Chapter 416: 193 Splendid (First Update)

Translator: 549690339

“Are you Zhu Mingjing’s sister?”

Zhu Xiangxiang saw a woman in a red dress walking arrogantly towards her, starting a sentence rudely.

Zhu Xiangxiang was confused, but still maintained a proper smile on her face.

“Excuse me, who are you…?”

Every person at this banquet had significant background; she had to be cautious in her response.

“You don’t need to know who I am. I’m asking you, where is Zhu Mingjing?”

Zhu Xiangxiang could tell that this person was here to cause trouble for Ming Jing.

Before she could speak, Lin Qing stepped forward and said, “May I ask what business you have with my daughter?”

Mao Nana looked Lin Qing up and down: “You’re Zhu Mingjing’s mother?”

Lin Qing nodded: “Yes.”

“Where is she? I want to see what kind of heavenly beauty she is.” Mao Nana sneered disdainfully.

Lin Qing was only considered delicate-looking when she was young, with her main advantage being her fair skin. Her facial features were nothing special. After becoming wealthy, she had cosmetic enhancements and improved her fashion sense. With Madam Zhu’s title, she finally looked like a wealthy lady. In the circle of socialites, beauty was not the focus, but rather the means. Only mistresses who wanted to take shortcuts would painstakingly work on their appearance and figure.

Mao Nana had seen many wealthy ladies, and she didn’t think much of Lin Qing, who was all show and no substance.

If the mother looked like that, the so-called Zhu Mingjing probably wouldn’t be very beautiful either.

That could only mean the other party had powerful means.

Mao Nana frowned and thought that for a woman, means were more troublesome than appearance and figure.

Lin Qing tentatively asked, “I don’t know where my daughter has offended you?”

“Where did she offend me? You’ll find out when she comes out.”

The banquet was held in Yueduo Garden tonight. The garden was full of blooming chrysanthemums, and a stage had been set up nearby. It was said that Elder Theodore Shelby had invited famous Peking Opera artists to perform for three days. The garden was open for free during this time, allowing everyone in the city to enjoy the show. The whole city of Jiangzhou was buzzing with excitement and well-wishes for Elder Theodore Shelby’s birthday.

Lin Qing frowned: “I’m sorry, my daughter is not here.”

“Then where is she? Did she not come to the event?”

“I don’t know that.”

“You’re her mother, and you don’t know?”

Lin Qing’s face stiffened; she indeed was not doing a good job as a mother.

Mao Nana snorted coldly, “I don’t believe she can hide to the ends of the earth.” She turned and left after finishing her words.

Tonight’s event was more like a feast than a banquet, with a table after table of exquisite and delectable dishes. The well-known Dechang Building’s chef was said to be responsible for the dishes tonight – the famous Nine Sets Meal. Thanks to Elder Theodore Shelby’s blessings, the guests tonight could enjoy a feast.

Each table could accommodate eight people, with dedicated servers attending to the guests.

The sun was setting, and the light dimmed. Ground red lanterns were lit one by one.

The brilliantly decorated stage in the distance stood amidst clusters of flowers, like a magnificent palace.

A slightly cool night breeze, carrying the fragrance of flowers, brushed past the face. Stars twinkled in the sky, and a round moon hung in the treetops.

Madam Li looked up at the moon: “Tonight is the Mid-Autumn Festival. Look at how round the moon is. Elder Theodore Shelby has a great birthday celebration, with everyone gathered together, making it lively and festive.”

Li Qingyao lowered her head, not knowing who she was texting, and responded with a noncommittal “Hmm.”

“Yao Yao, who are you chatting with?”

“Cousin.” Li Qingyao replied, not even looking up, as her fingers quickly tapped the keyboard.

Madam Li sighed: “Her family’s big mess is really worrisome. I wanted to take Muxue to come live with us for a while, but she refuses. That brother of hers must be a troublemaker. Since it’s the Mid-Autumn Festival, let’s go to Liuxian Town tomorrow.”

Li Qingyao curled her lips: “Mom, do you think Muxue’s personality will let her be taken advantage of? It’s already good if she doesn’t bully others. Besides, her brother is a monk who has returned to secular life. He doesn’t get angry, no matter how much she bullies him, and treats their family very well. You don’t need to worry.”

Madam Li was curious: “A monk who has returned to secular life?”

Li Qingyao thought for a moment and said, “We’ll still go to Liuxian Town tomorrow.”

This was Zhu Xiangxiang’s first time seeing a traditional Chinese feast, and she was quite intrigued.

She stretched her neck to look around, and all the tables were full, except for the one closest to the main seat, where only two people were sitting.

The man was handsome and elegant, like a jade tree in the wind, while the girl in a red dress possessed delicate brows and eyes, making the flowers and moonlight fade in comparison. With one hand on her cheek, she looked somewhat bored and sighed.