Chapter 496: Chapter 524: Unexpected (1st update)
"I may not know the mayorâs wife, but I do know Commander Yang of the military district!" Lin Xi couldnât care less about the two womenâs sarcasm. "As for Zhang Huacheng, Zhang Lao, I have a pretty good relationship with him. I only need to make a call and heâll come right over."
"Of course, whether you believe it or not, I donât care."
"Also, you two should stop using tools in the future, spend some money and find a man instead, and get this ailment treated quickly. Otherwise, it will not only affect fertility but could also pose a risk to your life!"
At this point, Lin Xi looked at the two brothers beside them with a meaningful tone and said, "Overdoing it not only affects your health but also has a significant impact on your stamina in the future!"
"If you really canât hold it in, I donât believe in a large place like Chuzhou City, you canât find a place where you can pay to âget it doneâ."
This made not only the two women look grim but also the two brothers beside them quite embarrassed.
Lin Xiâs gaze swept towards the others, who quickly averted their eyes, not daring to meet Lin Xiâs gaze, afraid that he might say something to them. Even though they didnât know if what he said was true or not, it would surely be a great embarrassment.
Seeing this, Shangguan Nishang couldnât help but cover her mouth and laugh, having no objections to Lin Xiâs retorts. If it werenât for the inappropriate occasion, she would have applauded Lin Xi on the spot.
After all, she had never liked this group of younger siblings, and they had just gone too far by speaking ill of her in front of her.
At this time, the four who had just been retorted were not going to let it go so easily. As one of the men prepared to angrily retort Lin Xi, the old man suddenly shouted, "Whatâs going on at your table, making so much noise?"
"If you canât calm down, get out!"
The old man, who was the decisive figure in the Shangguan family, was very strict with everyone except for being extremely doting on Shangguan Hong.
Instantly, the entire hall became eerily quiet.
The birthday celebration continued, and soon it was the turn of the younger generations!
Currently, the most impressive was from Shangguan Yinâs side, which was Shangguan Hongâs second uncle. The worst performance was surely from Shangguan Xiongâs side, Shangguan Hongâs biological father.
As for Shangguan Hongâs third uncle, Shangguan Haoâs side, they were just aiming to stay in the middle.
However, upon reflection, Shangguan Hao considered that his children numbered four while his eldest brother had only two, one of whom was a brat unlikely to turn the tables.
Yet to surpass second brother Shangguan Yin, one of the four children would have to present a gift more valuable than "Autumn Leaf Cordyceps."
Obviously, this was unlikely, merely a dream for him. Even he couldnât collect such a treasure; his financial means and connections paled in comparison to his children. Could they find something better?
Clearly, this was somewhat impossible!
The presents from the younger generations, moreover, werenât decisive for the big picture, but they had to have a private contest.
"Stand up, come with me to Grandpa!" Shangguan Nishang, ranked highest among the younger generation, thus stood up first from this table and said to Lin Xi, who was still eating beside her.
Lin Xi nodded, following Shangguan Nishang to the old man.
After blessing him together, Shangguan Nishang took out a delicate wooden box, slightly antique, looking quite extraordinary.
Third uncle Shangguan Hao was somewhat worried about Shangguan Nishang. After all, Nishang was Shangguan familyâs most outstanding young person, way beyond comparisons with his four children or second brotherâs four.
Shangguan Xiong and the graceful lady also paid great attention to their daughterâs gift, hoping it might surpass the third brother.
But as for surpassing the second brother, they had given up.
"Buddhist beads?"
Seeing Shangguan Nishang open the box, the old man couldnât help but be surprised, as he was quite fond of such things. "Nishang, tell me the story behind these beads?"
"Certainly, Grandpa," Shangguan Nishang answered. "These are made from old Indian small-leaf red sandalwood full of gold-stars, with a tree age over a hundred years!"
"Moreover, I specifically went to He Nan Province to find the renowned contemporary Master Jingkong to consecrate and bless them!"
This made everyone present slightly shocked!
Not even mentioning the materials costing in the tens of thousands, whatâs crucial is that Master Jingkong isnât someone you can meet easily. Anything he blesses sees its value exponentially increased!
"Not bad, not bad, not bad!" the old man exclaimed repeatedly.
But Shangguan Hong and the graceful lady still shook their heads. Although Nishangâs gift was nice, combined with theirs, it just barely surpassed the third brotherâsâhis four children still tipped the balance despite being no good.
Next, the younger generation at Shangguan Nishangâs table began offering congratulatory gifts in order of age.
Although their gifts couldnât quite compare with Shangguan Nishangâs, they werenât too far off. After everyone had paid their respects, Shangguan Xiongâs factionâs performance remained the worst of the day!
"If we knew, we shouldâve had more kids!" Shangguan Xiong couldnât help but mumble.
Beside him, the graceful lady shot him a glare, pinching his thigh hard, saying quietly, "Are you blaming me for this?"
"I would never, would never!" Shangguan Xiong shook his head quickly.
The old man then spoke up to everyone, "Let it end here; letâs all enjoy the meal happily now!"
At this, everyone nodded immediately, though Shangguan Hong, sitting beside the old man, turned his mouth in dissatisfaction, grumbling, "Grandpa, how could you forget about me? I went out tonight specifically to prepare a gift for you!"
"And itâs the best gift ever, better than anyone elseâs, and youâll definitely love it the most when you see it!"
"Really?" the old man laughed joyfully, quite intrigued, "I am all the more curious now. What gift did you prepare for me?"
While others heard Shangguan Hongâs words, they paid no heed.
Just a brat, what could he possibly produce worth mentioning? As for saying his gift outshines everyoneâs, how possible is that?
Could it really outdo the "Autumn Leaf Cordyceps?"
But being liked the most certainly is: the old manâs favorite is you!
No matter what gift, even if cheap, it would still be most favored!
At this moment, Shangguan Hongâs parents, Shangguan Xiong and the graceful lady, also doubted the brat could produce anything notable.
However, when Shangguan Hong took out the wooden box, the old man rubbed his eyes, Shangguan Xiong was slightly surprised, while Shangguan Yin and Shangguan Hao felt a jolt inside. Could it be their elder brother prepared a counter move?
"This wooden box isnât simple, at first glance it appears to be a rare antique, far outclassing Shangguan Nishangâs wooden box!"
Shangguan Nishang looked at Lin Xi with a questioning glance, but Lin Xi simply smiled without explaining.
Then, a brat known for having no sense of importance, Shangguan Hong became cautiously meticulous as he slowly opened the wooden box.
Upon complete opening, a jade-like porcelain cup emerged adorned with lifelike twelve zodiac animals; the old manâs smile froze for a moment, then turned to a very surprised expression. Looking at Shangguan Hong, he couldnât help but ask,
"Xiaohong, is this truly what you went out to buy tonight?"
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