Xu Ke managed to coax her right before they arrived at the banquet. In truth, Lin Mengyao wasn’t upset at all; she just enjoyed the feeling of being pampered by Xu Ke, as if she held a special place in someone’s heart.
Because they weren’t the main characters of today’s banquet, Xu Ke and Lin Mengyao’s outfits were not particularly striking, just decent. However, good-looking people can make even a burlap bag look stylish, let alone formal attire.
The moment they entered, they attracted a lot of attention. But for the two of them, who were used to such attention, there was nothing special about it. It would only be peculiar if no one noticed them when they appeared.
Feng Aimin was a middle-aged man with a hint of male pattern baldness. He was evidently well-prepared, approaching Xu Ke and Lin Mengyao with ease and without any awkwardness, not mistaking or not recognizing anyone. His appearance was affable, and his humorous and witty words made him likable, allowing him to quickly build rapport with people.
"I didn’t expect the Family Head of the Xu Family to be so young. Remarkably promising at such a young age! When I was your age, I knew nothing. Unbelievable, it seems our era is about to end," Feng Aimin cheerfully said, touching his balding head.
"I assume the lady beside you is your wife. I didn’t expect her to be so young and beautiful. You and Xu look like a perfect couple—truly a match made in heaven," Feng Aimin said, glancing at Lin Mengyao before turning back to continue complimenting Xu Ke.
Nobody dislikes hearing praise. Xu Ke could sense that the other party held no malice towards him, perhaps even some evident goodwill. Though unsure why, after hearing the compliments about himself and his wife, even someone as aloof as Xu Ke couldn’t help but smile slightly and return a few praises.
While Xu Ke was exchanging flattering words with Feng Aimin on one side, on the other, Mrs. Feng was guiding her daughter among the ladies, softly reciting their basic information in her daughter’s ear to prevent any mistakes.
"Don’t blame me for constantly reminding you. Your father just arrived in Shangjing and knows nothing; his position isn’t settled yet. At this moment, we need to keep a low profile. Once things are settled here, it’ll be alright," Mrs. Feng earnestly advised her daughter.
In her life, everything was smooth and favorable. If there was truly something unsatisfactory, it would probably be this daughter. She looked obedient but was actually a little troublemaker, always insisting on getting what she wanted and doing as she pleased. If things didn’t go her way, she’d create chaos, causing constant headaches.
Thinking of her daughter’s temperament, Mrs. Feng quickly added, "This isn’t the place we used to be. Here, under the shadow of the capital, even dislodged tiles might hit someone with influence. If you cause trouble, your dad might not be able to protect you, so you better behave, okay?" Mrs. Feng urged painstakingly.
"Oh my, you’ve been saying this trivial stuff for several days now. Will it ever end? Are you hitting menopause early? If you’ve got nothing to do, go for an ovarian maintenance session. Stop nagging in front of me. I’ve almost memorized everything you’ve said, and I’m tired of hearing it," Miss Feng replied impatiently.
"I’m your mother, how can you speak to me this way? Everything I say is for your own good, yet you respond . Are you trying to make me angry? If I die from anger, no one will take care of you, and then you’ll be happy," Mrs. Feng said, nearly breathless, feeling that her longevity was just her good fortune, as if this daughter was born to be a burden.
Mrs. Feng was exasperated by her daughter, whereas Miss Feng paid no heed to her mother’s anger. In any case, she’d calm down soon; why waste energy soothing her? Miss Feng thought indifferently.
"You must stay by my side tonight, don’t go anywhere. Even if you need to go to the restroom, I must accompany you," Mrs. Feng was utterly vexed by Miss Feng but found herself helpless. She couldn’t bring herself to hit her or scold her effectively, leaving her with no other option but to keep a close watch.
Mrs. Feng sighed, feeling troubled, and unbeknownst to her, wished numerous times for this banquet to end quickly.
Miss Feng didn’t understand her mother’s worries, thinking her constant sighing and complaining was terribly annoying. Yet everything in Shangjing was truly fascinating for Miss Feng. She didn’t know anyone at this banquet, making everything feel so novel and much better than where she’d been before.
While Miss Feng was looking around aimlessly, a figure wholly captured her attention. How could she describe this figure? It was as if this figure’s appearance relegated everything else to the background, making him the unattainable moon, while others weren’t even stars, just roadside lamps—such was the stark contrast.
Miss Feng was entranced by this figure, entirely oblivious to what Mrs. Feng was saying.
Xu Ke was still conversing with Feng Aimin when he felt a piercing gaze fixate on him. Nevertheless, he didn’t care. He received such intense gazes daily, and this one didn’t even pique his interest enough to look back.
"Mom, who is that person?" Miss Feng tugged at Mrs. Feng’s arm, pointing in Xu Ke’s direction as she asked.
Mrs. Feng looked towards where Miss Feng was pointing and carefully identified before speaking, "He should be the Family Head of the Xu Family. Why are you asking about him? He’s already married, so don’t stir up trouble, got it?" Mrs. Feng warned her daughter.
"I know, but could you stop being so naggy? It’s really annoying," Miss Feng said impatiently, and whether she took her mother’s words to heart was known only to her.
"I’m going to find my dad. You stay here by yourself," Miss Feng said, lifting her dress as she headed towards Xu Ke, leaving Mrs. Feng behind. Her actions angered Mrs. Feng, causing her heart to ache, yet she felt powerless, unable to physically discipline her daughter. Mrs. Feng clutched her aching chest, sighed, and realized she had no other recourse.
"Dad, what are you guys talking about?" Miss Feng tidied her hair, her deliberately modulated voice sending shivers down one’s spine, successfully causing Feng Aimin to lose track of what he was saying mid-sentence.