"But they really do look alike; even the little curves of their smiles are identical."
All eyes were analyzing the curves of Chu Yan’s smile when suddenly, Secretary Li swiftly strode onto the stage and whispered something into Qin Han’s ear.
Qin Han was taken aback. "What? They’re at Zhenyuan?"
Shen Wanqing, ever so understanding, asked, "Uncle Qin, what’s wrong?"
Qin Han forced a smile. "It’s nothing. You continue cutting the cake."
As he spoke, he set down the cake knife and went to a quieter spot with Secretary Li to talk privately. Qin Han’s expression was unprecedentedly grave. "The Mayor is here too? Is this information reliable?"
Secretary Li lowered his voice. "Absolutely reliable! Besides, all the guests we invited are waiting over in the west wing’s private rooms, lined up like schoolchildren. This news can’t be wrong. I’m on good terms with the Mayor’s secretary-general; I asked around and found out they’re important figures from Beicheng. Mr. Qin, what do you think? Should we also go queue up to meet them? We absolutely cannot fall behind in such matters."
Qin Han stared at his trusted aide. Secretary Li nodded emphatically. "Mr. Qin, don’t hesitate. Opportunity is fleeting."
So, Qin Han called Qin Siyuan over to discuss. "We can’t leave this place unattended, Siyuan," Qin Han said. "You hold the fort here while I go check the situation over there. For the Mayor to come personally, it means this isn’t just about Mr. He and Chu Ci."
Then, he changed his mind. "Siyuan, you’d better come with me. Here... your Aunt can manage. She can handle this kind of occasion."
They then called Wang Keru over and explained the situation to her.
By this point, Wang Keru had already learned that Chu Ci was celebrating Gu Anxi’s birthday. She also knew that Mr. He, whom the Qin family was eager to connect with, was also there for Gu Anxi’s birthday. Her heart was already a maelstrom of emotions, and she couldn’t help but say, "I should go too. I’m Anxi’s mother, and today is her birthday. At the very least, I should wish her a happy birthday. Si Lan can hold the fort here."
Qin Han considered it. That made sense. He then said to Qin Siyuan, "Your aunt going might indeed be useful. It’s settled then."
From out of nowhere, Old Mr. Qin appeared. He smiled warmly at Wang Keru and said, "When you see young Anxi later, tell her I miss her terribly. That child living in the hospital all the time, it’s just not right! Tell her to come home quickly, to her old room. Wasn’t she living there perfectly fine? Why would she suddenly move out unless she was unhappy or uncomfortable? Qin Han, Siyuan, and you, Keru and Si Lan, all of you need to reflect carefully: have you treated young Anxi poorly and made her unhappy? Hurry and renovate her room. Spare no expense! We must make Anxi happy; today is her birthday, after all, so she must be happy. As for other people or matters, they aren’t as important. There are priorities in everything. Qin Han, you need to handle this with discretion, keeping in mind who is family and who is not."
This whole speech was like turning the world upside down!
The meaning behind his words was clear to anyone with understanding. Moreover, Old Mr. Qin hadn’t lowered his voice at all; even Shen Wanqing heard everything, and tears welled up in her eyes.
It wasn’t just her; Wang Keru was also in tears—tears of joy.
Finally, her perseverance had paid off!
Who would have thought Anxi had such an ability to make Old Mr. Qin see her in a new light! This kind of treatment was worlds apart from what Shen Wanqing was enjoying tonight. It meant Qin Han was now expected to curry favor with Anxi, and by extension, her status as Anxi’s mother would also be elevated.
As the Qin father and son, along with Wang Keru, departed, Qin Siling actually went over to console Shen Wanqing. "Wanqing," she said quietly, "this is just a temporary measure. I know the old man’s temperament best. He’ll look upon Gu Anxi favorably as long as she’s useful. The moment he finds she has no value, he’ll kick her to the curb. With your current relationship with Siyuan, what do you have to fear?"