PNB Chapter 99 Birthday Banquet (2)
Chapter 99 Birthday Banquet (2)
Qin Yaoyao had just reached the doorway, her figure light and graceful, like a blooming flower. At that moment, He Yanxi, who had been waiting there, spotted her immediately. Qin Yaoyao was wearing a light purple Suzhou brocade dress, the fabric flowing like clouds, swaying gently with her steps, as if draped in the colors of spring.
She walked gracefully towards He Yanxi, each step as if she were walking on clouds, her beauty like that of a fairy descended from heaven, captivating all who beheld her. Upon seeing this, He Yanxi felt a surge of emotion and quickly went to greet Qin Yaoyao.
Qin Yaoyao gazed at the handsome young man approaching, her face blossoming into a radiant smile. She twirled lightly in front of He Yanxi, her skirt billowing like a butterfly in flight. Then, she asked sweetly, "Brother Xi, do I look good in this dress?"
He Yanxi gazed intently at the beauty before him, his eyes filled with admiration and love, and answered without hesitation, "Beautiful! My Yao'er sister looks stunning in anything she wears." Hearing this, Qin Yaoyao was overjoyed, her face beaming with a sweet smile.
Then, Qin Yaoyao happily took He Yanxi's arm, and the two walked together toward the carriage parked not far away, chatting and laughing. Their figures were intertwined, looking incredibly happy and content. However, no one noticed that at that moment, a pair of eyes filled with jealousy and resentment were staring intently at them from a corner.
It turned out that Liu Xiaoyu, who was passing by on her way back to her parents' home, happened to witness this heartwarming scene. Seeing Qin Yaoyao and He Yanxi's intimate interaction, Liu Xiaoyu's jealousy instantly flared up. She gritted her teeth, thinking: Why is Qin Yaoyao able to get engaged to He Yanxi? Why do her relatives and friends dote on her so much? Even her husband is far superior to her! This is unfair! The more she thought about it, the angrier she became; Liu Xiaoyu felt like she was going crazy. Finally, she angrily flung her sleeves, turned around, and stormed off, secretly vowing to destroy Qin Yaoyao, the woman she hated to the core.
The carriage carrying Qin Yaoyao and He Yanxi sped along, and soon arrived at the secluded and mysterious manor. As soon as the carriage came to a stop, Qin Yaoyao eagerly leaped down, her graceful steps leading directly to the manor's gate. Even before she approached, a plaque hanging high above the gate came into view, bearing the four large characters "Xi Yao Manor" in a flowing, elegant script.
The characters were powerful and vigorous, seemingly containing endless stories and emotions. Qin Yaoyao couldn't help but marvel. She slowly turned around, her beautiful eyes fixed on He Yanxi beside her, and asked curiously, "Brother Yanxi, are these bold and grand characters on the plaque your work?" He Yanxi smiled slightly and nodded gently, replying, "Yes. The scenery here is breathtaking, and I knew you would love it, so I hung this plaque to add a touch of elegance to this villa. What do you think? Do you like it?" As he spoke, he extended his right hand, gesturing for her to join him.
Qin Yaoyao was delighted and replied sweetly, "Of course I like it! Let's go in and take a look." After speaking, the two walked side by side and stepped into the Xiyao Manor, which was like a paradise.
Upon entering, Qin Yaoyao was astonished. The courtyard was filled with all sorts of exotic flowers and plants, and the furnishings inside the house were even more unique. "This was specially arranged for me by Brother Xi!" Qin Yaoyao exclaimed in surprise. He Yanxi smiled and asked, "Hmm, do you like it?" Qin Yaoyao happily replied, "I love it! I love it so much! I love it so much!"
Qin Yaoyao hugged He Yanxi and said, "Brother Xi, you're so good to me! These things weren't here when I came last time. They've changed so much in just ten days! Brother Xi, you're amazing! You're my precious treasure. It's so good to have you!" He Yanxi smiled and patted her head, saying, "I'm glad you like it. Come sit down and have some tea!" Stepping inside, Qin Yaoyao felt as if she had entered a dreamlike fairyland. She was stunned by the sight before her. The courtyard was like a magnificent garden, with all sorts of exotic flowers and plants vying for attention, a breathtaking sight. The furnishings inside the house were even more unique, like exquisitely crafted works of art. Qin Yaoyao exclaimed in amazement, murmuring to herself, "Is this a dreamland that Brother Xi specially created for me?"
He Yanxi smiled and asked softly, "Hmm, do you like it?" Qin Yaoyao was overjoyed and exclaimed, "I love it! I love it so much! I love it so much!" She hugged He Yanxi tightly, chirping like a happy little bird, "Brother Xi, you're so good to me! When I came last time, these things weren't here. In just ten days, this place has become so beautiful. Brother Xi, you're my lucky star! With you by my side, I feel like I have the whole world!"
He Yanxi gently patted her head, like a spring breeze, and said softly, "I'm glad you like it. Come and sit down, and enjoy this fragrant tea!"
Qin Yaoyao, as light as a butterfly, had just settled into the chair when He Yanxi magically presented her with the tea Mu Feng had just delivered, saying softly, "This is a new variety of Qingkong tea, please try it." Qin Yaoyao carefully picked up the teacup, took a small sip, and couldn't help but exclaim, "This tea is sweet on the palate, like nectar, leaving a lingering fragrance that is truly unforgettable. It's absolutely delicious!" He Yanxi's lips curled into a slight smile as he softly asked, "Do you like it? If you do, I'll immediately have the rest of the tea leaves sent to your residence." Qin Yaoyao beamed with joy, like a spring flower in bloom, and said, "I love it, but I also want Sister Ying and the others to taste this wonderful tea!"
He Yanxi couldn't help but chuckle, gently flicking Qin Yaoyao's playful nose, and said, "Don't worry, I've specially reserved tea for you. Just enjoy it." Qin Yaoyao was overjoyed, like a child who had received their most beloved toy. She lowered her head and drank another cup, her satisfied expression as if this cup of tea were the most precious treasure in the world.
Before long, the invited guests began to arrive one after another. The first to appear were the family's nephews, Qin Zejun, Qin Zefei, and Qin Zeyu. They had just stepped into the room when Fan Junyu followed closely behind.
Just then, Qin Yaoyao saw them enter the house together and, feeling curious, asked, "Why did you all come together? Did you arrange to meet beforehand?" Qin Zejun smiled and replied, "Not at all, Aunt. My brothers and I just happened to run into our cousin at the door, so we came in together." Qin Yaoyao nodded gently and replied with a smile, "Oh, I see. Then please take a seat! Try this new tea; it's a new variety this year, and it tastes quite good." As soon as she finished speaking, the group understood and found seats, taking a sip of tea.
After savoring the tea, Qin Zefei couldn't help but praise, "This tea is truly delicious! It has a slightly sweet taste, perfect for girls." The others nodded in agreement. Just as they were chatting and laughing, light footsteps sounded outside. Looking closer, they saw Princess He Mingning, Princess He Mingyan, Princess He Mingxuan, and Shen Xiaoran arriving together. At the same time, Cheng Ying and the Fifth Prince He Mingfeng also arrived. Seeing this, Qin Zejun and the others quickly rose to greet him, but He Mingfeng stopped them. He said with a smile, "This isn't the imperial court; there's no need for such formalities. It would be too restrictive." Hearing this, everyone smiled at each other, and the atmosphere became even more harmonious.
He Yanxi said with a smile, "Please take your seats, everyone. Today is Yao'er's birthday. Now that everyone has arrived, let's begin!" With that, he waved his hand to signal everyone to sit down.
Qin Yaoyao turned her gaze to Cheng Ying and He Mingfeng, a sly glint in her eyes, and teased with a grin, "Sister Ying, why didn't you come with Sister Xiao Ran?" She blinked, as if she wanted to hear some interesting stories from Cheng Ying.
Upon hearing this, Cheng Ying smiled slightly and replied softly, "Mingfeng and I had already made a promise to come together." Her face was filled with a happy smile, as if this promise made her feel incredibly sweet.
Just then, He Mingxuan, who was standing to the side, could no longer contain her curiosity and excitement. She hurriedly interjected, teasingly saying, "Oh my, so that's what happened! I knew it! Why didn't Fifth Brother come with us today? Turns out he went to pick up his wife! Hahahaha..." Her hearty and clear laughter echoed as she bent over, like a flower swaying in the wind. Her melodious laughter, like the sound of silver bells, resonated in the surrounding air, lingering for a long time.
Facing the good-natured teasing of his younger sisters, He Mingfeng showed no embarrassment whatsoever. Instead, he puffed out his chest with complete composure and proudly retorted, "Needless to say? Having a wife to personally greet you is far more blissful than those of you who don't even have someone to pick you up!" As soon as he finished speaking, he proudly gestured with his chin towards his sisters, his eyes brimming with undisguised joy.
However, upon hearing these words, He Mingxuan immediately felt a surge of dissatisfaction. She quickly pouted her cute pink lips, retorting like a wronged child, "Who said no one will pick us up? We clearly made plans in advance to come together to celebrate Yao'er's birthday! Unlike you, Fifth Brother, who only cares about your wife and neglects your own sister, it's so unfair, hmph!" As she spoke, she angrily turned her head away, deliberately pretending to ignore He Mingfeng.
He Mingfeng said dismissively, "Oh? You actually have someone picking you up? Who is it? I've never heard of you having a fiancé!" His slightly mocking tone made it seem as if he didn't believe it at all.
Upon hearing this, He Mingxuan flew into a rage, her fur standing on end like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. Her eyes widened as she shouted at He Mingfeng, "Fifth Brother, are you itching for a beating? Trying to bully me again? If you dare say that again, believe me, I'll call Sister Ying over right now and give you a good beating!"
He Mingfeng, however, remained unfazed and said with a grin, "Haha, Ah Ying wouldn't listen to you little brats! She's my good friend, why would she help you against me?"
When her threats failed, He Mingxuan immediately turned to Cheng Ying and pleaded pitifully, "Sister Ying, my brother always bullies me. Please help me and teach him a lesson for me, okay?"
Cheng Ying found He Mingxuan's aggrieved look quite amusing, but she still pretended to be troubled and slowly replied, "Well... I'll have to think about it carefully."
Seeing this, He Mingxuan stomped her feet in frustration, making a "thump thump thump" sound on the ground, and kept muttering, "Sister Ying, how could you do this to me! People are in such a miserable state, and you still won't help them!"
Hearing He Mingxuan's string of complaints and coquettish whining, Cheng Ying finally couldn't help but laugh out loud. She gently patted He Mingxuan's head and said softly, "Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore. Of course, your older sister will help you!"
Immediately afterwards, Cheng Ying slowly turned her head, her gaze falling directly on He Mingfeng. She frowned slightly and said with a hint of dissatisfaction, "You, as the older brother, how can you always bully your own sister like this? Our Xuanxuan is so beautiful and charming, how come no one comes to pick her up and drop her off?" After saying that, she gently shook her head, seemingly finding He Mingfeng's behavior somewhat unbelievable.
Hearing this, He Mingxuan, who was standing to the side, immediately chimed in, "That's right! Brother is too much!" She pouted and crossed her arms, looking both aggrieved and adorable.
At this moment, Cheng Ying spoke again, her tone slightly more forceful: "Besides, even if we take a step back and assume no one comes to greet Xuanxuan, it's because you, as her brother, haven't been dutiful enough. You didn't even think to help take care of your sister." She paused for a moment, glancing at Qin Zeyu beside her, then gave He Mingfeng a meaningful look, the meaning of which was clear—she hoped He Mingfeng could act as a go-between and bring the two together.
At this moment, Qin Zeyu watched with great interest the interaction between the three people before him, a scene that was truly fascinating. Especially when he turned his gaze to He Mingxuan, the rich and vivid expressions on her face seemed to unfold like a series of lively paintings before him, making him even more intrigued. Consequently, a faint smile involuntarily appeared on Qin Zeyu's lips.