Reborn As Super Heiress

The people entering the room were either local officials or military generals, essentially all high-ranking individuals. Two years ago, if Huo Sining had encountered them, she might have been scared stiff. However, she met so many people and dealt with so much over the past two years that her mindset had strengthened considerably compared to before her rebirth. Even when facing these authoritative figures, Huo Sining could smilingly carry herself with ease and let them scrutinize her.

Sitting in the room all morning wasn’t without its benefits to Huo Sining; she gained considerable insight. These people generally entered in groups of two or three, sometimes seven or eight, came in to congratulate Master Gu on his birthday, exchanged brief pleasantries, and then left. There wasn’t much time for conversation, given the sheer number of people waiting.

Around eleven o’clock, Huo Sining accompanied Gu Xu, Master Gu, and Madam Gu to the birthday banquet hall. The hall contained several dozen tables, with everyone already seated. As soon as Master Gu entered, applause erupted.

In the center of the stage, a famous CCTV host gracefully held a microphone, eloquently narrating the life achievements of Master Gu with evident pride. To take up the role of host at such an occasion was a first in his career, a great honor to him undeniably.

After the host finished speaking, a chief of the same rank as Mr. Gu expressed wishes for Master Gu’s health, saying some auspicious words like blessings as vast as the East Sea, followed by the younger members of the Gu Family congratulating Master Gu and presenting him with gifts.

The Gu Family members, including Mr. Gu, offered their gifts and well-wishes. When it was Brother Gu and Gu Xu’s turn, Huo Sining nodded toward Wu Jun, who then approached and handed something to Huo Sining. She and Gu Xu stepped forward and politely bowed to Master Gu and Madam Gu seated on the chairs.

”Hey, is that the daughter-in-law the Gu Family boy is marrying? Whose daughter is she?”

”Seems like she’s from the Huang Family, but I heard she’s an orphan, living abroad for seventeen or eighteen years before being found recently.”

”An orphan, huh? No wonder. Just look at that young lady; she evidently doesn’t understand propriety. In such an important occasion, why does she bring a set of teaware up there? That teaware is obviously of modern craftsmanship, isn’t that too shabby?”

”Indeed, I don’t know what the youngest of the Gu Family saw in that girl. An orphan abandoned outside, how could she compare to the daughters from Imperial Capital’s prestigious families? Family upbringing and etiquette alone would set them miles ahead. Commander Gu’s significant birthday and the prospective granddaughter-in-law is so casual; it really shows lack of concern...”

Among those offering birthday congratulations earlier, including Mr. Gu and Brother Gu, the gifts were not exceptionally expensive but each had its significance. Compared to this, the modern teaware that Huo Sining held appeared indeed less dignified.

Even though the guests in the banquet hall weren’t particularly materialistic, certain things were expected in such occasions. Seeing Huo Sining approach with a set of modern teaware triggered disdain among people who looked down on her background.

What puzzled everyone even more was the young lady placing the teaware on the huanghuali tea table between Master Gu and Madam Gu’s seats with an apparent intention of urging the elders to have tea.

Witnessing this, not only the crowd in the hall but even the relatives of the Gu Family were bewildered.

”I say, Xu Zi, what’s your wife up to? Among us, you two have the wealthiest background, yet your wife presents such a shabby gift, isn’t this too unreasonable?”

Brother Gu didn’t mind Gu Xu marrying a wife without much family background but he knew of Huo Sining’s considerable wealth. That she would just offer a common set of porcelain as a gift was indeed infuriating.

Gu Xu chuckled upon hearing, not offering an explanation. He merely turned to glance at Huo Sining, nodding at her.

Just as Huo Sining was about to explain to Master Gu, Ouyang Jun, who was in charge of hospitality, hurriedly entered from outside, whispering something in Master Gu’s ear. The usually composed Master Gu suddenly stood up from his seat.

Unsteadily he stood tall, moving outside supported by Mr. Gu. The crowd exchanged puzzled looks, wondering about anyone of such significance that would warrant Master Gu’s personal reception.

This mystery unraveled swiftly because as Master Gu was about to leave the banquet hall, an elderly man, aided by a cane, made his way inside. Sharp-eyed Huo Sining immediately noticed Chief Lu assisting the elderly through the door.

Several others followed the elderly man, including Qin Lianshan, Zhou Shitao, Huang Zhenlong, and not just them, four or five individuals dressed in military uniforms covered with white coats came behind.

Witnessing this scene, all guests in the banquet hall immediately stood quite straight.

”Brother Lu, you… coming all the way here like this, it’s really too much for me!”

Seeing the visitor, Master Gu became quite excited, stepping up quickly and incredulously gazing at this old comrade in arms.

”An eightieth birthday, how could I, as an elder brother, not come to look? You and your wife braved the storm together for sixty years, I was the one who matched you two back then. Crossing this milestone, living beyond 80, everyday above is a bonus, enjoy ease and tranquility, let the kids handle the affairs, we’ll concern ourselves with pleasure only.”

”You’re right, one day at a time.” Master Gu grinned broadly, showing visible delight toward Master Lu’s arrival, happiness brimming from his face.

Guests who didn’t recognize Master Lu whispered among each other, curious about his identity.

”Who’s that old man; why so grand?”

”You don’t know? That’s the head of the Lu Family, the legendary Lu Pojun, Marshal Lu.”

”So it’s him! No wonder even Chief Lu and others seem like mere companions beside him!”

”Hasn’t he retired and gone into seclusion for years, why appears here suddenly, didn’t hear of this before?”

”Not really surprising, Master Gu is a life-and-death comrade of Marshal Lu, having decades of friendship. Even Chief Lu calls himself a junior before Master Gu, obediently listening to reprimands.”