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Chapter 719 The Emperor Arrives
11:35 am.

The first floor features a magnificent hotel lobby.

As Peng Xiaomeng walked, she kept whispering, "Let me make this clear first, today is Zhao Peng and Jiajia's engagement banquet. We're here to offer our congratulations, so don't talk about our family's petty matters, understand?"

"I know! Can you just shut up for a bit!" Lin Muchuan said through gritted teeth, suppressing his anger.

Peng Xiaomeng glared at him fiercely and then stopped talking.

She is also a person who cares about her reputation and doesn't want to argue in such a place and lose face for her family.

The two walked one after the other across the gleaming marble floor and arrived at the drop-off area outside the hotel's main entrance.

Peng Xiaomeng stood on the steps, straightened her new coat that she had bought especially for today, and assumed a proper posture while waiting quietly.

In December, the sun shines brightly in Chang'an, but it's not very warm.

A cold wind swept along the wide street, making the flags under the porch flutter in the wind.

Inside and outside the revolving door, people come and go, with well-dressed guests and hotel staff in smart uniforms mingling and passing by.

Luxury cars would occasionally drive in slowly, stop by the red carpet, and elegant men and women would step out.

With each car that arrived, Lin Muchuan's heart would skip a beat, and then, after seeing who was inside, he would lower his eyes in disappointment.

Just then, a small commotion suddenly broke out at the entrance to the lobby, which had been calm and orderly.

The hotel's lobby manager, concierge supervisor, and several men in black suits who appeared to be security personnel all quickly walked out from inside.

They stood solemnly in line at the entrance, as if waiting for a very important guest.

Lin Muchuan and Peng Xiaomeng exchanged a glance, both seeing confusion in each other's eyes.

Immediately afterwards, in the VIP passageway in front of the hotel.

A convoy of black Hongqi H9s and Toyota Coasters, guided by security personnel, slowly drove up and came to a steady stop at the main entrance of the hotel lobby.

Lin Muchuan and Peng Xiaomeng both subconsciously took a few steps back, making room for each other.

Even the most clueless among them knew that a truly important person had arrived.

The doors of the Coaster slowly opened.

The lobby manager immediately bowed and stepped forward.

Two figures wearing executive jackets walked down first.

They didn't leave immediately, but turned to face the car door, bowed slightly, made a "please" gesture, and said clearly:

"Mr. Lin, this way please."

Lin Muchuan and Peng Xiaomeng both held their breath and craned their necks in curiosity.

The next second, a tall and sexy figure gracefully stepped out of the car.

The moment she looked up and cast her gaze into the hotel lobby.

The sunlight fell perfectly on her face.

On that exquisitely beautiful, yet fiercely aggressive face, hung a polite and aloof smile befitting a person in a superior position.

Her powerful confidence, coupled with the crowd surrounding her and the hotel executives' welcoming manner, created a noble yet imposing aura.

The moment she appeared, she became the absolute center of everyone's attention.

Lin Muchuan and Peng Xiaomeng's breathing suddenly stopped at that moment.

Peng Xiaomeng's expression changed from curiosity to astonishment, blankness, and finally complete disbelief.

When she and Lin Muchuan first started dating, Lin Muxue hadn't graduated yet, and she had met this extremely beautiful future sister-in-law.

But back then, although Lin Muxue was beautiful, her eyes still held a hint of naivety and awkwardness, far from being as outstanding and aristocratic as she is now.

The scene before my eyes...

It felt like watching a live financial news broadcast; it was so unreal.

Immediately afterwards, figures stepped off several Hongqi H9s and Coaster vans behind her.

Hotel staff quickly stepped forward and unloaded several expensive-looking suitcases from the trunk.

Lin Muxue's gaze finally passed over the crowd and landed on the two people who had been frozen on the steps.

Her expression remained unchanged, still calm and composed.

She strode over here, her long legs clattering in high heels.

"Da da da……"

The crisp sound of footsteps, each one seemed to tread on the very hearts of Lin Muchuan and Peng Xiaomeng.

As she walked, her large entourage followed her closer.

“Mu... Mu Chuan…” Peng Xiaomeng’s voice trembled as she grabbed her husband’s arm in disbelief, as if seeking a sliver of reality from him. “That…that’s Xiao Xue?!”

Lin Muchuan seemed to be startled awake by those words, staggering forward two steps, "Xiao...Xiaoxue...?"

His voice was very soft and barely audible. In front of his radiant sister, he felt he didn't even have the courage to speak loudly.

Just then, Lin Muxue stopped in front of them.

Her gaze swept over the two of them, and her bright red lips, painted with bright red nail polish, slowly parted, her voice so calm that it betrayed no emotion: "Brother, sister-in-law, it's been a long time."

It wasn't until that distant yet incredibly clear form of address rang out that Lin Muchuan and Peng Xiaomeng finally snapped out of their daze.

Forced to believe that what they were seeing was not an illusion.

"Xiaoxue, what...what is this...?"

Lin Muchuan stammered, unsure of what to ask.

Lin Muxue simply smiled calmly, without answering his question. Instead, she turned slightly to the side and said, "Secretary Wang, a relative of mine happened to be getting engaged here at noon today, so when we were receiving them, I suggested that we do it here for convenience."

"Understood, understood!" Secretary Wang nodded quickly and said respectfully, "The leader specifically instructed us beforehand that President Lin is going back to his hometown to visit relatives, and asked us to make sure everything is arranged properly."

I overheard their familiar yet power-laden conversation.

Lin Muchuan and Peng Xiaomeng felt a buzzing sound in their heads, as if they had been hit hard by a heavy hammer, and they could hardly think straight.

What... what's going on?!

Lin Muxue turned around and took in the expressions on her brother and sister-in-law's faces.

An intense, tingling sensation, like the strongest electric current, shot from the soles of her feet straight to the top of her head.

She could even feel her toes, clad in high heels, excitedly curling, spreading, and curling again inside her stockings…

Awesome! The word "awesome" doesn't even begin to describe it!

However, this is just the appetizer.

Her meticulously planned "glorious return to her hometown" drama has only just begun.

"Let's go in first."

She withdrew her gaze, her tone calm, and took the lead, walking in a grand procession towards the hotel lobby, surrounded by a large group of people.

……

Second floor, Peony Hall banquet hall.

Almost all the guests had arrived, and the festive music and voices mingled together, creating a lively and boisterous atmosphere.

"Hey, why hasn't Xiaoxue come up yet? It's almost 12 o'clock." Aunt Wang Suyun looked at her phone.

"Xiao Chuan went down to meet him; he should be here soon."

Wang Suxia said this, but she was also a little apprehensive inside.

Lin Baoshan was lost in thought, glancing frequently toward the entrance of the banquet hall.

As parents, it's been almost two years since we last saw our daughter. It would be a lie to say we don't miss her.

Moreover, they felt guilty, which made them both uneasy.

Aunt Wang Sumei, adorned with jewels, laughed and said, "Xiaoxue hasn't been home for two years, and she hasn't even greeted her elders. When she comes back later, I'll have to give her a good talking to."

“That’s right.” Someone chimed in, “At the very least, we should call our elders during holidays to say hello, especially with the internet being so convenient these days.”

Soon, a cacophony of voices rose and fell.

A short while later, Zhao Peng and Shi Mengjia came over with wine glasses in their hands.

Jiajia asked with a smile, "What are you talking about? It's so lively!"

"Haha, they're talking about our family's big star, Xiaoxue!" Second Aunt Wang Suyun laughed. "It's been years since we've seen her, so everyone's asking about her recent situation."

Because she loved beauty and dressing up since she was a child, and because she was indeed outstanding in appearance, Xiaoxue was often teased like this by her relatives.

Jiajia covered her mouth and laughed, saying, "I haven't seen her in a long time either. I can't see her on WeChat Moments. I guess she's blocked me."

"Of course, mine was blocked too."

"Me too, she just doesn't want us to see her life."

A few jokes made Lin Baoshan and Wang Suxia even more embarrassed, wanting to explain but unable to speak.

Seeing the puzzled look on her fiancé Zhao Peng's face, Jiajia smiled and explained, "Xiaoxue is my aunt's daughter. She's been working in Yancheng and hasn't been back for almost two years. She specially took a flight back right on time today to attend our engagement banquet. She's really giving me a lot of face."

Zhao Peng gave a perfectly timed smile: "Of course, we're all family. Xiaoxue is so thoughtful, we should toast her properly later."

Aunt Wang Suyun, who was standing nearby, immediately chimed in, "Oh dear, Zhao Peng, you know a lot of people and have many connections. When you have the chance, you must introduce a good match to Xiaoxue! In our whole family, she's the only one who hasn't settled down yet."

"Yes, yes, Xiaoxue is so beautiful, we can't let her be delayed."

Zhao Peng smiled and said politely, "Sure, no problem. I have quite a few single friends here, from the business world, finance, and IT."

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps approached.

Zhao Peng's mother hurried over, her face filled with barely concealed excitement and nervousness: "Xiao Peng, quick, don't stay here!"

"What's wrong, Mom?"

"Hurry to the door! Mayor Li and provincial leaders are outside welcoming distinguished guests! Your dad wants you to go there quickly and try to make an appearance in front of the leaders!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Peng's expression instantly tightened. He didn't bother with pleasantries with his relatives, simply responded, and immediately turned and rushed over.

As soon as he left, the relatives fell silent.

Provincial department leaders? Mayor Li?

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, their expressions filled with surprise.

They were all stunned by this sudden news.

Soon, more news came from the man's guests.

This elicited a series of suppressed gasps.

It turned out that the hall next to them had been temporarily partitioned into private rooms, where several officials from the provincial and municipal governments were receiving distinguished guests.

Director Feng, who only appeared briefly earlier, was a member of the reception team.

The crowd could no longer sit still and curiously looked towards the open door of the banquet hall.

They saw Zhao Changhong and his wife with Zhao Peng standing by the registration desk outside, looking respectfully toward the elevator entrance.

The area over there is already packed with people—

Hotel executives, security personnel, and several uniformed, solemn-looking officials.

The atmosphere in the corridor suddenly became heavy, and even the air seemed to be pressed tight.

"Even the vice mayor came in person?"

"My God, who exactly is that person next door?"

Whispers rose and fell, everyone was excited and apprehensive.

Just then, one of Zhao Peng's guests hurriedly walked in and gestured for silence to be heard in the hall.

With a serious expression, he said, "Everyone, be quiet! Don't make a sound! The leaders are all outside!" This reminder was like a bucket of cold water being poured on him, and the entire room instantly fell silent.

Aunt Wang Sumei chuckled dryly and awkwardly echoed, "Yes, yes, everyone, keep your voices down, keep your voices down."

But she couldn't quite maintain that air of aloofness in her smile.

The relatives at the table looked at each other, their expressions revealing a hint of unease.

These relatives, who came from Zhou County and the town, were used to lively gatherings, but when faced with a scene where "city leaders and distinguished guests from the provincial department" were present, they inevitably felt a little awkward.

Some people subconsciously lowered their voices, some quickly put down their glasses, and even the sound of children crying was covered by parents.

The once bustling Peony Hall seemed to have been suddenly muted.

A silence imbued with awe and tension quickly spread.

at this time.

Wang Suxia's grandson suddenly woke up.

A loud cry shattered the silence.

The childish and abrupt cry echoed in the hall, particularly jarring.

Wang Suxia tried frantically to soothe him, but nothing she did could calm him down.

All eyes turned to her, and her face flushed red with embarrassment, so much so that she almost wanted to crawl under the table.

"He's probably hungry," she stammered as she explained. "His mother went downstairs and will be back soon."

No one responded, except for a few relatives who whispered a "shh" to signal for quiet.

Wang Suxia was both anxious and embarrassed. In desperation, she could only put her little finger into her grandson's mouth to barely stop the crying.

at the same time.

Outer hall.

"Ding--"

The private elevator doors at the end of the corridor slowly slid open to both sides.

The relatives inside the Peony Hall almost instinctively held their breath, craned their necks, and peered through the crowd in that direction.

Brilliant lights poured out from inside the elevator.

A bright path of light is laid out on the polished marble floor.

Immediately afterwards, a group of figures walked out of the light screen with unhurried steps.

The person in the lead was a young woman dressed in a pure white haute couture suit.

The clean lines of the cut accentuated her tall and elegant figure.

The Vacheron Constantin watch on her wrist, inlaid with tiny diamonds, gleamed with a cool light under the lamp.

Her honey-colored long hair was meticulously styled into a bun, revealing her smooth forehead and slender swan neck.

She didn't look around, but kept her eyes straight ahead, nodding slightly to Mayor Li, provincial leaders, and others who came to greet her, exchanging polite greetings.

The polite and gentle smile on his face, intertwined with the calm and authoritative sense of authority deep in his eyes, created a powerful aura belonging to the top elites.

Behind her followed a team of six.

They were all dressed in suits and had an extraordinary air about them; among them were two blond, blue-eyed foreigners.

They carried briefcases, their gazes calm and solemn, quietly following behind her, creating an aura of pressure.

Meanwhile, Director Feng, who had caught everyone's eye in the Peony Hall, was now walking respectfully behind her, a "hehe" smile plastered on his face, his attitude almost obsequious.

Soon, the group of them slowly walked towards them from the outer hall.

The footsteps approached from afar, steady and restrained.

however--

Everyone, from Jiajia at the registration desk at the entrance to her mother's relatives in the Peony Hall, was stunned.

My heart clenched painfully.

I almost forgot to breathe.

A moment later, a series of low gasps of surprise erupted:

"Xiaoxue?!"

"That's... Su Xia's second daughter?!"

"W-What's going on?!"

Wang Suxia and Lin Baoshan suddenly stood up, their eyes fixed on the woman who was surrounded by everyone like a star.

My mind goes blank.

Light Snow...

Wang Suxia even forgot about the grandson in her arms.

She was jolted back to her senses by the sudden, abrupt cry of a baby piercing the air, and froze in place.

The sound of weeping echoed in the silent banquet hall.

Lin Muxue's tall and aloof figure appeared just outside the Peony Hall. When she looked up, her eyes briefly met her mother's.

Time seemed to freeze.

Her red lips pursed slightly, and her chest rose and fell gently.

He then turned to the side and whispered a few words to Mayor Li beside him.

Then, she calmly turned her head, her gaze gently sweeping over Jiajia's direction, a smile on her lips, and nodded slightly: "Jiajia, congratulations on your engagement."

"Thank you, thank you..." Jiajia quickly said.

Everyone held their breath.

Lin Muxue walked calmly into the hall.

The pristine white suit almost gleamed coldly under the lights.

The atmosphere of "everyone making way and lights following" made the air seem to freeze.

In the banquet hall, it seemed as if she was the only one left walking alone amidst the interplay of light and shadow.

Her gaze was calm, and her expression was composed.

All the lights, breaths, and gazes were focused on her.

The sobbing of Dudu in Wang Suxia's arms grew clearer and clearer.

The relatives were at a loss for what to do.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Lin Muxue walked through the tables and headed towards the familiar yet unfamiliar relatives' table in the corner.

"Xiaoxue..." In the crowd, her cousin Wang Xiangtong greeted her timidly, her voice filled with restraint and trepidation.

Lin Muxue nodded slightly and replied, "Sister Xiang Tong."

Then, her gaze calmly swept over the familiar faces around her, which now seemed somewhat unfamiliar.

"Auntie, Second Auntie, Uncle..."

All the relatives around her stared at her in astonishment, responding blankly, but not knowing what to say.

Bathed in light and shadow, the snowflakes before my eyes appeared both unfamiliar and dazzling.

Her steps finally stopped in front of her parents.

His gaze swept across his father Lin Baoshan's anxious face, finally settling on the crying baby in his mother Wang Suxia's arms.

His expression suddenly softened, and the corners of his lips curved slightly.

She reached out and gently touched the child's cheek with her fingertips, saying softly, "Dudu, don't cry...be good, Auntie's back."

Dudu was still crying, looking at her curiously with her big, watery eyes.

Just then, Peng Xiaomeng rushed out, took the baby from her mother-in-law's arms, and skillfully patted and soothed him, "Oh dear, I'm so sorry, the baby is probably hungry, a little milk will do..."

The crying gradually subsided, and the banquet hall fell into an eerie silence once more.

Lin Muxue raised her head and glanced at her helpless mother and the surrounding gazes that were filled with awe, blankness, or inquiry.

His chest rose and fell slightly.

The pent-up frustration that had been building up in his heart for years, the unspeakable resentment, was finally released at this moment.

This feeling is more intense, more lasting, and more irresistible than buying a limited-edition Birkin bag, getting a thousand likes on social media, or any material satisfaction.

The mother, Wang Suxia, opened her mouth, her voice dry as she managed to squeeze out a few words: "Xiaoxue... what's wrong with you..."

Lin Muxue took a light breath, her tone calm and composed: "I was invited by the provincial government to represent the company in Chang'an to conduct a special inspection of the 'Western Photovoltaic New Energy Industry Cluster' project. The welcome luncheon's private room is arranged next door. Coincidentally, this is Jiajia's engagement banquet, so it's convenient for me to come and attend."

Her voice was soft, as if she were stating a perfectly ordinary work arrangement.

However, the phrases "invitation from the provincial government," "industrial cluster," and "special inspection" contained in these few sentences...

Each word was like a bomb, shaking everyone to their core.

After a moment of silence, a series of suppressed gasps filled the air.

Some people's mouths were slightly open, and they couldn't close them for a long time.

In their memory, the second daughter of the Lin family was a drifter, a college graduate, a model, beautiful but not quite "proper," and even someone who needed their "help"...

How come you've changed so much in just two years?
While everyone was still in shock and silence.

A strong, resonant voice, tinged with a gentle smile, came from outside the crowd: "Hehe, Mr. Lin, these two must be your parents, right? It's a pleasure to meet you!"

The crowd quickly made way.

Mayor Li walked in slowly, accompanied by his secretary. His gaze turned to a warm smile when he met Lin Muxue's eyes.

After a brief nod of greeting, he naturally turned to the stunned Wang Suxia and her husband and extended his hand.

"It is a great honor for our city that Rongliu Capital is here to invest and conduct research in Chang'an. We thank both of you for cultivating such outstanding talents for Chang'an."

Wang Suxia stood frozen in place, almost too afraid to reach out.

Lin Baoshan reacted a beat too slowly, hurriedly stepping forward to take the outstretched hand, his dark face flushed red: "Mayor Li... how could I possibly accept this..."

In their entire lives, they've barely spoken a few serious words to even the town mayor.

At this moment, he was actually being tightly held by a genuine deputy mayor, who praised him repeatedly.

Overwhelmed by a tremendous sense of glory and unreality, they almost lost their footing.

Mayor Li smiled and patted Lin Baoshan's hand, saying in a friendly tone, "You deserve it."

The entire Peony Hall was completely silent.

All the relatives, including Zhao Peng's relatives and friends at the main table, stood nervously, watching this unbelievable scene unfold before them.

Mayor Li turned to Lin Muxue at the opportune moment, his tone friendly yet tactful: "President Lin, the comrades from the Provincial Department and the Municipal Bureau are waiting next door, you see..."

"Work is important, let's go straight there." Lin Muxue smiled and nodded, then looked at her parents.

She pursed her red lips slightly, her chest heaving almost imperceptibly. "I'll go take care of some official business first, and I'll be back later."

"Okay, okay! The important thing is to get down to business!" Mother Wang Suxia nodded quickly.

The father, Lin Baoshan, responded with "uh-huh."

Lin Muxue stopped and straightened her slender back again.

Amidst a complex mix of awe, fear, and admiration in the gazes of many, I walked calmly alongside Mayor Li out of the Peony Hall.

She left behind a noble and elegant white silhouette that everyone could only dream of.

(End of this chapter)