Mu Yan was likely accustomed to such occasions, following Grandpa Xiao downstairs with ease.
Her eyes, round and black like grapes, scanned the banquet briefly before withdrawing languidly, her straight back relaxing significantly.
Xiao Nanqing’s phoenix eyes flickered lightly, his lips slightly pursed, as he stepped toward Grandpa Xiao and Mu Yan.
Xiao Nanqing’s appearance was too striking, becoming the focus of attention with the slightest movement.
So when he moved, he immediately attracted everyone’s gaze, including that of Mu Yan and Grandpa Xiao.
However, Mu Yan’s gaze only settled on Xiao Nanqing for a second before locking onto Jin Jumo not far behind him. Her big round eyes suddenly sparkled, and her pretty little face lit up with a dazzling smile, as adorable as a Barbie doll.
Seeing Mu Yan’s smile, Jin Jumo’s heart softened involuntarily, and she tilted her head slightly, returning the smile.
"Great-grandpa, I have a friend here," Mu Yan exclaimed excitedly, hugging Grandpa Xiao’s arm and acting coyly. "Can I go over and say hi to my friend first?"
"Little Yan’s friend?" Grandpa Xiao was surprised, as it was the first time he heard Mu Yan mention "friend," feeling a bit delighted. "Where? Take great-grandpa to see them too."
"Yes, yes." Mu Yan nodded, linking arms with Grandpa Xiao as they walked over to Jin Jumo, both naturally ignoring Xiao Nanqing as he approached them.
Xiao Nanqing watched the pair brush past him, a dark expression crossing his handsome face.
Not only was Xiao Nanqing’s face a sight to behold, but even the guests at the banquet were stunned, their mouth corners twitching slightly, looking at Xiao Nanqing with a hint of sympathy.
Xiao Nanqing’s handsome face turned dark, his brows tightly furrowed as he glared at Mu Yan’s slender back, as if trying to pierce it with his gaze.
Before reaching her, Mu Yan sweetly called out.
Jin Jumo withdrew her hand from Rong Mochen’s grasp, taking two steps toward Mu Yan, and clasped the extended hand. "Happy Birthday."
Mu Yan touched her face shyly. "Sister Jin, let me introduce you, he is my great-grandfather."
Jin Jumo looked at Grandpa Xiao standing beside her. Official source ıs 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭•𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦•𝘯𝘦𝘵
Even though Grandpa Xiao was over a hundred years old, he was robust, with eyes full of vigor. He stared at Jin Jumo without smiling, his eyes scanning up and down before finally squinting amiably and chuckling, "She’s a little girl too."
Jin Jumo wasn’t intimidated, even though Grandpa Xiao appeared very authoritative and solemn. For some reason, she wasn’t afraid, smiling as she said, "Not so little, I’ll be twenty-one soon."
"A twenty-one-year-old girl kid, nothing remarkable in front of me—I’m nearly a hundred." Saying this, Grandpa Xiao was quite pleased, with a touch of boastfulness.
Jin Jumo found the old man endearing, her eyes and brows curving into a smile, "Yes, yes, naturally nothing in front of you."
Grandpa Xiao looked into Jin Jumo’s eyes for a while, nodded, and handed Mu Yan’s hand over to her, "You young girls chat, I won’t be around to bother you and get on your nerves."
"No way." Mu Yan pouted, holding Grandpa Xiao’s arm, "Great-grandpa, don’t leave, or you’ll say I dislike you later."
Grandpa Xiao fondly motioned to fiddle with Mu Yan’s head.
Mu Yan pathetically hugged her head, "Hey, it’s my birthday today."
"..." Grandpa Xiao was stunned for a moment, then pointed at Mu Yan and laughed, "What? You thought great-grandpa was going to hit you?"
Mu Yan stuck her tongue out at him, "You wouldn’t bear to hit me!"
"You little flatterer!"
Though that’s what Grandpa Xiao said, his face was full of helpless and affectionate smiles. "You entertain your friend first; great-grandfather has something to announce for your birthday later."
"What is it?" Mu Yan looked at him in confusion.
Grandpa Xiao smiled enigmatically at her, "Don’t ask, you’ll find out later."
"...Alright." Mu Yan responded obediently.
Grandpa Xiao turned his gaze to Jin Jumo, "Young girl, since you’re Little Yan’s friend, come visit her often when you have time. This girl keeps herself cooped up at home all day, which isn’t good."
Jin Jumo nodded, "Alright, I’ll definitely visit when I can."
Grandpa Xiao squinted, watching Jin Jumo for a while, then walked towards Rong Mochen and the others behind her.
Mu Yan glanced at Grandpa Xiao, then warmly took Jin Jumo’s hand, "Sister Jin, I really didn’t expect you to come today; I’m so happy."
Jin Jumo raised an eyebrow, "You say you’re happy? You didn’t even invite me to your birthday."