CHAPTER 391: 376 BIRTHDAY BANQUET AMAZES

Lost in her thoughts, Tian Sangsang absentmindedly bumped right into Aunt Zhang in the living room.

"Ah!" Tian Sangsang exclaimed, looking at the scattered vegetables all over the floor. It was Aunt Zhang’s vegetable basket—she had just returned from grocery shopping. "Aunt Zhang, I’m sorry! Look at me, completely distracted."

Aunt Zhang said, "It’s no big deal, but be more careful. Don’t let your thoughts wander so much while walking—this isn’t like being at home. One misstep outside, and it could be serious."

Tian Sangsang crouched down to help her pick up the vegetables, still feeling a bit dazed. Suddenly, a sharp, pungent smell made her stop—she glanced at the green vegetable in her hand. Celery! She hurriedly put the celery back into the basket and instinctively rubbed her hands together.

Noticing her actions, Aunt Zhang grew concerned. "You’re allergic to celery—will you be okay after touching it? Let me handle it instead."

"I’ll be fine," Tian Sangsang replied, her curiosity piqued. "How do you know I’m allergic to celery, Aunt Zhang?"

Aunt Zhang chuckled meaningfully. "The very day you arrived, Jinghuai specifically came to the kitchen to explain it to me. He told me to use as little celery as possible when cooking dishes or preparing soup for the family."

Her teasing tone made Tian Sangsang’s face flush slightly. He hadn’t mentioned this to her, had he? She thought about how it would soon be three months since he had been away—a week from now, he’d finally return. Aunt Zhang’s revelation dissolved much of the unease and doubt Tian Sangsang had been harboring in her heart all this time. Nothing was more exciting than being reunited.

Sitting on the couch, Jia Wenxiu overheard their entire conversation without missing a word. Allergic to celery, huh?

Tian Sangsang had overestimated her luck. That very evening, the skin on her arms became itchy, breaking out in small bumps. She rummaged through her supplies for anti-allergy medication and applied some ointment, but the itchiness persisted. Of course, it wasn’t something that would disappear instantly. Fortunately, by the next morning, the discomfort had faded away.

**

On the day of the banquet, Tian Sangsang got up early to prepare, gathering the gift she planned to bring before stepping out the door.

Going to the Hua Family’s birthday banquet meant understanding certain etiquette. You couldn’t dress too plainly; white was forbidden altogether. Black was acceptable as pants, but an entirely black outfit was considered inauspicious. At the same time, you shouldn’t wear anything overly bright and eye-catching—it would draw too much attention and seem undignified.

Given that the attendees of this banquet were mostly older people, Meng Shuyan chose not to go. As Tian Sangsang left the house, she unexpectedly ran into Jia Wenxiu, who was also heading out.

Even as a woman herself, Jia Wenxiu couldn’t help but feel a flicker of grudging admiration at the sight of Tian Sangsang standing by the door.

A line of poetry came to her mind: "A single branch of red blooms dripping with dew and fragrance."

At that moment, her sister-in-law looked nothing like the typical image of a rural woman. Her attire and presence were refined and elegant—a light red qipao top adorned with ornate embroidered buttons near the collar, paired with loose black pants. Her hair was styled into a graceful bun. Modest, tasteful, and radiating nobility and beauty.

"Wenxiu, let’s go," Ye Binyi called out from nearby.

Wenxiu responded quickly and added with a smile, "Sister-in-law, why don’t you join us?"

Tian Sangsang gave a slight nod and followed them. Since it was her first time attending such an event, it was better to stay close to them. Ye Binyi, who favored the color purple, wore a deep purple qipao that exuded elegance and sophistication. As for Jia Wenxiu, younger and unmarried, her outfit leaned toward cheerful and lively—bright yellow.

The driver dropped them off at the Hua Family estate. Ye Binyi guided Tian Sangsang and Jia Wenxiu to the Hua Family’s entrance. The birthday banquet wasn’t being hosted at a hotel but rather in the old Hua Family courtyard house. The spacious courtyard was perfect for hosting such a celebration.

Ye Binyi gave her daughter-in-law a subtle glance—her attire today left no room for criticism. Though she disliked speaking to her, she begrudgingly advised, "Later, keep quiet and stay out of trouble. Don’t talk too much, don’t move around unnecessarily, and observe how Wenxiu handles things."

Jia Wenxiu smirked inwardly. She hadn’t forgotten the time her sister-in-law was humiliated in front of everyone. Maybe now she could turn the tables, pay her back with the same public disgrace. Physical embarrassment was nothing, but tarnishing someone’s reputation? That was far more damning.

Those words angered Tian Sangsang. Did she really seem like someone who would break the rules? She couldn’t help but feel resentful at her mother-in-law’s bias—always denying her any chance to prove herself.

With a composed smile, she nodded gently.

As they entered the courtyard, the sound of laughter and chatter greeted them. The guest of honor hadn’t come out yet—the yard was filled with Hua Family members and invited guests. Most of the crowd was cheerful, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Hua Jun, alongside a woman in a silver-red qipao, was busy greeting guests.

Spotting Ye Binyi, Hua Jun lit up with excitement. "Aunt Ye, you’ve arrived! And Wenxiu too—it’s been ages! You’ve grown more beautiful than ever—I almost didn’t recognize you!"

Jia Wenxiu replied with a playful smile, "I just got back recently, and of course I had to come see you, Sister Hua Jun, and also wish Grandpa Hua a happy birthday!"

Hua Jun laughed warmly, keeping her words brief to suit the occasion. "Alright, Wenxiu, Aunt Ye—please head inside and take a seat!"

Ye Binyi held Hua Jun in high regard. Watching her skillfully host the gathering, Ye Binyi couldn’t help but imagine how perfect she’d be as a daughter-in-law—a thought that only deepened her disappointment.

The woman standing beside Hua Jun noticed Tian Sangsang, who seemed unfamiliar. "Oh, this young lady looks new to me. Binyi, you shouldn’t play favorites like this—why not introduce her since she came with you?"

Tian Sangsang guessed the woman must be Hua Jun’s mother. Yet, unlike Hua Jun, she didn’t resemble her at all—she looked quite youthful and very well-maintained.

Ye Binyi offered a curt introduction. "This is my daughter-in-law."

"So this is your daughter-in-law! Such a fine one—and you’ve kept her hidden all this time," the woman said warmly, extending her hand. "Hello, I’m Hua Jun’s mother. Oh, and I have a son too—Hua Zifeng." Though her smile was bright, there was a certain sharpness in her eyes. When she mentioned Hua Zifeng, the slight pause in her tone didn’t escape Tian Sangsang’s notice. Clearly, she wasn’t someone to underestimate.

"Hello, Auntie," Tian Sangsang replied politely with impeccable decorum.

Upon Ye Binyi’s introduction, many of the guests turned their attention to Tian Sangsang. They had heard Jiang Jinghuai had married a woman from the countryside—a match entirely unsuitable. Yet all these months, no one had ever seen her. Today marked her first public appearance before them, and they were all genuinely surprised. They had expected someone plain and unrefined, but now that they saw her, they understood why Jiang Jinghuai had chosen her. Her appearance was charming, her demeanor sophisticated, and her smile poised—every bit as presentable as one could hope for. Against Hua Jun, she held her own effortlessly.

The group moved inside and found their seats. Men sat with men, and women with women.

One familiar face at her table was Li Qiong’er, along with several other women Tian Sangsang didn’t know.

Upon spotting Li Qiong’er, Ye Binyi’s expression soured instantly, and she barely said a word.

The women exchanged pleasantries with Tian Sangsang, chatting lightly. Their impressions of her after this brief conversation were overwhelmingly positive—she came across as approachable, with a gentle tone and graceful manners.

Soon, the banquet began, and the guest of honor made his appearance. Hua Lao delivered an important speech, followed by remarks from Hua Father. The younger members of the family went table by table performing the traditional tea offering. Gifts were presented in turn. Leading the tea ceremony were Hua Mother, Hua Jun, and another familiar face—Hua Zifeng. Today, Hua Zifeng wore a Zhongshan suit, mingling effortlessly in the crowd. Unlike his private demeanor, he appeared polished and diplomatic, with a hint of craftiness.