Reborn As Super Heiress

Capítulo 1841: Chapter 1744: The Rise of Intent

The banquet commenced, and finally, Master Li of the Li Family made his appearance. The old master appeared somewhat unwell, with cloudy eyes and a sallow complexion, noticeably less vigorous compared to Zhou Shitao and Qin Lianshan, the other elderly gentlemen.

However, due to the birthday celebration, the old master’s face held joy and festivity. After a few words of blessing, he encouraged everyone to sit down, showing no airs, much like the grandfather next door.

Huo Sining, Adrian, and a few others sat at one table, initially thinking they would enjoy the banquet and then leave. But shortly after the feast began, Li Hang unexpectedly raised his head, smiled, and lifted his glass towards Master Li:

“Great Uncle, today is your birthday. Our siblings came from Liuli to celebrate with you, wishing you health and longevity.”

Nowadays, Master Li’s feelings towards Liuli have waned, but the saying goes, “A person doesn’t strike a smiling face.” Even if he wasn’t fond of these people, he couldn’t show them disrespect in such an occasion. So when Li Hang toasted him, he just responded with a smiling “good” and pretended to sip the wine gently.

Earlier, Li Hang was taunted by Li Jun and Huo Sining in the banquet hall, feeling quite vexed. Now, he naturally wanted to find an opportunity to restore his image, to show off in front of the guests. His eyes flickered as he kept holding the wine glass, staring directly at Master Li:

“Great Uncle, just now I saw Cousin Jun in the banquet hall speaking to a lady who looked familiar. After asking, I learned that the lady was none other than the mysterious oriental lady, Miss Huo Sining, who shone brightly at the International Treasure Appraisal Conference in New York.”

When Li Hang mentioned Huo Sining, Master Li’s heart stirred. He remembered he had asked his grandson to invite this lady to the dinner, and his eyes and eyebrows suddenly showed a smile:

“Miss Huo is here? Why didn’t you bring her to the inner court for a proper introduction earlier?”

Li Jun immediately stood up, saying, “Grandfather, you were entertaining other guests at that time, so I didn’t bring Miss Huo to meet you.”

The old master’s eyes were full of expectation, and upon hearing Li Jun’s words, he frowned, displeased at Li Jun:

“Foolish, she came a long way from Huaxia Country, and your neglect makes it look like the Li Family lacks manners!”

Li Jun quickly lowered his head, subsiding from further explanation.

Huo Sining was sitting not far from Master Li, and seeing this, felt she couldn’t remain silent like a quail. So she stood up with a smile and said:

“Grandfather Li, you’re too kind. Your grandson and I are friends, and coming to celebrate your birthday to share in the fortune of your lengthy life is my honor. Only, when I first arrived, I wasn’t aware of the protocol and didn’t visit the inner court to greet you. I hope you won’t hold it against me.”

Master Li’s gaze turned towards Huo Sining, fixating on her defined facial features. After witnessing Huo Sining apologize and plead for Li Jun, Master Li simply nodded repeatedly, saying it was fine.

Huo Sining felt somewhat baffled, suspecting that Master Li seemed to be reminiscing about someone or something beyond her, as if his focal point was not on her at all. Despite the oddity, Huo Sining didn’t dwell much, and raised her glass, gracefully saying:

“Then I’ll wish you prosperous days and longevity like the pine and crane!”

For some reason, upon hearing this seemingly bland congratulatory phrase, Master Li’s expression changed distinctly. His eyes sharpened a bit, tinged with indescribable excitement and peculiarity.

What surprised everyone further was that while others toasted, Master Li generally mimicked taking small sips. But when Huo Sining toasted him, Master Li stood up from his seat, raised the glass, and downed the drink in one go. He then beamed at Huo Sining, saying, “I’ll gladly take Miss Huo’s kind words!”

Huo Sining felt it was quite bizarre, and others, even Li Jun, looked at her in surprise, evidently also thinking the old master’s actions were unusual.

Li Hang was boiling with rage internally; he had steered the topic and toasted first, but Master Li merely appeased him. Turning to Huo Sining, however, he drank in one gulp, clearly a slap in the face.

Li Hang was exasperated but couldn’t lash out. He had to suppress his anger, forcing a smile towards Master Li:

“Great Uncle, I hadn’t expected Miss Huo to attend your celebration. You truly have great rapport, as she holds an official position in Huaxia, and is a daughter-in-law of the Imperial Capital’s Gu Family!”

Master Li couldn’t hide his joy but remained modest in his words: “You’re mistaken. Miss Huo’s status has little to do with my invitation to the dinner. I invited her because her outstanding performance at the international appraisal conference impressed me, showing she’s a remarkably insightful treasure appraisal expert.”

Li Hang was instantly delighted upon hearing Master Li mention “treasure appraisal,” as he had intended to steer the discussion towards it. Yet, if not done correctly, it would seem too deliberate; now that Master Li initiated the topic, Li Hang welcomed it eagerly.

“Great Uncle, you and my grandfather both made fortunes on antiques. Our Li Family is quite renowned in this field. Although cousin Jun isn’t interested, I’ve learned treasure appraisal from my grandfather since childhood, considering myself somewhat accomplished in antique identification.”

“I have long heard of Miss Huo’s appraisal skills and admired her for ages, wishing to consult with her on antique identification. Unfortunately, Miss Huo is in Huaxia and I am in Liuli, making it hard to meet. Since we’ve run into each other today, I hope Miss Huo could guide me, if she’s willing?”

Li Hang smiled at Huo Sining, appearing sincerely eager for guidance. However, Huo Sining slightly furrowed her brows.

From what she knew of Li Hang, he wasn’t someone humble enough to genuinely seek advice. Why he brought up such a topic was unclear to Huo Sining for the time being.

After hesitating a second, Huo Sining charmingly smiled and nodded: “Since Mr. Li earnestly seeks guidance, then since it’s the old master’s birthday celebration, why not do it here, unless Master Li minds?”