Meanwhile, Qin Dingshan from the Qin Family arrived with Qin Han, Qin Fang, and his sister Qin Jia, seemingly having forgotten everything about the Xuandu Jade Stone Conference that had taken place just over a month ago, as if nothing had happened at all.
The arrival of these two families caused everyone to detect the scent of juicy gossip.
"Patriarch Qin, Patriarch Guh! It’s been a while, I hope you are both well!" Old Master An greeted them with a hearty laugh, displaying warmth in every gesture as if there were no barriers between them.
However, from Old Master An’s form of address, everyone could discern some subtleties. He referred to Old Master Gu directly as ’Old Gu.’ And for the less well-acquainted Duan Yuntian and Old Master Bai, he affectionately called them ’Old Duan, Old Bai.’ Only when facing Qin Dingshan and Guh Tian did Old Master An use the more distant ’Patriarch Qin, Patriarch Guh.’"
The closeness or distance between them was clear at a glance.
Old fogies like Qin Dingshan and Guh Tian naturally picked up on the coolness in Old Master An’s words, and no matter what they were thinking, they did not show it on their faces, still warmly shaking hands with Old Master An.
"Old Commander, it’s been too long. I hope you are well!" Qin Dingshan said with a smile. While Guh Tian might address An Muyun as ’Family Head An’ or ’Elder An,’ for Qin Dingshan, who came from the weakest of the five major families with the shallowest foundations, he had to lower himself a notch and call An Muyun ’Old Commander.’ This treatment rankled Qin Dingshan deeply, and he saw it as a humiliation.
While the old strategists exchanged pleasantries, Qin Fang and Qin Jia silently retreated to the side.
"Sister, have some fruit!" Qin Fang, with a plate of dragon fruit in hand, passed it to Qin Jia with a sly look and an ambiguous gaze.
Qin Jia took the plate without a word, her quiet face downcast, her thoughts a mystery.
Qin Fang looked at Qin Jia with her expressionless face and let out a cold laugh. She was just a piece of trash he had tossed aside; what right did she have to act so aloof?
The thought brought an image of An Yiqing’s graceful figure and stunningly beautiful face to Qin Fang’s mind, stirring his blood and turning his expression somewhat lecherous.
Seeing Qin Fang’s repulsive expression, Qin Jia felt disgust in her heart but showed no joy or sorrow on her face. She lowered her head and dropped her eyes, a hint of viciousness flashing through them. This man had ruined her life, and she would never let him off easy!
After a round of pleasantries, the grand banquet celebrating the Daughter of the An Family’s return officially began!
In a scene of dazzling lights, clinking glasses, and elegant attire, among white lilies and enchanting blue enchantress, there was an unmistakable air of opulence and beauty!
The well-known presenter in a bright gray suit walked onto the stage with a smile, his voice deep and pleasant, "Thank you, distinguished guests, for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend the An Family’s Daughter’s return banquet! Today is an exciting day! The An Family’s beloved daughter, who disappeared nineteen years ago, has finally returned! Now, please welcome Old Master An, Elder An Muyun, to the stage to give a speech!"
Amidst thunderous applause, Old Master An walked confidently onto the stage, his spirits high and smile beaming. From his demeanor, it was clear how happy he was, with his entire being radiating joy.
Old Master An stood in front of the microphone, gestured with his hand to quiet the crowd, and the hall instantly fell silent.
"Thank you all for attending my granddaughter’s return banquet. On behalf of the An Family, I’d like to express our gratitude to everyone here!" Old Master An paused, and after the applause died down, he continued, "My granddaughter has been away from us for nineteen years, enduring many hardships. Fortunately, she encountered a good mentor who has taught her skills for over a decade, treating her as his own!"