A woman came forward to help Elder Yang stand up while supporting his weight. She looked stunning and was dressed in a long, white body-hugging oriental skirt that had peach blossoms climbing up from the bottom, pairing it with pearls as her jewelry.
Zhao Lifei kept her facade even in the presence of Su Meixiu who was helping Elder Yang as if she was the granddaughter-in-law. How amusing.
"That will be all, Xiao Xiu." Yang Mujian responded.
Zhao Lifei found it strange that even though Su Meixiu was seen as a suitable candidate, Yang Mujian's tone towards her was the same as the one he used on her. Zhao Lifei bowed her head to pay respects and walked off with her grandfather, sitting down with him at the grand circular table in the center meant for the honorable guests.
She poured her grandfather a cup of tea and quietly placed it in front of him. He took a sip out of the jade cup, not fazed by the expensive taste of the Da-Hong Pao tea.
"You did well, Xiao Fei. Remember the plan," he murmured while setting the cup down. "Do not panic at the sight of Su Meixiu."
"I know." She curtly responded, while pouring herself a cup. From the corner of her eyes, she could see Elder Su chatting with Old Master Yang whose face was not as welcoming as it was when he chatted with her grandfather.
A few people began walking to the table with the desire of becoming acquainted with Zhao Moyao.
A foreign man in his late fifties stepped forward and upon closer inspection, Zhao Lifei saw he was of mixed blood. Accompanying him was a woman whose face had aged beautifully, like fine wine, a warm smile on her face.
"Mr. Zhao, it has been a while." He spoke as the two men shook hands. "We have not seen each other since the charity auction that took place last year."
"Indeed." Zhao Moyao muttered, remembering the auction was approaching very soon. It would occur around the same time as Zhao Lifei's birthday.
Zhao Lifei recognized them. They were Nian Yijun and Liang Yunxi, the former being the current head of Nian Trading Inc.
Liang Yunxi, a kind woman in her early fifties turned to Zhao Lifei, taken aback by such a beautiful and quiet woman. Sitting by herself while sipping tea and staring into the cup, she looked very picturesque. "And who might this young lady be?"
"Who does she look like?" Zhao Moyao chuckled, turning to Zhao Lifei who was pretending to not eavesdrop on the conversation. "She's my granddaughter."
The Nians, like most people in the room, were shocked to hear the way he addressed her. This old man, too stoic and uncaring, had never introduced his eldest son with the same affection.
"Your granddaughter?" Liang Yunxi repeated, her attitude changing. "Why, of course, I should've known."
She stepped forward and asked, "What is your name?"
Zhao Lifei offered a polite handshake, a smile gracing her face. "Zhao Lifei, it's a pleasure to meet you, Madam Nian."
Liang Yunxi amicably held onto Zhao Lifei's hand, patting it. "Please, the pleasure is all mine." She briefly glanced at her husband before adding on, "How old are you this year?"
"Twenty-three." Zhao Moyao answered, already knowing what this conniving woman was planning, but did not bother to stop her.
In order to be with Yang Feng, she would have to properly win the Yangs over. Wouldn't it be nice if she married into a family that already loved her?
"Why, my son is twenty-five this year. He will be taking over his father's position very soon." Liang Yunxi seized the chance to boost her son's image, "His name is William."
Zhao Lifei's smile did not change as she politely nodded her head.
"I do pray that you're not seeing anyone right? Putting the opinion of a mother aside, I can vouch that he is very handsome." Liang Yunxi had been out of the country for the past month and had not seen the most recent headlines reporting Yang Feng and Zhao Lifei's relationship.
Zhao Lifei blinked, her low EQ finally understood the woman's intentions. She let out a soft laugh, unknowingly charming many of the onlookers, especially the men.
"I—"
"Actually, it's alright if you are. As long as you're not married, I'm sure my son will not mind."
"Uhm—"
"Are you free tomorrow afternoon?"
Zhao Lifei was getting uncomfortable when Liang Yunxi did not let go of her hand and instead, held onto it tighter.
"Your son is not good enough for my granddaughter." Zhao Moyao's blunt protectiveness startled everyone. The eldest son of the Nians is not considered a good fit?! That man would be inheriting a multi-billion business with enough wealth to rival the Zhaos whose power stretched beyond the seas.
Many people understood his reasoning. Yang Feng alone could take down the entire family, he was the waves in the ocean while the Nians were mere ripples.
Liang Yunxi was always protective of her eldest son, the one she personally raised. "My son—"
"Don't worry, sweetheart, it's a joke." Nian Yijun stepped forward to calm his angered and offended wife.
Everyone could see by Zhao Moyao's face that it was not. Liang Yunxi was even more insulted by this, her face becoming slightly red.
Zhao Lifei worked quickly to diffuse the situation. "Madam Nian, I truly appreciate the opportunity to meet your son, but I am currently in a relationship with someone."
"That's fine dear, relationships are fickle. I will arrange for you to meet him tomorrow."
When Nian Yijun saw Zhao Moyao's dangerous expression shifting into irritation, he spoke up, "Sweetheart, let's not pressure the young woman. She has her reasons."
Liang Yunxi softly frowned, disappointed.
An idea suddenly came to Zhao Lifei's mind. Yang Ruqin had always set her up on blind dates, it was time for payback…
"Actually, Madam Nian, how about I introduce someone to your son?"
"Oh? Who?" Liang Yunxi was extremely pleased to hear this.
"Yang Ruqin."
Liang Yunxi let out a quiet gasp. A high madam such as herself would be a fool to not know who the young woman was. She was the apple of Yang Qianlu's eye, the prized daughter spoiled by everyone in her family. She was gentle by nature, a bit too bubbly, but that was part of her charm.
Even the tough critic, Elder Yang Mujian, severely doted on her and rumor had it, he catered to all of her wishes, treating her with the utmost care and love in the world. Having her as a daughter-in-law, any family would cry tears of joy, for she had every Yang member wrapped around her fingers.
Liang Yunxi pulled out a white card with a hint of rose water splashed upon it, "This is my contact information. Please contact me as soon as you can."
Zhao Lifei deviously laughed inside, knowing her Qinqin was doomed. The poor girl would not know what struck her. As a matter of fact, Zhao Lifei was petty enough to even invite Qinqin to La Roche- the same place where Han Wuting was introduced to her.
"Of course." She said, taking the card and placing it into her purse and ensuring it was safe.