touch of awkwardness.
Everyone present was well aware of who Long Jiarui was. She was Lu Chenran’s wife, married publicly and with full ceremony, the daughter of the Long family.
All eyes involuntarily turned to Zhong Mengxuan.
After Zhong Niangyao had finished speaking, the color drained from Zhong Mengxuan’s face. Her entire face turned pale, her lips trembled as though she was muttering something, but her voice was too low for anyone to hear clearly.
After a while, Old Sir Zhong also came back to his senses, his eyebrows furrowed tightly, “Yaoyao, are you saying that Lu Chenran has a child?”
“Is this news true?” Old Madam Zhong also looked concerned, “Could there be some misunderstanding?”
Although they were very disappointed in their granddaughter Zhong Mengxuan and had decided not to interfere in her affairs anymore, they were still worried upon hearing such news.