CHAPTER 34: CHAPTER 34: MRS. LU’S PROTECTION

"Aunt, who is he?" Lu Zechuan stopped, his deep eyes resting on the man.

The second floor of the Lu Family Villa; only the Lu Family members were allowed up there.

What was Wu Mei doing bringing a stranger to the second floor?

Wu Mei smiled, "Oh, you mean Master Xie? He’s a distinguished guest I’ve invited, proficient in the Five Elements Technique and Qihuang Skill. He just had a look at your grandmother, assessed her future blessings and misfortunes, and prescribed some nourishing medicines."

Lu Zechuan squinted, his gaze suddenly becoming sharp.

"Grandmother just recovered from a serious illness. Aunt, it would be best if you disturb her peace as little as possible!" Saying this, Lu Zechuan brushed past Wu Mei and Xia Mian.

Staring at Lu Zechuan’s back, Wu Mei’s eyes instantly turned gloomy, "He’s becoming more and more unruly!"

Beside her, Master Xie stroked his beard and said cryptically, "Your nephew’s fortune is not ordinary; he is no common person."

Wu Mei seemed unwilling to discuss Lu Zechuan further, changing the subject, "Master Xie, you’ve come a long way, it must have been a tiring journey. This way, please!"

Master Xie was tactful and did not say more.

But when he followed Wu Mei into the study, he reminded her, "That girl next to your nephew is not simple!"

Wu Mei paused, looking at Master Xie in confusion, "You mean his girlfriend?"

Master Xie squinted, "Girlfriend? If they truly unite, the Lu Family will have nothing to do with you anymore."

Wu Mei felt a pang in her heart, her dislike for Xia Mian growing.

"I still need to trouble Master Xie with my matters." Wu Mei invited Master Xie in, courteously pushing a delicate box towards him.

Master Xie understood, accepted the box with a smile, and said, "Naturally, entrusted by someone, I will handle your affairs well, Madam."

***

When Lu Zechuan and Xia Mian entered, Mrs. Lu was trying on the new clothes she would wear on her birthday.

The red silk Tang suit made Mrs. Lu look much more spirited.

Lu Zechuan entered and praised, "Grandma, you look really spirited today!"

Mrs. Lu looked in the mirror and laughed, "Really? A joyful event boosts the spirit! When you get married, I’ll be even more spirited!"

Lu Zechuan was momentarily speechless, Grandma’s way of urging marriage was fresh every day!

Mrs. Lu joked with Lu Zechuan and then turned her gaze to Xia Mian, "Mianmian, come help Grandma choose which earrings look nice."

Xia Mian stepped forward with a smile, helping Mrs. Lu decide.

The two of them were chatting and laughing, as if Xia Mian were her real granddaughter.

"These look nice." Xia Mian pointed out a pair of teardrop-shaped earrings for Mrs. Lu.

Mrs. Lu, taking her advice, picked up the earrings and put them on.

Looking in the mirror, she happily praised Xia Mian, "Mianmian, you have such good taste, these are really nice!"

Xia Mian stood behind Mrs. Lu with a slight smile, her gaze unconsciously sweeping over the elder.

Understanding her look, Lu Zechuan asked, "Grandma, did Aunt just bring someone to see you?"

Mrs. Lu’s action of looking in the mirror halted, and she sighed, "Indeed, your aunt says I’ve been unlucky lately, so she brought a Daoist to tell my fortune."

Mrs. Lu tossed over a yellow talisman, "Not only did it involve a bunch of Chinese medicine, but they also insisted I keep this on me."

Xia Mian glanced at the talisman on the table.

It was a very common amulet.

Xia Mian slightly frowned, wondering if she was overthinking it.

"Grandma, it’s about time, shall I help you downstairs?" Lu Zechuan noticed Xia Mian said nothing more, realizing the amulet was harmless, and changed the subject.

Mrs. Lu smiled and, accompanied by Lu Zechuan and Xia Mian, went downstairs.

Downstairs, guests were already gathering, the entire hall was abuzz, and the Family Heads of affluent families in the Capital City had personally arrived to congratulate Mrs. Lu on her seventieth birthday.

As soon as Mrs. Lu appeared, she was greeted with a wave of compliments.

Mrs. Lu smiled as she greeted everyone and chose a quiet corner to sit.

At an advanced age, occasional excitement was fine, but constant liveliness was somewhat uncomfortable.

Xia Mian, not fond of the commotion, naturally sat beside Mrs. Lu to chat with her.

As the host, Lu Zechuan needed to entertain the guests, so he did not sit with Xia Mian and Mrs. Lu.

Xia Mian had been sitting with Mrs. Lu for only a short time when Shen Man came downstairs, arm-in-arm with Lu Zhenqing.

Scanning the hall casually, apparently uninterested in small talk with the guests, Shen Man headed straight towards Mrs. Lu.

Seeing Shen Man approach, Mrs. Lu’s brow furrowed slightly but soon returned to normal.

Shen Man stopped before them, bowed, and cheerfully greeted Mrs. Lu, "Mom, happy birthday!"

Mrs. Lu responded curtly, "I’m just sitting here with Mianmian for a while, you go attend to your matters!"

Shen Man’s smile froze; she had just sat down, not even warming the seat, yet found herself dismissed?

Despite her awkward smile, Shen Man didn’t tactfully leave. Instead, she turned to Xia Mian, "Miss Xia, Ah Chuan inviting you here was indeed unexpected!"

Xia Mian raised her eyes slightly, a coldness flashing beneath, "Unexpected why? Am I not allowed here?"

Shen Man was slightly taken aback by Xia Mian’s sharp retort and chuckled, "Miss Xia hasn’t known Ah Chuan for long, right? What identity do you hold to join our elder’s birthday banquet?"

Shen Man’s pointed question was overtly targeting Xia Mian.

Xia Mian squinted, pondering how best to retort when Mrs. Lu spoke coldly, "What identity? Are you blind or fool enough not to see or understand?"

Mrs. Lu’s words made Shen Man’s face fall. "Mom, why are you upset? I’m just considering Ah Chuan’s situation... Miss Xia’s family background..."

"As long as Ah Chuan likes, that’s the best!" Mrs. Lu’s sharp gaze fixed on Shen Man.

Shen Man instantly felt a thorn in the back.

Old bag of bones! Still doesn’t take me seriously!

Why didn’t she just choke to death last time?

Shen Man was seething inside, yet had to feign gracefulness, "Mom, I understand you’re anxious about Ah Chuan’s future, but he’s still young. Marriage is not a trifling matter and shouldn’t be rushed!"

"Just manage yourself well! Aren’t you aware of your own character?" Mrs. Lu’s contempt was nakedly clear on Shen Man, "With your ill-conceived notions, what right do you have to manage my dear grandson?"