Hidden identities of the AI Heiress
Chapter 590 - Chapter 590 Chapter 590 Wanting to Ingratiate Themselves with

Chapter 590: Chapter 590: Wanting to Ingratiate Themselves with the Qiao Family Chapter 590: Chapter 590: Wanting to Ingratiate Themselves with the Qiao Family Then her gaze fell on the large and small packages of gifts, “That’s too many; gifts aren’t necessary.”

“Not at all, not in the least, Mom even thinks it’s too little.”

“For the first time meeting, being cautious is better.”

“We can’t let them feel that we don’t value them.”

The Lu Family didn’t find it excessive at all; in fact, they even felt it was not enough. If they weren’t afraid that presenting valuable gifts would make the well-educated Qiao Family think of them as vulgar, they would definitely give whatever valuable things they could.

Seeing this, Qiao Yun said no more.

Su Mian sized up Qiao Yun’s outfit: “Qiaoqiao, are you going to wear that to go there?”

“Yeah,” Qiao Yun replied.

“How can you do that?” Su Mian disagreed, “Quickly change into some beautiful clothes, wear whatever is expensive. Didn’t Mom buy you a lot of dresses before?”

This time, they were going to meet the adoptive daughter’s family, and Su Mian wanted to show them how much they valued Qiao Yun. If it weren’t for Qiao Yun not liking it, she would’ve preferred to put all the valuable jewelry on Qiao Yun.

She wanted the Qiao Family to realize how happy Qiao Yun has been living with their Lu Family.

Qiao Yun, unaware of Su Mian’s thoughts, said indifferently, “I’m fine with this.”

Su Mian was about to press on, but Lu Zhanxing interrupted, “Mom, my sister looks good in this. It suits her style and she looks so cute.”

Qiao Yun really didn’t understand how Lu Zhanxing could perceive cuteness from her jeans and sweater combination.

“Mom, you’re too nervous.”

Lu Jingzhi said helplessly, although he himself was very nervous, more nervous than going into project negotiations.

Hearing him say this, Su Mian also stopped insisting.

Lu Rui checked the time: “Let’s go, don’t delay any longer.”

“Hurry, let’s not be late, lest we appear impolite,” Su Mian raised her hand, clenched a fist, and made a cheering gesture, “Fight for our family’s honor; let our Qiaoqiao have a worthy appearance.”

Qiao Yun: “…”

This really wasn’t necessary.

…

Lu Jingzhi drove, conveniently enough for five people in one vehicle.

All along the way, Su Mian kept her back straight, worried about wrinkling her evening gown and appearing unsolemn later on.

Lu Jingzhi and Lu Zhanxing remained tense throughout the journey, as if they weren’t going to attend a birthday party, but marching to a battlefield.

When Qiao Yun told them about the meeting, she knew they’d be nervous, but she hadn’t expected it to this extent.

It was enough to show how much they valued her.

If they hadn’t cared about her, they wouldn’t have been concerned about this meeting at all.

“Don’t be nervous.” Qiao Yun’s voice was soft and gentle, carrying a strangely soothing power.

“Second Grandpa, you’ve met them before, and Uncle has too.”

Previously, when Lu Zhanxing had a car accident, Qiao Se saved him at the request of Qiao Yun.

At that time, the Lu Family didn’t know Qiao Yun’s identity, so their attitude toward Qiao Se was respectful, as that of a family towards a doctor, but this time would be different.

Moreover, it wasn’t just Qiao Se and Qiao Xun; other members of the Qiao Family would be there as well.

Lu Zhanxing sighed and jokingly said, “Alright, I won’t be nervous, but Sister, if they bully me, you have to stand up for me.”

Without hesitation, Qiao Yun nodded, “Mhm mhm.”

Lu Zhanxing continued with a woeful face, “And if they ask you to go with them, you mustn’t go.”

“Won’t go,” Qiao Yun promised.

That promise truly eased the tension of the Lu Family members.

What they feared most was that the Qiao Family would be dissatisfied with them and take Qiao Yun away.

Su Mian was still somewhat worried and asked Qiao Yun about some matters regarding the Qiao Family, so as not to inadvertently offend them and upset everyone.

Qiao Yun said, “It’s okay, even if they get offended, it doesn’t matter; with me here, they won’t dare say anything.”

Su Mian didn’t immediately grasp the deeper meaning of these words.

Lu Zhanxing understood, but why wouldn’t they dare to say anything with Qiao Yun present?

It was because of fear.

He frowned instantly.

Thinking of his sister alone in the Qiao Family, with no one of her age daring to get close to her, thus lacking the joy that should come with her age.

He felt distressed and reproached himself, wondering why they hadn’t found his sister earlier. Would her personality have remained different if they had?

Qiao Yun sensed that Lu Zhanxing seemed unhappy, but she didn’t know why. After a pause, she quietly took out a milk candy and handed it to Lu Zhanxing.

Lu Zhanxing looked at the milk candy held out to him, swallowed the discomfort in his throat, and smiled as he lifted his hand, “Thank you, little sister.”

Su Mian scolded affectionately, “Good girl, Mom wants one too.”

Qiao Yun then took another candy from her pocket and handed it to Su Mian.

Su Mian happily accepted it.

Lu Jingzhi watched enviously but felt too embarrassed to say it out loud, so he just stared intently at the candy in Lu Zhanxing’s hand.

Lu Zhanxing: Uh… It’s just a candy, is it worth it?

But since it was a candy given by his sister, it did seem worth it.

Upon arriving at the location, Lu Rui asked in confusion, “Qiaoqiao, have we come to the wrong place?”

This was a residential area, with courtyard houses as far as the eye could see.

Nevertheless, in Shangjing City, the value of a single courtyard house was incalculable.

But shouldn’t a birthday party be held at a grand hotel, attended by a bunch of celebrities from society, with government officials possibly congratulating them given Qiao Se’s fame?

Now, what was going on?

Qiao Yun replied, “Great-Uncle celebrates his birthday at home every year.”

The Lu Family members: “…”

Their gaze wandered to the residential area in front of them; a plainly dressed aunt next door emerged with a basket, giving them a once-over with a look that seemed to say ‘rich people’s tastes are hard to understand.’

The Lu Family members: “…”

Su Mian laughed awkwardly a few times, “Qiaoqiao, why didn’t you tell us earlier?”

Would coming to someone’s house dressed in such expensive attire be misunderstood as showing off wealth?

Would they really not be kicked out?

Qiao Yun wondered, “But I did say, a family gathering.”

Lu Rui’s mouth twitched, “We thought your idea of a family gathering was that kind of family gathering; who would have thought it was literally a family gathering.”

Su Mian silently asked, “Is there enough time to go back and change into more casual clothes?”

“No need to change; you look good like this,” Qiao Yun reassured them.

Lu Zhanxing joked, “I feel a bit embarrassed now.”

Being so formally dressed for such an occasion, it certainly felt a bit like being a nutcase.

Just then, a car stopped in front of them.

The patriarch and matriarch, along with Lu Xian and Lu Shiran, got out of the car.

For this formal meeting, as members of the Lu Family, they naturally came as well.

Lu Shiran also wore a suit, tall and leggy for a youngster, with handsome features and a particularly gallant air.

He tugged at his collar uncomfortably and complained, “Why does such a thing as a suit even exist in the world?”

“Alright, stop tugging, you’ll wrinkle it, and then it won’t look good, you’re Qiaoqiao’s cousin and you can’t embarrass her,” the old lady slapped his hand away.

Lu Shiran pouted but eventually let go and headed straight for Qiao Yun’s side.

“Sister, do I look handsome?”

Qiao Yun praised, “Handsome.”

Lu Shiran was pleased; since his sister liked him in a suit, he would wear one every day then.

The old master saw everyone else with a strange look on their faces and asked, “Why are you all standing around like fools? Why not go in? By the way, which hotel is the banquet at?”

Lu Rui said, “Dad, it’s at Mr. Qiao Se’s house.”

The old master looked at the courtyard in front of him: “…”

Clearly, he thought the same as the other members of the Lu Family.

Could they really be misunderstood as showing off their wealth?

“Hey, isn’t that Xiaoqiao? Are you here for Old Qiao’s birthday?” an elderly gent strolled out from the alleyway, his face beaming with kindness and affection when he saw Qiao Yun.

“Grandpa Liu, hello,” Qiao Yun politely greeted before adding, “It’s for Second Grandpa’s birthday.”

The old man invited, “Afterward, if you have time, come by my house for a visit.”

“Mhm,” Qiao Yun responded politely.

“Alright, off you go, I won’t keep you,” the old man said, his hands clasped behind his back as he strolled away leisurely.

The Lu Family’s party watched the smiling elder, feeling an increasing sense of familiarity.

“Dad, why do I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before?” Lu Rui asked the old master beside him.

The old master squinted his eyes: “It does seem so, but I just can’t remember.”

Lu Jingzhi said with a strange expression, “I think I might know who he is, the Minister of National Defense who retired this year.”

Upon hearing Lu Jingzhi’s words, shock was apparent on everyone else’s faces.

Such a high-profile figure, just casually appearing in front of them and greeting Qiao Yun with a warm smile???

Previously at press conferences, he never looked like this, always with a face ready to pick a fight.

The Lu Family felt everything was too surreal, their gaze at Qiao Yun indescribable and odd.

“Follow me.”

Qiao Yun led them into the alleyway.

Along the way, they occasionally encountered various elderly ladies and gentlemen who, upon seeing Qiao Yun, looked as affectionate as if they were seeing their own granddaughter.

Of course, if one disregarded the fact that they were big shots from certain military departments, spokespeople from the Foreign Affairs office, or renowned scientists, they indeed appeared just like ordinary elders.

Watching Qiao Yun’s indifferent attitude while greeting these people, the Lu Family members were completely at a loss for words.

How can you be so calm, huh?

These are influential figures that many can only hope to associate with!

The Lu Family finally realized that Qiao Yun was even more formidable than they had imagined, simply her connections alone were enough to crush them.

Such an impressive individual was part of their Lu Family; what did they do to deserve this?

However, they also began to understand that this place, inhabited by so many distinguished figures, was far from being an ordinary residential area.

Soon, Qiao Yun brought them to a stop in front of a courtyard house.

Then she stepped forward and knocked on the door.

The one who answered was Qiao Xun who, because it was his own father’s birthday, had taken the day off especially.

Upon seeing Qiao Yun, Qiao Xun smiled and said, “Qiaoqiao, come on in.”

Qiao Yun’s gaze fell on Qiao Xun, giving him a faint glance before drifting away.

His voice, devoid of emotion, said, “Uncle.”

Perplexity flashed across Qiao Xun’s eyes, and just as a sense of foreboding rose in his heart, he was interrupted by the Lu Family.

“Dr. Qiao, we meet again,” Lu Rui said politely.

Qiao Xun smiled, “Don’t call me Dr. Qiao. You are Qiaoqiao’s family. Just call me by my name. Please come in quickly. My dad has been looking forward to seeing you all.”

At these words, the Lu Family hurriedly entered, not wanting to keep anyone waiting too long.

On the living room sofa, aside from the elderly Mr. Qiao Se, there were several other members of the Qiao family.

One of them was Mr. Qiao Se’s own sister, who Su Mian should call Great Aunt. She’s a very renowned scientist and now retired.

The rest were the three sons and daughters-in-law of the elder Mrs. Qiao, as well as several young grandchildren.

They had come especially to celebrate the birthday of the elderly Mr. Qiao Se. The other members of the Qiao family who couldn’t make it had already sent their congratulations early on.

As soon as the elder Mrs. Qiao saw Qiao Yun, her eyes reddened, “Xiaoqiao, come here and let Grandma take a good look at you.”

Qiao Yun walked over and was scrutinized by the elder Mrs. Qiao up and down, after which she said with a smile, “You’ve gained a little weight, it seems you’ve been doing very well at your birth parents’ home.”

“Very well,” Qiao Yun replied earnestly.

The elder Mrs. Qiao understood Qiao Yun’s character; since she said she was doing very well, then it must be so.

Her view of the Lu Family members changed instantly, for they were family members acknowledged by Qiao Yun, and thus they naturally had nothing to criticize.

They enthusiastically started chatting with them.

“If it weren’t for Xiaoqiao not letting us, we would have wanted to meet you a long time ago.”

“Isn’t that the truth,” the elder Mrs. Lu agreed. “Before this, we didn’t even know about Qiaoqiao’s identity, we only found out recently.”

Mr. Qiao Se asked, “How did you find out?”

The conversation among the Lu Family then revolved around Qiao Yun.

Initially, they had thought that the Qiao family would be rather aloof, since people who are well-read tend to have a certain pride.

But upon getting to know them, they realized they were in fact quite easy to get along with. After talking for a while, the Lu Family members weren’t as nervous as before.

The elder Mrs. Qiao looked at Su Mian’s luxurious dress and even offered a compliment, “That dress looks really nice on you. If I weren’t old, I’d want to buy one myself.”

Initially worried that people might interpret their appearance as flaunting wealth, Su Mian felt the awkwardness dissipate with that comment.

The younger members of the Qiao family sitting to the side as decoration couldn’t help but take a few extra glances at the elegantly dressed Lu Family members. Some showed no expression, while others curled their lips in disdain, scoffing silently in their hearts.

Lu Zhanxing sweet-talked, “Grandma Qiao, you look so young right now, I absolutely can’t tell you’re almost eighty.”

Mrs. Qiao laughed, “You sure have a way with words, as expected of a celebrity.”

“I’m telling the truth,” he replied.

Mrs. Qiao was charmed and cheery.

Taking the opportunity, Su Mian brought out gifts, “As this is our first meeting, this is a small token of our gratitude for how well you’ve taken care of Qiaoqiao over the years.”

Neither Mrs. Qiao nor Mr. Qiao Se declined. They knew that accepting the gifts would make the Lu Family feel more comfortable.

Moreover, the gifts prepared by Su Mian were also quite thoughtful: a silk scarf for Mrs. Qiao and a valuable painting for Mr. Qiao Se.

Su Mian also had gifts prepared for the young masters and misses of the Qiao family.

Some accepted them indifferently.

However, a few tossed aside the not particularly expensive but very considerate gifts as soon as they saw them.

They couldn’t help but grumble inwardly, “Is this it? Trying to court favor with our Qiao family and they bring us these things? Who are they looking down on?”

Qiao Yun noticed these small actions, her gaze lightly sweeping past, taking note of the few who were behaving rudely in her heart.

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