Chapter 377: Extra (1)

「Eight years later.」

Despite the biting winter wind, the garden was a flurry of activity, buzzing with voices. The lively atmosphere had persisted since morning.

In the master bedroom of the main house, a middle-aged Li Xiu held a Mutton Fat Jade hairpin, trying it out at different angles in the mirror. Seated gracefully at the vanity, Zhou Lian smiled as she watched the reflection of the man, his expression as gentle as flowing water.

"Bao’er, when it’s time for toasts later, just go through the motions. Don’t actually drink, okay?" His voice, as always, was laced with a honeyed sweetness that was almost cloying.

Gazing at Li Xiu with a world of affection, Zhou Lian smiled gently. "I’m afraid faking it won’t be an option today. It’s Nuonuo’s coming-of-age ceremony, Jin Chen. Do you really think any of them will let me off the hook?"

"You’re right. Even though you insisted on keeping it from becoming a huge affair, more than half of the Capital City’s social circle has shown up. Even *those* few are here. Tonight is going to be tough to manage!" Li Xiu said, grinding his teeth slightly.

Never mind the others. Just having Ping’an, Wang Song, Sun Chengdong, Wang Dongfang, Wei Guo, and Liu Qiang... once that gang of rascals gets together, there’s bound to be trouble. And since it’s Nuonuo’s coming-of-age ceremony today, he can’t lose his temper with them. He feared they would raise an incredible ruckus!

Zhou Lian chuckled, gently placating him. "They’ll probably only target you. I’m sure they wouldn’t dare be so brazen with me!"

"What about Zhang Hongying and Liu Shengnan? Don’t think for a second I don’t know the trouble those women get up to in private!" After a moment’s thought, Li Xiu brought them up, once again grinding his teeth. "Usually, they wouldn’t dare, or they’d be too embarrassed, but I can’t make any guarantees about today."

"Jin Chen, you’re overthinking it. We’re all middle-aged now; how could they possibly act the same as before? They won’t be that reckless," Zhou Lian said, gently soothing the worked-up Li Xiu.

’Who could they possibly blame but him?’ she thought with a silent laugh. ’It’s all because he, Li Jincheng, has always pushed them to their absolute limits. Now that they finally have an opportunity like this, they’d have to be ghosts to let it pass! Besides, every single one of them is a bona fide genius!’

Over the years, the people around them had flourished. Of the three youngest in the Li family, two had gone on to Beijing University and one to the Foreign Affairs University. Of the three older ones, Li Cui was teaching at a top high school in the Capital City, Li Guo had joined a national research institute, and Li He had gone into business, helping Zhou Lian run the entire company, much to her delight!

The Li family elders were all in good health, especially Grandma Li. Perhaps she’d found peace, or perhaps she’d discovered a new lease on life, but she seemed to be growing younger with each passing year. She was now so hale and hearty that she didn’t look at all like a woman approaching her hundredth birthday. With sharp ears and clear eyes, she would stroll all over the neighborhood with her cane!

The Zhou family was also doing wonderfully. Perhaps inspired by the example set by Zhou Huaitai and Zhang Yizhen, many from the younger generation had become successful in their own right. The Zhou siblings were all living prosperous, smooth-sailing lives. Mr. and Mrs. Zhou were also in excellent health and had stayed in the Capital City, unable to bear leaving Nuonuo and Yanyan, who were the apples of their eye!

Their friends were all settling down, getting married, and raising children, each living a good life. Ping’an had just been transferred back to the Capital City last year to serve as a department head. Based on his track record, he should have been promoted higher, but Li Xiu and Elder Ping had worked together to suppress it. After all, Ping’an wasn’t even forty yet. While his accomplishments were more than sufficient, his youth was an undeniable factor. Whether by convention or by rule, it was not the right time for him to have such a meteoric rise.

Compared to his previous life, Elder Ping’s health was like night and day. The doctor Li Xiu had recommended was truly a master of his craft. Although Elder Ping had retired, he was in robust health and full of vigor, meaning his influence was far, far greater than it had been in his last life!

"Hmph. Them? Except for when it comes to truly important matters, I’ve never seen them act reliably. It used to be fine, but these past few years, every single one of them has been ridiculously busy, yet they still find time to come over to our place and cause a scene. Do they have any shame? Do they even remember how old they are?" Li Xiu retorted sarcastically.

Zhou Lian gave Li Xiu a look that was hard to put into words. ’Doesn’t this man have any idea why they’re so busy?’ she mused. ’He just thinks of something, turns it into a project, and dumps it on someone else. And that’s it. There’s no follow-up. Li Xiu just tosses the plan aside and pays no mind to the utter chaos it creates.’

’They can’t beat him in a fight, and they can’t outsmart him in a scheme. So, after that bunch finishes the work he’s given them, they’re left with a bellyful of frustration they can’t vent. In front of Li Xiu, they can only continue to play the coward. Their only recourse is to come to the courtyard and, in front of their honorary parents, Mr. and Mrs. Zhou, and Grandma Li, act all pitiful and wronged just to get the elders to scold Li Xiu a little and give them some vicarious satisfaction. The most they ever do is use an elder’s birthday or a holiday as an excuse to gather and try to drink Li Xiu under the table. That has become their favorite pastime over the years!’

Li Xiu helped Zhou Lian style her hair, then brought out a custom-tailored outfit. Over the years, Zhou Lian had developed a fondness for traditional-style clothing, and this was no exception. It was a modified cheongsam in a soft, pinkish-white, exquisitely embroidered with a scene of misty, sky-blue rain. Paired with a matching set of Mutton Fat Jade jewelry and white high heels, the sight of Zhou Lian standing before the vanity left Li Xiu utterly mesmerized.

One had to admit that time had been exceptionally kind to Zhou Lian and Li Xiu. Despite being in their forties, they both looked as if they had just turned thirty. The years had left no trace on their faces, serving only to deepen their dispositions, making them appear more composed and worldly.

Li Xiu, dressed in a navy blue, frog-buttoned tunic, looked all the more distinguished and refined. Standing beside Zhou Lian, anyone would have praised them as a radiant gentleman and an elegant lady—a truly perfect couple.

Li Xiu draped a long, crimson fox-fur cloak over Zhou Lian’s shoulders and nodded in satisfaction. His Bao’er truly was most dazzling in red. He was right about that. Zhou Lian had a gentle disposition, and light-colored clothes accentuated her refined, almost ethereal beauty. But the moment she donned a vibrant, scarlet garment, her entire aura shifted. She transformed into the most stunning embodiment of worldly grace and splendor.

After checking the time, Li Xiu grabbed his overcoat, put it on, and wrapped an arm around Zhou Lian as they headed out. It was about time. The guests had nearly all arrived. Tonight’s main star was their precious daughter, Li Xianglin. While they, as the parents, weren’t expected to greet guests at the door, they couldn’t make their entrance too late.

Just as they reached the ornamental gate, Li Xiangrui, who was wearing an outfit in the same style as his father’s, came to meet them. Watching his parents approach with such elegance, Li Xiangrui pursed his lips, trying to suppress a smile, and hurried over to them.

"Dad, Mom, Uncle Ping and the others are here. They’ve been looking all over for you!"

Gently taking her son’s hand, Zhou Lian looked at him with gentle concern. "Why did you come out with so few layers on? Aren’t you cold?"

"I’m not cold, Mom. I’m wearing a cashmere sweater and wool trousers underneath! Mom, do I look good? Am I way more handsome than Dad?" Walking hand-in-hand with Zhou Lian, Li Xiangrui gave a shy smile and asked mischievously.

’Everyone says my sister and I inherited our parents’ good looks,’ he thought. ’So as the son who got the best features from both of them, I must be more handsome than Dad!’