The Useless Heiress Is Actually A Bigshot
Chapter 424 - Chapter 424 Chapter 424 Gift

Chapter 424: Chapter 424: Gift Chapter 424: Chapter 424: Gift Looking at the time, Zhong Niangyao, holding Lu Yichen’s hand, also returned to the hall.

As they entered the hall, nearly everyone’s gaze converged on Lu Yichen and Zhong Niangyao.

Those who had come to the birthday celebration of Old Sir Zhong today were all from the same social stratum. In fact, some of them were from the top wealthy families of the Imperial Capital. However, only the less noticed collateral branches had attended.

Regarding the Lu Family, one of the top families in the Imperial Capital, they had heard quite a lot, seen their pictures on television, magazines, and even online. However, very little was known about Third Young Master Lu, only that he was in poor health, recuperating throughout the year.

Yet, what nobody expected was that Third Young Master Lu too was a master of concealing his abilities. The last time the government assisted by clearing the road and made an official clarification on his behalf, it offered everyone a new understanding of Third Young Master Lu.

After that ordeal, everyone knew that despite appearing frail, he was actually profoundly inconspicuous.

Of course, aside from the strength of Third Young Master Lu, what people relished discussing was his affair with Zhong Niangyao. Initially, Third Young Master Lu had also hurried due to Zhong Niangyao being injured.

However, thereafter, no more interactions between Third Young Master Lu and Zhong Niangyao were heard of. As time passed, people gradually forgot about it.

Who would have thought that today they would see Third Young Master Lu here?

Today, at Old Sir Zhong’s birthday banquet, not only did Third Master Lu come, but he was also so intimate with Zhong Niangyao. Could this mean that the two were setting a determined course?

From a dark corner, Zhong Mengxuan, upon seeing Lu Yichen and Zhong Niangyao looking like a handsome couple, was filled with jealousy.

At this moment, Lu Yichen was not showing his usual indifferent demeanor, but rather, dressed in a smart bespoke suit and blessed with beautiful features, he looked irresistibly charming.

As for Zhong Niangyao, even though reluctant, she had to admit that Zhong Niangyao indeed had the capital–her delicate features and small stature, even in a plain gown, could not hide her elegance.

The two of them, even standing alone, were enough to draw everyone’s attention. Now appearing together, their combined impact was definitely not as simple as one plus one equals two.

However, what made Zhong Mengxuan most envious was that Lu Yichen and Zhong Niangyao could link arms–an act she could never achieve. She would always remain hidden in the shadows, watching Lu Chenran and Long Jiarui standing in front of everyone, receiving their praises.

Thinking of this, the jealousy in her eyes deepened when she looked at Zhong Niangyao.

Perhaps sensing something, Zhong Niangyao suddenly looked up and cast her gaze in Zhong Mengxuan’s direction.

Startled by Zhong Niangyao’s action, Zhong Mengxuan was shocked and somewhat guiltily withdrew her gaze. But then, she questioned herself again and felt she hadn’t done anything wrong; why should she avoid Zhong Niangyao’s gaze!

Thus, she glared fiercely at Zhong Niangyao.

Seeing Zhong Mengxuan’s fierce demeanor, Zhong Niangyao found it amusing, slowly retracting her gaze, and soon arrived in front of Old Master Zhong, smiling warmly, “Grandpa, happy birthday.”

Seeing Zhong Niangyao and Lu Yichen, both Old Master Zhong and Old Madam Zhong’s faces bore obvious smiles.

“You girl, where did you run off to just now to hide? Your grandma and I have been looking everywhere for you, but couldn’t catch even a glimpse of you.”

Although he complained, Old Master Zhong’s face remained smiling, and when he looked at Zhong Niangyao and Lu Yichen, he appeared even more affectionate.

“Grandpa, I really haven’t gone anywhere!” Zhong Niangyao immediately pointed her finger towards Lu Yichen at her side then shifted the responsibility onto him, “It truly isn’t my fault this time; after he arrived, he said he wanted to visit the garden.”

“As the host, it’s natural to try to fulfill the guests’ requests. Moreover, since it was a minor matter, it definitely should have been arranged. Therefore, as the host, it was only natural for me to satisfy this small wish.”

Lu Yichen, standing next to her and hearing Zhong Niangyao’s serious frivolous talk, found it amusing. If it hadn’t been for the inappropriate occasion, he would have truly loved to tease Zhong Niangyao thoroughly.

However, in such a setting, he naturally couldn’t let Zhong Niangyao be embarrassed, so he nodded, “That’s right, I asked her to take me to the garden first.”

“Old Master Zhong, I apologize for not informing you in advance.”

Old Master Zhong, being advanced in years and quite astute, saw Lu Yichen’s demeanor and understood the implications. Thus, he didn’t say much but just smiled and shook his head.

Soon, the banquet began.

Since it was a birthday banquet, it was time for the gift-giving segment, however, Zhong Niangyao didn’t like to join such bustle, so she just quietly stood aside, watching the gifts presented by the Zhong Family members.

Just because she sought no trouble didn’t mean trouble wouldn’t find her.

After Zhong Mengxuan had given her gift to Old Master Zhong, her gaze fixated on Zhong Niangyao with an inquisitive expression.

“Zhong Niangyao, grandma and grandpa usually adore you the most. Now, on such an important day as grandpa’s birthday, why don’t you show the present you have for grandpa now?”

“Let everyone around us know how filial you, Zhong Niangyao, are!”

“Zhong Mengxuan,” Old Master Zhong immediately spoke up to stop her, his tone carrying a hint of warning, “Filial piety isn’t something that can be assessed just by a few frivolous words. What you do on a regular basis is clear to your grandmother and me. There’s no need to put on a show here.”

Heard these words from Old Master Zhong defending Zhong Niangyao, Zhong Mengxuan felt irritated and quickly spoke with a smile, “Grandpa, why get angry over this! I was just curious.”

“Usually, you favor Zhong Niangyao the most, so naturally, I am curious about how she would repay you! Besides, opening gifts on such an occasion is entirely appropriate.”

Having said that, she directly turned to Zhong Niangyao and spoke bluntly, “Nianyao, you must have prepared the gift already, right? You couldn’t possibly be too shy to present it, could you? Or is it that your filial piety towards grandpa isn’t something you want outsiders to know about?”