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Chapter 718 Engagement Banquet

Meanwhile, above the cloudless stratosphere.

The Bombardier Challenger 850 tilted slightly and began its slow descent, breaking through the clouds.

Outside the window, the vast, gray-yellow land of the Guanzhong Plain in winter gradually becomes clear and familiar.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are now beginning our descent..."

The captain's gentle English announcement rang out in the cabin, accompanied by the soft beeping of the seatbelt indicator lights.

The meeting in the cabin office area has ended.

Sitting in her individual airline seat, Lin Muxue gracefully closed her laptop and turned her gaze to the land that had given her birth and nurtured her.

With a slight turbulence, the plane traced a graceful arc on the runway before finally landing smoothly on the airport's dedicated apron.

The hatch opens.

A cold wind, carrying the unique dry and crisp scent of the Guanzhong Plain, swept in.

Lin Muxue did not feel cold at all. Instead, she straightened her slender back and stepped down the stairs amidst the respectful farewells of the flight attendants.

She wasn't wearing a heavy coat, but rather a smart and capable white haute couture suit. Under the harsh winter sun, she looked like a silhouette outlined by the light.

Elegant, confident, and exuding charisma.

On the tarmac, a scene that made her heart race and even her bladder tighten slightly was already on high alert.

A clean and tidy Toyota Coaster minibus was parked quietly, with a striking red banner hanging neatly below the windshield:

A warm welcome to the Rongliu Capital delegation!

On either side of the Coaster, there were two black Hongqi H9 sedans with very neat license plates.

Like a loyal guard, solemn and dignified.

Several government staff members, dressed in dark executive jackets and exuding a capable and composed demeanor, were already waiting by the suspended staircase. Upon seeing her descend, they immediately rushed forward.

The middle-aged man at the head of the group wore a warm and standard smile:

"Mr. Lin, hello. I am Wang Chen, the secretary of Mayor Li. Mayor Li specially sent me to extend his warmest welcome to you and the delegation on his behalf. He will be hosting a banquet at the Shangri-La Hotel to welcome you."

"Mayor Li is too kind." Lin Muxue felt her throat go dry, and an overwhelming feeling of heat and excitement surged up her cheeks. "Please be sure to give my regards to Mayor Li, and thank you for the warm reception from the provincial and municipal governments."

Of course she knew that the "Mayor Li" mentioned by Secretary Wang was none other than Ms. Ouyang Xianyue's relative who held real power and was in charge of economic development and investment promotion.

The deputy mayor of my hometown personally hosted a banquet at the hotel to welcome me, and the provincial government sent people to pick me up at the airport...

This extravagance and high-class style far exceeded her wildest imagination!
The glorious moment that belongs to Empress Mu Xue is finally about to arrive!

(> v <)

After a formal and polite exchange of pleasantries, Lin Muxue boarded the Coaster bus, surrounded by the crowd.

The convoy, escorted by a lead vehicle, smoothly departed the airport and merged into the highway traffic heading into the city.

The atmosphere inside the carriage was harmonious.

Secretary Wang accompanied Lin Muxue, introducing her to Chang'an's recent economic development and investment environment.

Lin Muxue listened attentively, occasionally asking one or two professional and precise questions about the policy details of the photovoltaic industry.

He spoke with elegance and clarity of thought, displaying the demeanor of a top financial elite.

She looked out the window at the familiar yet unfamiliar scenery rushing past.

The excitement in my heart surged like waves, one higher than the next.

During her high school years, when she was short of money, what she looked forward to most was taking a bumpy bus ride with her classmates and friends to the city on weekends to "see the world".

They would go to the People's Theater under the Bell Tower to watch a discounted movie, go to the Muslim Quarter to eat a bowl of steaming hot mutton soup, and go to the small shops on East Street to gaze longingly at those beautiful but expensive clothes...

At that time, Chang'an represented all her youthful fantasies about "prosperity," "fashion," and "distant places."

At this moment, she sits in a car accompanied by a full-time secretary and government officials, re-examining her homeland as a "representative of capital."

What was once an unattainable dream is now a part of her daily life.

"Jingle Bell--"

A cell phone ringing broke the atmosphere in the carriage.

Upon seeing the word "Brother" flashing on the screen, Lin Muxue gave Secretary Wang, who was sitting next to her, an apologetic smile, indicating that she would wait a moment, before swiping to answer the call.

Lin Muchuan's somewhat anxious voice immediately came through the receiver: "Oh my god, I finally got through to you! I sent you WeChat messages for ages and didn't get a reply. I thought something had happened to you on the way! Xiaoxue, we've all arrived at the hotel. What about you? Have you gotten off the plane yet? When will you get there?"

Lin Muxue's tone was calm and even: "Yes, I just got off the plane and am on my way. I'll be there in about half an hour."

"Okay! Let me know when you're almost there."

"it is good."

After hanging up the phone, she opened WeChat.

Sure enough, there were already several unread messages.

Most of the messages were from her brother, who anxiously inquired about her location and even shared the hotel's precise location again.

Besides that, the "We Are a Loving Family" group chat is currently refreshing messages at an unprecedented speed, displaying a "99+" unread notification.

She clicked in.

What came into view was a lively and bustling scene.

Relatives who have already arrived at the hotel are excitedly sharing photos from the scene.

A magnificent lobby with crystal chandeliers, a spiral staircase covered with a red carpet, and an entrance adorned with exquisite guestbook signs…

Each photo conveys a sense of novelty and excitement.

Second Aunt: "Wow! This place is really grand, just like in the movies!"

[Cousin Xiang Tong: "@Jiajia @Zhao Peng, the engagement photos are so beautiful!"]

[Uncle: "@Muchuan, where are you guys? Why haven't you come yet?"]

[Brother: "Hurry, hurry, it's on its way."]

...

Looking at the slightly noisy photos in the group chat due to the low resolution of the phone, and the conversations filled with envy and deliberate flattery.

Lin Muxue took a deep breath, her long legs pressed tightly together beneath her trousers, an uncontrollable shiver running through her body.

Even now, Xiaoxue's greatest hobbies, besides drawing maps with Tang Song, are showing off and slapping people in the face.

And this "stage" spontaneously built by her relatives is the best moment for her to witness!

Just then, my phone vibrated again.

[Cousin Xiang Tong: "@Xiaoxue, have you arrived yet? I haven't heard from you. Are you that busy?"]

[Jiajia: "@Xiaoxue, have you arrived? I heard you came directly from the airport. If you need to store your luggage, I'll let the hotel staff know in advance."]

Lin Muxue chuckled and replied, "I'm already on my way. If there's no traffic, I'll be there in about twenty minutes."

Jiajia: "That's good. The ceremony officially starts at 12 o'clock. No rush, I'll wait for you. We haven't seen each other in a long time, we'll definitely have a good chat then."

Lin Muxue raised her hand and elegantly tucked a strand of hair that had fallen beside her ear behind her ear, then turned her gaze back to the window.

The convoy has entered the city limits.

The iconic ancient city wall of Chang'an is slowly coming into view.

……

11:20 am.

The underground parking lot of the Chang'an Shangri-La Hotel.

Lin Muchuan parked the car in a corner parking space and turned off the engine.

He glanced back at the back row; his mother, Wang Suxia, was holding their sleeping son, while his father, Lin Baoshan, was awkwardly adjusting his collar.

Peng Xiaomeng, in the passenger seat, was touching up her lipstick in front of a small mirror.

"We're here, let's go down."

The family got out of the car, and the cold air in the parking lot made them instinctively tighten their clothes.

Lin Muchuan carried the heavy baby carrier in one hand, held his wife Peng Xiaomeng's hand with the other, and led his parents.

Following the signs, we carefully made our way through the brightly lit underground passage.

Take the magnificent, golden elevator directly to the second floor.

"Ding--"

The elevator doors slid open.

You are greeted by a spacious and magnificent banquet hall and corridor.

The thick wool carpet swallowed all footsteps, and the air was filled with a sophisticated and elegant fragrance.

The crystal chandelier overhead casts a soft glow, and the walls are adorned with modern abstract artworks.

The entire space was extremely quiet, with only the occasional faint static from the staff's walkie-talkies coming from afar.

This sense of sophistication, so different from the hustle and bustle of the city, made the family instinctively slow down and lighten their pace.

Walking along the corridor carpeted in dark red, you'll see the beautifully designed signpost—

[Zhao Peng & Shi Mengjia - Engagement Banquet - Registration Area →]

Next to the sign is the registration desk decorated with a romantic flower arch.

At the registration desk, several well-dressed and distinguished middle-aged men and women stood together, talking in hushed tones.

Their composure and demeanor, accustomed to their high positions, made them instinctively stop in their tracks.

The couple standing in the middle, chatting and laughing with someone, are the groom's parents today.

Lin Muchuan had seen a photo of Zhao Peng's father, Zhao Changhong, on Jiajia's phone. He was a shareholder of that large group and could be considered a very important person.

The people next to them must be their business friends or relatives; they all seem to be people of considerable status.

Then, they saw the two main characters of the day, Shi Mengjia and Zhao Peng, standing at the entrance of the banquet hall with smiles on their faces, welcoming the guests.

Jiajia was wearing a tailor-made red lace dress, with exquisite makeup, and intimately linked arms with her fiancé beside her.

To be able to marry a wealthy second-generation heir like Zhao Peng, Shi Mengjia's looks and figure must be exceptional. In their large family, only Xiaoxue is more outstanding than her.

Zhao Peng has an ordinary appearance, but at this moment he is wearing a smart suit and gold-rimmed glasses, and he looks quite like a promising young man.

Upon seeing this, Peng Xiaomeng's eyes lit up instantly.

She immediately let go of her husband's hand, her face beaming with a warm smile, and hurried forward: "Oh my! Jiajia, congratulations! You look so beautiful today, like a fairy! Standing next to Zhao Peng, you two are truly a perfect couple!"

When Jiajia saw them, she smiled and came forward to greet them: "Auntie, Uncle, Brother, Sister-in-law, you're here! Please come in!"

"Jiajia looks so beautiful today." "Congratulations!"

Lin Muchuan and his parents quickly stepped forward to offer their congratulations.

Zhao Peng's parents merely nodded politely in their direction before continuing their conversation with the other prominent guests around them, showing no enthusiasm whatsoever.

Peng Xiaomeng held Jiajia's hand, her words as sweet as honey, praising her beauty, the elegance of her dress, and the grand scale of the engagement banquet.

As he spoke, he handed over the large red envelope he had prepared.

Lin Muchuan followed beside him, awkwardly smiling as he exchanged a few words with Zhao Peng.

However, he had only met his new "brother-in-law" two or three times and they were not close.

Seeing this, Peng Xiaomeng immediately came over and said to Zhao Peng with a smile, "I heard from Jiajia that you are already a department director in the company, Zhao Peng? You are so young and promising! In the future, our Mu Chuan will have to learn more from you, haha."

A slightly embarrassed smile flashed across Lin Muchuan's face.

Zhao Peng simply smiled politely and adjusted his glasses: "You flatter me, sister-in-law."

Although he was polite on the surface, there was a subtle hint of aloofness in his tone.

Jiajia seemed to sense the subtle tension in the air and casually asked, "By the way, brother, where's Xiaoxue? I thought you guys would come together."

“She came directly from the airport, which is a bit far, but it will be quick and won’t take up much time,” Lin Muchuan quickly replied.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the family tactfully entered the Peony Hall.

The banquet hall was enormous, with more than twenty tables set up, and quite a few people had already arrived.

However, the atmosphere inside the hall was clearly divided.

The side closest to the main stage, with the best seats, was clearly occupied by the groom's relatives, friends, and business partners.

They were all well-dressed and spoke with great eloquence, clearly belonging to a wealthy and powerful social circle.

The woman's relatives were grouped together in an area relatively far back, near the entrance.

The atmosphere was also much simpler, as many relatives had come all the way from their hometown of Zhou County. Their clothing, demeanor, and mannerisms all carried an undeniable rustic charm, which seemed out of place in the luxurious surroundings.

After Lin Muchuan and his family entered, the other relatives who had already arrived quickly surrounded them and greeted them warmly.

"Suxia, Baoshan, you've finally arrived! Let me see your Dudu, oh my, he's so cute."

"Mu Chuan, Xiao Meng."

"Hey? Where's Xiaoxue? I haven't seen her. She hasn't arrived yet!"

"Almost there, it's on its way."

"Xiaoxue is such a busy person. She had to catch a flight back right on time to attend Jiajia's engagement party."

"Of course, I heard they didn't even go home for the New Year."

Wang Suxia and Lin Baoshan both looked a little embarrassed. "Xiaoxue is indeed busy, and her workplace is far away."

"Suxia, if you ask me, you should let Xiaoxue come back and develop her career. What's the point of a girl being alone in another city?"

"Sigh, the kids are all grown up now, they have their own ideas, and we can't control them..."

"Aunt (Wang Suxia), I heard that Xiaoxue is working at a financial company now? What exactly does she do?" Cousin Xiang Tong asked curiously.

Wang Suxia gave a dry laugh: "We don't know the specifics, Xiaoxue didn't say anything."

Aunt Wang Suyun also curiously came over: "How much money does she earn in a month? It must be at least several thousand yuan, right?"

"Auntie, you're so short-sighted!" Cousin Zhaohui boasted, "That's a financial company, they're all in investment, and the average salary is calculated on an annual basis. I heard the top performers earn hundreds of thousands a year!"

"My God! Hundreds of thousands?!" Auntie exclaimed in surprise.

Cousin Xiang Tong curled her lip: "Zhao Hui, you're just talking nonsense. What you're talking about is legitimate investment. Our company has an investment department, and everyone there is a graduate student from a top-tier university. The salary is high, but it's completely different from Xiao Xue's situation."

"Okay, I don't really know much about this either." Zhaohui scratched his head awkwardly.

Wang Suxia and her family could only manage awkward smiles as they listened to their relatives' gossip.

They knew their own family situation. Xiaoxue was only a college graduate, and she studied flight attendant, which had nothing to do with finance.

Peng Xiaomeng's eyes darted around as she hugged Dudu and smiled, trying to smooth things over. "Oh, you guys shouldn't make wild guesses. We can just ask Xiaoxue when she gets here, right? I reckon she'll just be doing some administrative or receptionist job at a company, a stable and peaceful job, which is fine."

Lin Muchuan quickly nudged his wife's arm, signaling her not to talk nonsense.

The others laughed and stopped arguing.

They all knew Lin Muxue's personality; she was someone who cared a lot about her image.

No matter how things are going on outside, at least when you talk about it, it all looks glamorous.

In the past, Wang Suxia often told them that Xiaoxue was doing very well as a print model in Yancheng and earned a lot of money.

Whether it's true or false, who knows?

Just as everyone was discussing this, a sudden commotion arose at the entrance of the banquet hall.

Immediately afterwards, Zhao Peng and his family of three walked in with beaming smiles, exuding an impressive aura.

Leading the way was a middle-aged man wearing a dark gray executive jacket.

He was slightly overweight and his hair was thinning, but he walked steadily and looked calm, exuding an aura of authority without anger.

With a polite smile on his face, his every move exuded the poise and confidence unique to those in a position of authority.

Zhao Peng's father, Zhao Changhong, picked up the microphone, his face beaming, and loudly introduced, "Distinguished guests, dear friends and relatives! It is a great honor for us to have a distinguished guest today—Director Feng from the Municipal High-tech Zone Management Committee! Thank you, Director Feng, for taking time out of your busy schedule to be here and offer your blessings. Let's welcome him with applause!"

As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted.

Many guests stood up and applauded, their faces filled with envy and respect.

Director Feng waved slightly, took the microphone, and said in a gentle but measured tone, "Haha, Mr. Zhao, you're too kind. I just happened to run into you outside, so I came in to share in the joy. I wish the newlyweds a long and happy marriage, and I also wish the Zhao and Shi families a happy union and lasting blessings."

His few words were perfectly measured, striking a balance between the formality of an official congratulatory address and a touch of human warmth.

Applause erupted again, pushing the atmosphere to its peak.

After Director Feng finished speaking, he did not linger. He exchanged a few quiet words with Zhao Changhong and then left surrounded by the crowd.

Even though it was just a brief appearance, it was enough to make all the relatives and friends present gossip.

Zhao Peng's mother was all smiles and came to visit Jiajia's relatives.

He said in a tone that was both proud and humble:

"Oh dear, I'm so sorry to have neglected everyone. Director Feng was just passing by and heard that we were celebrating a happy occasion, so he came in to offer his congratulations. Director Feng is a very powerful leader who oversees several major projects in our city. Many of the business deals of Xiaopeng's father's company require Director Feng's approval! We have to make sure to keep him company!"

Jiajia, holding her future mother-in-law's arm, explained, "Director Feng is the director of the management committee of our city's high-tech zone."

Although the words were spoken lightly, everyone could still sense the weight behind them.

After they finished speaking, they turned around and went to talk to other people.

Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment, their hearts filled with shock and disbelief.

"The deputy director of the High-tech Zone Management Committee, that must be a division-level cadre, right?"

"Yes, I just overheard them discussing that the management committee of the High-tech Zone is concurrently held by our vice mayor."

"Jiajia really found a good family! They've even managed to get involved with a high-ranking official in the city!"

"That's right! Maybe we can count on each other if anything happens in the future."

"Suyun, your Xiaoxue is so beautiful, you should be careful when choosing a partner."

Upon hearing this, Lin Baoshan and Wang Suxia's hearts began to stir.

He began to seriously consider his daughter's future marriage.

After all, Xiaoxue is 24 years old this year.

Peng Xiaomeng nudged her husband's arm under the table and whispered, "Don't just stand there like an idiot! Help pour some wine, offer a cigarette or something, it'll be good to get to know him!"

Lin Muchuan sighed, his face full of resistance: "What am I supposed to do? We don't even know them, it would be so awkward to force myself on them."

"You—sigh!" Peng Xiaomeng glared at him angrily, her chest heaving.

However, she also knew it was true, and she said it purely out of envy and jealousy.

Attending Shi Mengjia's engagement party this time made me feel the glaring class gap even more.

Lin Muchuan sat in the corner, listening to everything silently, his heart filled with mixed feelings.

Just then, his phone vibrated in his pocket.

When I took it out and looked at it, my eyes lit up instantly.

[Xiaoxue: "I've already exited the Second Ring Road elevated highway, and I'll be at the Shangri-La Hotel in a few minutes."]

Lin Muchuan instantly became excited, and the long-suppressed joy dispelled his previous inferiority complex.

He quickly stood up and said to his parents, "Dad, Mom, Xiaomeng, Xiaoxue is almost here! I'll go downstairs to meet her."

Upon hearing this, Wang Suxia and Lin Baoshan immediately got excited and tried to stand up: "Oh! Let's go too! Let's go too!"

As parents, they hadn't seen their daughter for almost two years, and it was impossible for them not to miss her.

Moreover, feeling guilty, he naturally wanted to go down and check on things as soon as possible.

“Hey, Mom and Dad.” Peng Xiaomeng frowned and grabbed Wang Suxia’s shoulder. “You two can stay here and chat with the relatives. Zhao Peng’s parents will definitely come over to toast later. It’s not appropriate for you to leave. Mu Chuan and I will go down and pick them up.”

She knew very well that Wang Suxia and the others were afraid that she would give Lin Muxue money in secret.

Moreover, she had to go there first and "communicate" with her sister-in-law, Lin Muxue, beforehand to prevent her from speaking carelessly.

A hint of hesitation and displeasure flashed across Wang Suxia's face, but Peng Xiaomeng didn't give her a chance to object and directly shoved Dudu into her hands: "Mom, hold Dudu tight. Let's go, Muchuan."

After saying that, she grabbed Lin Muchuan and quickly left the banquet hall.

(End of this chapter)