Chapter 217: Chapter 217 Banquet Chapter 217: Chapter 217 Banquet In the car–
Zhong Nianyao turned her head and looked at the Lu Yichen beside her. Her gaze was bright and penetrating, with a depth that hinted she was lost in thought.

Faced with such intense scrutiny, even the most insensitive person would feel it, let alone someone as perceptive as Lu Yichen. He turned towards her, his lips curving into a smile, “Looking at me like that, have you suddenly discovered you have feelings for me?”

“Your imagination is running wild,” Zhong Nianyao said irritably, “I’m just a bit curious about who you really are, that’s all.”

It wasn’t the first time she had felt this way; she could sense that the Netherworld Messenger seemed to hold a strange kind of wariness, or more aptly, a reverence towards Lu Yichen. It was as if an inferior was being cautious around a superior.

“Want to get to know me?” Lu Yichen didn’t answer Zhong Nianyao’s question directly.

“Not interested.” Zhong Nianyao shook her head, then withdrew her gaze and leaned back against the rear seat, speaking lazily, “I just think that you’re a very mysterious person.”

“As for who I am, you’ll have to find out for yourself,” Lu Yichen chuckled, his voice bearing an indistinct meaning, “But, I think you’ll soon understand everything about me.”

Zhong Nianyao didn’t respond. She didn’t, nor did she want to delve into the implications of Lu Yichen’s words.

Summer vacation had already begun, and the date for Zhong Nianyao and Lu Yichen’s trip to Myanmar was set.

Since Lu Chenran’s wedding was approaching, and as a member of the Lu Family, Lu Yichen certainly couldn’t miss it. Thus, their itinerary was scheduled after Lu Chenran’s wedding.

The winter break had begun, and the trip to Myanmar hadn’t started yet, leaving Zhong Niangyao with plenty of free time.

On normal days, aside from shopping, she would also set up a stall by Tongtian Bridge, living quite leisurely.

One day, when Zhong Nianyao came home, she found Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong waiting for her in the living room, both holding a red invitation.

“Grandpa, Grandma!”

After greeting them, Zhong Nianyao sat down on the sofa.

“Yaoyao, you’re back just in time; we have something to discuss with you!” Old Madam Zhong waved the invitation in her hand and smiled, “The Chu Family sent us this invitation, saying they’ve found their long-lost second granddaughter and are holding a banquet to introduce her to everyone. Come with us when the time comes!”

But Zhong Nianyao shook her head, “Forget it, Grandpa, Grandma, you go! I still–”
“Don’t make excuses,” Old Sir Zhong cut Zhong Nianyao off directly, “You’re on summer break now, and you didn’t want to join the company when we asked earlier. You can’t use being busy as an excuse anymore!”

His words choked off all of Zhong Nianyao’s excuses, leaving her unable to say anything.

“Yaoyao, it’s good to go and meet new friends!” Old Madam Zhong took Zhong Nianyao’s hand and continued with a smile, “Lately, you’ve rarely joined us for these banquets. It’s not good to stay cooped up; you should go out and see the world more. And, we should let the outsiders know that our Zhong Family still has a third young lady like you!”

Unable to resist Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong, Zhong Nianyao eventually agreed.

However, she was a bit curious, “How did the Chu Family find their second granddaughter after so many years?”

“We’re not quite sure either,” Old Madam Zhong shook her head and smiled, “But, for her to be found after so many years is indeed cause for celebration. For many years, that eldest son of the Chu Family and his wife have been searching for their daughter, and now that they’ve finally found her, it’s as if heaven has shown them mercy.”

Zhong Nianyao nodded, not pressing any further. After all, this matter didn’t really concern her.

Soon, the day of the Chu Family’s banquet arrived.

Only Old Sir Zhong, Old Madam Zhong, and Zhong Nianyao went to the banquet from the Zhong Family. Zhong Minghao and his wife Zheng Silin attended another banquet with a business partner. Zhong Jinghao was on a business trip abroad.

As for the second branch of the family, given the issue with Zhong Mengxuan, plus Li Yiqiu was bedridden with pregnancy, Zhong Mingyu wasn’t in the mood to attend any banquets.

The Chu Family’s banquet was not held at home, but in a five-star hotel in the Imperial Capital.

Upon entering the banquet hall, Zhong Nianyao was surprised to see familiar faces. It was none other than Chu Xu and his parents.

It was then that she realized that Chu Xu’s father was the Chu Family’s second uncle, Chu Ciyan, and the person found was Chu Xu’s second cousin.

Chu Ciyan and his wife Qu Nianlei, of course, were surprised to see Zhong Nianyao, but quickly regained their composure and approached her with an air of familiarity as they greeted her.

Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong were surprised that they knew each other.

Zhong Nianyao explained with a smile, “Clients!”

Upon hearing Zhong Nianyao’s explanation, Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong understood and asked no more.

Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong soon left to catch up with their old friends.

As for Zhong Nianyao, she accompanied Chu Ciyan and Qu Nianlei to meet the Old Sir Chu. They had witnessed Zhong Nianyao’s abilities and naturally wanted to introduce her to their father.

Bringing Zhong Nianyao before Old Sir Chu, Chu Ciyan introduced her solemnly, “Father, this is Miss Zhong Nianyao; she saved Xiao Xu’s life. If it weren’t for her, Xiao Xu might have really been out of luck.”

Old Sir Chu was certainly aware of Chu Xu’s incident.

After all, it was a big commotion back then, nearly causing an uproar in the entire Chu Family. Everyone thought that Chu Xu couldn’t be saved.

But on that day, after Chu Ciyan and his wife insisted on taking the unconscious Chu Xu out, he surprisingly walked back home.

Although he hadn’t fully recovered yet, his vitality had returned.

Later, Old Sir Chu learned of the incident from Chu Ciyan.

He was very interested in the Miss Zhong mentioned by his son and daughter-in-law, who had saved Chu Xu. After all, families like theirs valued a Heavenly Master with such abilities.

He was actually planning to find an opportunity to inquire about her, hoping to get some help with checking the Feng Shui of their household. Unexpectedly, he met her here today first.