CHAPTER 108: CHAPTER 108: A FAMILY

An Junxi greeted everyone according to their seniority, starting with the oldest, Seventh Uncle, and ending with the youngest, Gu Qianlan. She maintained a steady pace and made calm eye contact with each person she addressed, showing no sign of nervousness. Once she finished, she noticed her mother-in-law’s satisfied expression and felt a sense of relief.

Despite his old age, Seventh Uncle seemed energetic. He scrutinized An Junxi with his sharp eyes and saw that this girl was composed and natural in her manners, without any trace of being uptight. He nodded slightly.

An Junxi noticed that her father-in-law, Gu Kuangyong, was the most satisfied with her. His face was gentle, and his features were resolute, with a doting look in his eyes. His tall stature was apparent even while he sat, indicating he was a young talent in the business world in his youth. It seemed Gu Yikun had inherited all of his parents’ good qualities.

Gu Kuangyong didn’t look like someone who would betray his marriage. An Junxi firmly believed that a kind father would never do anything to harm his family. However, sitting with Liang Huiyun, they seemed to be just putting on a show of harmony, rather than showing true love.

As for Gu Kuangyuan, the Gu Family’s aunt whom An Junxi trusted the least, she appeared to focus mainly on An Junxi’s attire, assessing her outfit several times from head to toe. Her expression remained calm, giving no clue if she was pleased or displeased; at least, there was nothing bad.

An Junxi’s biggest worry was Gu Qianlan, this pampered young lady favored by family elders. She sat beside Liang Huiyun, her gaze shifting from scrutinizing to disdainful, showing no concern about being reprimanded for her blatant attitude.

Sister Li and Sister He had accurately described Gu Qianlan as a spoiled princess, and this young lady might be troublesome.

An Junxi thought about many things, but her face still maintained a gentle smile. Sister Li handed her the gifts, and she accepted them one by one, distributing them to each family member, with each gift specially selected by her mother-in-law for her to make a good impression.

An Junxi was genuinely grateful to her mother-in-law for this. When she handed her the gift, she appreciatively said, "Thank you, mother, for all your efforts. I will be a good daughter-in-law in the future."

Liang Huiyun accepted the gift she had picked herself and was quite satisfied with what An Junxi said, "We are family from now on."

Then, Sister He brought over hot tea, and An Junxi served tea to the elders one by one. When the elders accepted the tea, they gave An Junxi and Gu Yikun the ready-prepared red envelopes. Seventh Uncle seemed particularly pleased, "You two should live harmoniously as a couple; only then will the family flourish." Yin Yue used to cause quite a stir, making it difficult to have peaceful family gatherings, and it had been a long time since he sat with the younger generations properly.

An Junxi and Gu Yikun exchanged a smile, "Thank you, Seventh Uncle."

When An Junxi handed the teacup to Gu Qianlan, Gu Qianlan was reluctant to accept it. An Junxi wasn’t hurried; she leaned forward slightly, and the necklace around her neck slid out from the collar of her dress, shining brightly under the light.

Gu Qianlan’s gaze immediately fixated on the necklace; her delicate, beautiful face showed astonishment, followed by indignation. However, she quickly reached out to take the teacup, saying sarcastically, "Thank you, sister-in-law."

An Junxi replied with a smile, "You’re welcome."

Gu Kuangyong said, "Jun Xi, don’t stand there. Sit down."

Gu Yikun took An Junxi’s hand and sat down with her. Seventh Uncle, seeing Yi Ke’s attentiveness towards Jun Xi, was in high spirits. This is how a couple should be; he had never been so meticulous with Yin Yue in the past.

This girl must be quite remarkable to have earned Yi Ke’s affection.

Seventh Uncle asked An Junxi, "I heard you returned to your hometown a few days ago. How are your parents’ health?"

"Thank you for your concern, Seventh Uncle. My parents are in excellent health. They said they will come to Yan City in a while."

Seventh Uncle then said to Liang Huiyun, "Huiyun, you will be responsible for hosting the in-laws. We must show proper hospitality and not be disrespectful."

Liang Huiyun respectfully responded, "Yes, Seventh Uncle."

An Junxi quickly said, "I wouldn’t dare to trouble mother; I can handle it. My parents have never been to Yan City, so I want to help them familiarize themselves with the area."

Seventh Uncle said, "You are really thoughtful; your parents raised you well."

An Junxi blushed and thanked him.

Seventh Uncle laughed heartily and said, "We are all family; no need to be so polite."

With Seventh Uncle’s words, the atmosphere in the hall immediately became more relaxed, and everyone’s faces were adorned with smiles.

Gu Jin Xiu, sitting beside Seventh Uncle, said, "Seventh Uncle, isn’t my mom great?"

Everyone laughed again, and Gu Kuangyong said, "I didn’t expect you to get along so well." Just that alone made him accept this daughter-in-law, regardless of her background and lineage.

An Junxi said, "Jin Xiu has always been obedient and very smart."

Gu Jin Xiu boasted, "And also very sensible and handsome, right?"

His words even made the aloof Gu Kuangyuan smile. Jin Xiu had indeed changed a lot; children should be carefree like this.

Gu Qianlan sneered at An Junxi’s words, thinking this woman was cunning, knowing how to use Jin Xiu to win over the family, even bewitching her brother.

In terms of looks and background, how could she compare to Yin Yue?

An Junxi could distinctly feel Gu Qianlan’s hostility but didn’t dwell on it much. Sister He had warned her that Gu Qianlan had a close relationship with Yin Yue; this young lady probably couldn’t accept her taking Yin Yue’s place.

An Junxi deliberately ignored Gu Qianlan and continued conversing with the elders. She was never one to be a doormat; Gu Qianlan’s attitude wouldn’t affect her.

Seeing An Junxi ignoring her, Gu Qianlan heavily placed her teacup on the table and said, "Sister-in-law, pour tea." treating her like a servant.

Liang Huiyun warned her daughter with a glance, and Sister Li, who was always perceptive, quickly stepped forward to pour tea for the young lady.

Gu Qianlan disliked Sister Li even more, harboring clear memories of how the servants mistreated Yin Yue while she was alive.

They were just a bunch of lowly people.

She glared fiercely at Sister Li and silently picked up her teacup.

Having seen all sorts, Sister Li wouldn’t bother with such a young girl. Her expression remained calm as she retreated a few steps to diligently stand at her post.

An Junxi gave Sister Li an appreciative look, feeling she was really aggrieved.

Sister Li smiled at An Junxi, used to such situations; the lady of the house would eventually marry off, and An Junxi was the future mistress Gu Family needed.

As for the young lady... a few more years of patience would pass.

After chatting for a while, Sister He walked over from the dining room direction and announced that dinner could start.

The group stood up and moved towards the dining room. At this moment, a quiet girl followed behind them. An Junxi didn’t notice her at first, assuming she was a new servant not in uniform. When they settled at the table and the girl sat at the far end, An Junxi took a closer look at her.

Who is she?