Volume One, Chapter 79: The Xiao Family, Each Harboring Their Own Schemes

Grandmother Xiao looked at the two of them, her eyes filled with satisfaction.

She could already picture the future wedding scene of Ayue and Xingwan.

After trying on the formal wear, the two changed back into their usual clothes. The banquet would only begin in the evening; at noon, they were to gather at the main villa for a family lunch.

Xiao Yue had only three hours of clear-mindedness each day. He needed to make an appearance at noon and again in the evening, so his time was tightly scheduled.

“President Xiao, the main villa is ready,” Secretary He announced as he entered.

“Then let’s go,” Xiao Yue replied.

In the main villa’s living room, all three branches of the Xiao family were already waiting. Even Xiao Peilan, who had been abroad, had returned home with her boyfriend for the occasion.

Xiao Peiyuan was feeling agitated. “What is Mother up to? Suddenly organizing such a grand birthday celebration? There’s all sorts of gossip outside.”

“It’s been said already—your son Ayue’s health has improved. Mother arranged this so he could show himself,” Xiao Peiyu replied sourly.

When Xiao Yue had become feeble-minded, he certainly had his own thoughts on the matter. Over the past two years, he had restrained himself a lot—not only giving up his public liaisons but also devoting himself to his work.

Xiao Peiyuan and his son Xiao Duo were the same; both harbored ambitions for the Xiao family’s inheritance.

They were the ones who least wanted Xiao Yue to recover, even though he was Xiao Peiyuan’s own son.

Xiao Peijun cleared his throat. “What’s wrong with you two? Isn’t it good news that Ayue is recovering? Why do you both look so unhappy?”

He was the only one among Grandmother Xiao’s three sons who had no intention of fighting for the heir’s position. It wasn’t that he didn’t want it; he just knew all too well that with his mediocre abilities, Mother would never entrust the family to him.

He now focused on running his current company well, hoping to secure more benefits in the future. So, he was actually rooting for Ayue’s recovery.

Xiao Yue respected his second uncle. Only if Xiao Yue became the new head of the family could he gain more advantages. If the Xiao family fell into the hands of the other two brothers, neither would be as easy to get along with as Xiao Yue.

Zhu Yaru said awkwardly, “Second Brother, what are you saying? If Ayue gets better, how could we not be happy?”

Her words were weak, and no one believed her.

Xiao Peilan leaned against her boyfriend, seeming indifferent to everything, but in fact, she was carefully observing everyone’s reaction.

The younger ones huddled behind, long accustomed to the elders’ confrontations.

They had started a group chat just to complain, and Xiao Rui even pulled Xiao Jin in for once, excluding only Xiao Yue and Xiao Duo.

In this strange atmosphere, a servant entered. “Everyone, President Xiao, Vice President Xiao, and Miss Chi have arrived. President Xiao has asked everyone to gather in the dining room.”

At the mention of “Vice President Xiao,” some people shifted uncomfortably, while others, anxious and curious, immediately headed to the dining room to see for themselves.

A throng of people moved from the living room to the dining room, where Grandmother Xiao and a few others were already seated.

Xiao Yue stood and smiled politely. “Father, Aunt, uncles and aunts, and my dear aunt, it’s been a long time.”

Several people were stunned at the sight of Xiao Yue.

“Xiao Yue, you really have recovered?” Xiao Peiyuan’s face was dark.

Xiao Yue replied with a smile, “Though I’m not fully recovered, things are progressing well. Father, I’m sure you’re happy for me, aren’t you?”

Xiao Peiyuan’s lips twitched. He glanced at Grandmother Xiao and forced out a reply, “I’m your father. Of course, I want you to get better.”

Grandmother Xiao said, “Why are you all still standing? Sit down and eat. Don’t delay my afternoon work.”

Working even on her birthday was typical of Grandmother Xiao. Apart from Xiao Yue and Chi Xingwan, no one realized that she was hurrying for Xiao Yue’s sake.

Throughout the meal, each person nursed their own thoughts.

After wiping her mouth, Grandmother Xiao announced, “Though Ayue is somewhat recovered, the doctor says he must still rest. For now, he’ll stay with me. Don’t disturb him unless necessary.”

“We understand,” came the scattered replies.

Some didn’t care at all, while others answered with a hint of jealousy, resenting how much Grandmother Xiao favored Xiao Yue.

She continued, “There’s been all sorts of rumors these past two years. Tonight at my birthday banquet, I want Ayue to appear before the guests. I expect none of you to make trouble for the family. Is that clear?”

Xiao Peijun was the first to agree. “Don’t worry, Mother. This is a rare celebration for you—we’ll make sure everything is perfect.”

Zhu Yaru secretly pinched Xiao Peiyuan, prompting him to add, “Mother, don’t worry. Leave it to me.”

Xiao Peiyu was about to say something as well, but Grandmother Xiao was already rising.

“We’ll head back now.”

Xiao Yue and Chi Xingwan got up and followed her out of the dining room.

As they walked out, Chi Xingwan glanced back and met Xiao Duo’s gaze. Startled, Xiao Duo quickly looked away.

After Chi Xingwan left, he remained unsettled.

For a long time after returning to his room, he couldn’t stop thinking about her.

Zhu Yaru walked in holding several necklaces. “Son, help me choose one. Which should I wear tonight?”

Each family banquet was more than a social event to Zhu Yaru—it was a battlefield. She always went to great lengths to dress up, not just to outshine outsiders, but especially to outdo her sisters-in-law.

Xiao Duo sat silently, ignoring her question.

“Son? Aduo, I’m talking to you,” Zhu Yaru urged.

Impatiently, he replied, “Just wear any of them. Why fuss so much?”

“What do you know?” Zhu Yaru snapped. Then she asked, “What’s on your mind? Are you thinking about Xiao Yue? He seems somewhat better, but not entirely. Who knows if he’ll relapse?”

Xiao Duo said, “I’m thinking about Chi Xingwan.”

Zhu Yaru froze, suddenly anxious. “Son, it’s one thing to find women outside, but don’t get involved with Chi Xingwan. Your grandmother dotes on her as if she were a treasure. If you make a move on her, she won’t let you off.”

Xiao Duo suddenly smiled. “But what if I don’t pursue her—what if she comes to me of her own accord?”

Zhu Yaru was still dissatisfied. “What’s so great about her? Never mind her connection with Xiao Yue—even if there weren’t one, I wouldn’t approve. She’s not worthy of you.”

“But Grandmother likes her,” Xiao Duo replied.

Zhu Yaru paused, immediately recalling Lan Yan.

Back then, it was because Grandmother Xiao favored Lan Yan that Xiao Peiyuan abandoned her to pursue Lan Yan and eventually married her, leaving Zhu Yaru and Aduo to live in hardship for years.

And now, her own son wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps?

She gritted her teeth fiercely. “I don’t approve.”