Chapter 496 - 524: Unexpected (1st update)
Chapter 496: Chapter 524: Unexpected (1st update)
"I may not know the mayor’s wife, but I do know Commander Yang of the military district!" Lin Xi couldn’t care less about the two women’s sarcasm. "As for Zhang Huacheng, Zhang Lao, I have a pretty good relationship with him. I only need to make a call and he’ll come right over."
"Of course, whether you believe it or not, I don’t care."
"Also, you two should stop using tools in the future, spend some money and find a man instead, and get this ailment treated quickly. Otherwise, it will not only affect fertility but could also pose a risk to your life!"
At this point, Lin Xi looked at the two brothers beside them with a meaningful tone and said, "Overdoing it not only affects your health but also has a significant impact on your stamina in the future!"
"If you really can’t hold it in, I don’t believe in a large place like Chuzhou City, you can’t find a place where you can pay to ’get it done’."
This made not only the two women look grim but also the two brothers beside them quite embarrassed.
Lin Xi’s gaze swept towards the others, who quickly averted their eyes, not daring to meet Lin Xi’s gaze, afraid that he might say something to them. Even though they didn’t know if what he said was true or not, it would surely be a great embarrassment.
Seeing this, Shangguan Nishang couldn’t help but cover her mouth and laugh, having no objections to Lin Xi’s retorts. If it weren’t for the inappropriate occasion, she would have applauded Lin Xi on the spot.
After all, she had never liked this group of younger siblings, and they had just gone too far by speaking ill of her in front of her.
At this time, the four who had just been retorted were not going to let it go so easily. As one of the men prepared to angrily retort Lin Xi, the old man suddenly shouted, "What’s going on at your table, making so much noise?"
"If you can’t calm down, get out!"
The old man, who was the decisive figure in the Shangguan family, was very strict with everyone except for being extremely doting on Shangguan Hong.
Instantly, the entire hall became eerily quiet.
The birthday celebration continued, and soon it was the turn of the younger generations!
Currently, the most impressive was from Shangguan Yin’s side, which was Shangguan Hong’s second uncle. The worst performance was surely from Shangguan Xiong’s side, Shangguan Hong’s biological father.
As for Shangguan Hong’s third uncle, Shangguan Hao’s side, they were just aiming to stay in the middle.
However, upon reflection, Shangguan Hao considered that his children numbered four while his eldest brother had only two, one of whom was a brat unlikely to turn the tables.
Yet to surpass second brother Shangguan Yin, one of the four children would have to present a gift more valuable than "Autumn Leaf Cordyceps."
Obviously, this was unlikely, merely a dream for him. Even he couldn’t collect such a treasure; his financial means and connections paled in comparison to his children. Could they find something better?
Clearly, this was somewhat impossible!
The presents from the younger generations, moreover, weren’t decisive for the big picture, but they had to have a private contest.
"Stand up, come with me to Grandpa!" Shangguan Nishang, ranked highest among the younger generation, thus stood up first from this table and said to Lin Xi, who was still eating beside her.
Lin Xi nodded, following Shangguan Nishang to the old man.
After blessing him together, Shangguan Nishang took out a delicate wooden box, slightly antique, looking quite extraordinary.
Third uncle Shangguan Hao was somewhat worried about Shangguan Nishang. After all, Nishang was Shangguan family’s most outstanding young person, way beyond comparisons with his four children or second brother’s four.
Shangguan Xiong and the graceful lady also paid great attention to their daughter’s gift, hoping it might surpass the third brother.
But as for surpassing the second brother, they had given up.
"Buddhist beads?"
Seeing Shangguan Nishang open the box, the old man couldn’t help but be surprised, as he was quite fond of such things. "Nishang, tell me the story behind these beads?"
"Certainly, Grandpa," Shangguan Nishang answered. "These are made from old Indian small-leaf red sandalwood full of gold-stars, with a tree age over a hundred years!"
"Moreover, I specifically went to He Nan Province to find the renowned contemporary Master Jingkong to consecrate and bless them!"
This made everyone present slightly shocked!
Not even mentioning the materials costing in the tens of thousands, what’s crucial is that Master Jingkong isn’t someone you can meet easily. Anything he blesses sees its value exponentially increased!
"Not bad, not bad, not bad!" the old man exclaimed repeatedly.
But Shangguan Hong and the graceful lady still shook their heads. Although Nishang’s gift was nice, combined with theirs, it just barely surpassed the third brother’s—his four children still tipped the balance despite being no good.
Next, the younger generation at Shangguan Nishang’s table began offering congratulatory gifts in order of age.
Although their gifts couldn’t quite compare with Shangguan Nishang’s, they weren’t too far off. After everyone had paid their respects, Shangguan Xiong’s faction’s performance remained the worst of the day!
"If we knew, we should’ve had more kids!" Shangguan Xiong couldn’t help but mumble.
Beside him, the graceful lady shot him a glare, pinching his thigh hard, saying quietly, "Are you blaming me for this?"
"I would never, would never!" Shangguan Xiong shook his head quickly.
The old man then spoke up to everyone, "Let it end here; let’s all enjoy the meal happily now!"
At this, everyone nodded immediately, though Shangguan Hong, sitting beside the old man, turned his mouth in dissatisfaction, grumbling, "Grandpa, how could you forget about me? I went out tonight specifically to prepare a gift for you!"
"And it’s the best gift ever, better than anyone else’s, and you’ll definitely love it the most when you see it!"
"Really?" the old man laughed joyfully, quite intrigued, "I am all the more curious now. What gift did you prepare for me?"
While others heard Shangguan Hong’s words, they paid no heed.
Just a brat, what could he possibly produce worth mentioning? As for saying his gift outshines everyone’s, how possible is that?
Could it really outdo the "Autumn Leaf Cordyceps?"
But being liked the most certainly is: the old man’s favorite is you!
No matter what gift, even if cheap, it would still be most favored!
At this moment, Shangguan Hong’s parents, Shangguan Xiong and the graceful lady, also doubted the brat could produce anything notable.
However, when Shangguan Hong took out the wooden box, the old man rubbed his eyes, Shangguan Xiong was slightly surprised, while Shangguan Yin and Shangguan Hao felt a jolt inside. Could it be their elder brother prepared a counter move?
"This wooden box isn’t simple, at first glance it appears to be a rare antique, far outclassing Shangguan Nishang’s wooden box!"
Shangguan Nishang looked at Lin Xi with a questioning glance, but Lin Xi simply smiled without explaining.
Then, a brat known for having no sense of importance, Shangguan Hong became cautiously meticulous as he slowly opened the wooden box.
Upon complete opening, a jade-like porcelain cup emerged adorned with lifelike twelve zodiac animals; the old man’s smile froze for a moment, then turned to a very surprised expression. Looking at Shangguan Hong, he couldn’t help but ask,
"Xiaohong, is this truly what you went out to buy tonight?"
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