Chatting with Ning Ge about business matters, time slipped away, and Qi Fengping came looking for people. Cheng Su, being the host, couldnât shirk her duties anymore and hurried out to greet the guests.
At Qi Xiaoqiâs full month celebration, quite a few people were present. The seating had been arranged early on, so it didnât feel chaotic. Ning Ge, the Cheng family, and Ying Xiaoya were at a table together, chatting and laughing.
"...My big brother just got promoted, heâs busy with engagements, so he didnât come. Our old master hasnât been feeling well these past few days, so heâs not here either." Ning Ge explained to Old Master Cheng.
Old Master Cheng exchanged a few pleasantries, then let the younger folks carry on their conversation. Naturally, Ning Ge spoke with Cheng Yaozu about business collaborations.
Before long, Qi Taiguo arrived with Ning Le and the others, and the two young ones naturally joined Ning Ge at the table.
Cheng Su wasnât trying to play favorites; the seating arrangement had been predetermined. She and Qi Taiguo had the best connections with the Ning and Cheng families, thus this table was at the front, occupied by prominent figures, making it quite eye-catching.
"Who are these people, they look so impressive?" Sister-in-law Song asked Guiying beside her.
She too benefited from being a neighbor; otherwise, having just moved in a few days ago, she wouldnât have been close enough to Cheng Su to be invited to the full month celebration. It was just that Cheng Su invited all the neighbors, not wanting to leave their family out.
Guiying, who kept her lips sealed, replied, "I donât really know, but I heard the old master is Sister-in-law Qiâs godfather. I suppose theyâre either friends or relatives."
"Sister-in-law Qi is really capable, knowing so many distinguished people!" Sister-in-law Song exclaimed, full of envy.
Guiying chuckled.
Meanwhile, at another table, the aunt quietly asked Mother Qi, "Who are the people at that table?"
Mother Qiâs eyes constantly followed Mother Cheng, the reason was none other than Mother Cheng holding the newly-dressed Qi Xiaoqi and greeting the guests, the honor that should belong to her, if only her foot hadnât...
Recalling Sister-in-law Songâs unpleasant remarks made her even more uneasy, feeling as if something was trailing her, suspicious and miserable.
Upon hearing the auntâs question, she followed her gaze and said, "Thatâs Taiguoâs wifeâs godfather, sitting next to the old master is his son. You wouldnât believe how generous the old master is..."
Mother Qi became interested, boasting about the shop that Qi Xiaoqi received from the old master.
The aunt listened, filled with envy and jealousy, "Heaven, how much would that shop be worth!"
Then she saw Cheng Yaozu and asked, "Does that young man have a partner?"
Deng Weiqiu also perked up her ears.
Mother Qi was momentarily caught off guard but quickly understood, "Yes, itâs that girl." She pointed to Ying Xiaoya, who was busy greeting guests alongside Cheng Su, "Theyâre getting married in November!"
The aunt glanced over and commented sourly, "Sheâs not much to look at." Wondering how she managed to find her way into such a wealthy family.
Qi Fenglian couldnât stand it, "Aunt, donât underestimate her. Xiao Ya is the daughter of Qing Cityâs deputy mayor, quite matches the family."
The auntâs face reddened with anger, "Taiguoâs wife is quite capable then, no wonder sheâs so well-connected with all these high-status figures. We poor relatives simply canât measure up."
The bitterness in her tone was truly unpleasant!
Deng Weiqiuâs eyes dimmed, looking at Ying Xiaoya again, filled with envy. What a fortunate life!
Third Aunt of the Cheng family had been delayed and just arrived, thinking everyone was relatives, she went over to greet them. Upon hearing the conversation, a flash of anger crossed her eyes, what a thing to say, implying Susu despises the poor and loves the rich?