Chapter 81: A Harsh Welcome

The elderly man sipping tea had a medium build and wore a simple traditional suit. His face was thin, but his eyes were bright and penetrating. Hearing the young man’s complaint, he smiled gently and said, “Please, distinguished guests, don’t be impatient. The guest we’re waiting for is rather special—even I wouldn’t dare offend them lightly. I ask for your understanding.”

“How is that possible? Old Qing, you’re one of the family’s external stewards—who would dare disrespect you?” The slick-haired young man sounded incredulous. He knew a little about this Old Qing: one of the four chief external managers of the Song family, a man of high authority, overseeing assets worth at least several billion, and a direct subordinate of the second young master. Yet there was someone even Old Qing didn’t dare offend? If that person really had such powerful connections, wouldn’t they be staying directly in Huishi Garden already?

“It’s a long story. Suffice it to say, this guest’s connections are unusual. Please be patient a while longer,” Old Qing replied.

Since Old Qing had spoken, the others could only hold their tongues and wait. Another half hour slipped by. They drank so much tea it felt as if their lungs might float away, yet still, the guest did not appear.

The one sent to hurry things along returned to report that the guest was still eating breakfast.

The crowd nearly exploded with indignation.

Old Qing, expression unreadable, glanced at the representatives of the five great families and saw they were on the verge of boiling over. He sighed. “Although this special guest is important, we mustn’t neglect you, our equally honored guests. Let’s leave now. Of course, once we return, the chief steward will surely scold me. I hope you’ll speak a few words in my defense.”

“It’s that person who is rude, not you, Old Qing!”

“The Meng family will certainly speak up for you.”

“The Pang family stands with Old Qing.”

“We’ll tell the chief steward the truth!”

The five families were eager to voice their support, each person indignant. Old Qing’s heart flashed with derision, though he wore an expression of gratitude. “As expected, you are all scions of great houses. Song Qing thanks you for your understanding and sense of justice!”

“Not at all,” everyone replied politely. They rose and left the room together, heading toward the hotel entrance, where the Song family’s motorcade had been waiting for some time.

But as they passed through the lobby, the elevator doors slid open. Out stepped a man and woman, with a little girl and a dog—an ordinary-looking family. Old Qing’s face shifted slightly. He turned to the five families and said, “Please board the cars; I’ll go greet our special guest,” then headed toward Jiang An and his family, intent on preventing any direct contact between them and the others.

As Jiang An stepped from the elevator, he saw a group by the entrance glaring at him furiously, muttering curses as they left. Then an elderly man approached, neither humble nor arrogant. “Miss, Mr. Jiang, I am a servant of the Song family. You may call me Song Qing, or Old Qing.”

Heh, was this how a servant addressed the young miss and her husband?

Jiang An didn’t bother to wonder if this attitude came from the Song family as a whole or some individual—either way, it made no difference to him. He certainly wouldn’t offer any warmth. He replied blandly, “Oh, Song Qing. Lead the way, then.”

“Of course, this way please.” Song Qing nodded, but as he turned away, his expression darkened. He’d only called himself a servant out of courtesy, yet this Jiang An had actually addressed him by name. Outside, anyone seeing him would respectfully call him Old Qing. Only this youngster was so ignorant of etiquette—did he really think himself the family’s son-in-law already?

Jiang An, perceptive as ever, sensed something was off, but he felt no fear. In fact, he was rather curious to see what tricks these family intrigues might produce. He hoped they wouldn’t disappoint him.

...

Huishi Garden was the Song clan’s ancestral estate, located in a prime spot on the outskirts of Beijing. Spanning hundreds of acres, it was practically a small fiefdom, dotted with structures large and small, encompassing mountains and rivers alike. Even in the heart of winter, the scenery was breathtaking.

For the sixty-fifth birthday celebration of Song Han, the family patriarch, only those of noble lineage or billionaires were invited. The main banquet would be held on January 5th; today was the 3rd. Most guests would stay in the Garden until the festivities began. The most distinguished guests had already checked in—those from the five great clans, for instance. But the truly eminent would not stay here, only appearing on the day itself: the other three great families on the Song family’s level, and, of course, representatives from the central authorities.

With such a vast estate, Huishi Garden was fully equipped, more than able to accommodate several hundred Song family members along with hundreds of guests. Every night, the place was ablaze with light, social gatherings running until dawn. The so-called upper crust mingled, each seeking to expand their network and further their interests.

Another convoy of luxury cars rolled up to the sun-drenched, gilded gate. Guests stepped out.

Jiang An’s car was last in line. As soon as it stopped, a well-trained attendant opened the door. Jiang An climbed out, carrying Xixi in his arms. Looking up, he saw a lovely young girl dash over, throwing her arms around Song Wanshuang, her face blooming like a lotus.

“Second Sister, you’re finally here! I missed you so much. Third Brother really went too far—treating you as just an ordinary guest, even though you’re family. It makes me furious!”

For once, Song Wanshuang allowed herself a slight smile in front of outsiders. She patted the girl’s back, then introduced Jiang An and Xixi.

“Qiu Ke, this is my husband, Jiang An. And this is my daughter, Jiang Xixi. You should know them.”

The girl looked them over, her face bright as a flower. “Hello, Brother-in-law! I’m Qiu Ke. And Xixi, I’m your aunt—would you like me to hold you?”

Jiang An’s first impression of the girl was good. Song Wanshuang had mentioned her before: Song Qiuke, Song Han’s youngest daughter, Wanshuang’s half-sister, not yet twenty, kind-hearted and free from the arrogance of most heiresses, the only one in the Song family truly close to Wanshuang.

“Xixi, this is your aunt. Say hello,” Jiang An said, nodding to Song Qiuke and smiling at his daughter, who was clinging nervously to his neck.

In this completely unfamiliar place, the little one felt out of sorts. She asked, “What’s an aunt?”

“An aunt is your mother’s younger sister. Come, let me hold you,” Song Qiuke replied cheerfully, reaching out her arms.

Seeing her father nod, Xixi obediently let Song Qiuke take her, saying, “Hello, Auntie. I’m Xixi.”

No one could resist such a charming child. Song Qiuke kissed her cheek, delighted. “Xixi is so sweet! Auntie will take you for some treats.”

Xixi felt her warmth and goodwill, and at once beamed, “Yes! I love good food. And so does Little Tiger.”

“Who’s Little Tiger?” Song Qiuke asked, puzzled.

Woof woof!

Just then, the dog by Jiang An’s feet barked, and Song Qiuke noticed the cute little yellow dog for the first time.

“So this is Little Tiger? Is he your pet?”

“Yes, Little Tiger is my best friend.”

The two beauties, one big, one small, chatted away, their affection growing rapidly. Then Song Qiuke remembered her task. “Second Sister, Brother-in-law, come with me—I’ll take you to your quarters. They’re right by my little villa.”

The family followed her to a four-seater electric buggy. With Huishi Garden so vast, it would hardly do for “nobility” to walk.

As they rode along, chatting and laughing, Song Qiuke pointed out the sights. Soon they reached a small river—only to find their way blocked by a “tiger,” who stood waiting, arms crossed and an unfriendly glint in his eyes.

“Well, if it isn’t Sister Qiu Ke. Isn’t it rare to see you so happy? I don’t know who your companions are, but you should know, guests are supposed to stay in Qingfeng Park. Don’t take them wandering everywhere. No matter how big the Song family is, we can’t afford prying eyes. If something valuable were to go missing, how would you answer to the family?”