"Grandpa Su" Han Li greeted old man Su with a warm smile.
"Lili, you are here!"
When Old man Su heard Han Li's voice a big smile appeared on his face. He stood up from his seat "Come! come! let grandpa take a better look at you"
He placed his hand on Han Li's head, and warm look appeared on his face. But in the depths of his weathered eyes, a flicker of sadness appeared.
She knew what he was thinking.
Her grandfather and Grandpa Su had been more than just acquaintances—they had been brothers in everything but blood. They had stood together through hardships, had built legacies side by side, had trusted each other blindly.
But now, one of them was gone.
For a long time, Grandpa Su had struggled with grief, his health deteriorating until he was barely able to leave his bed. It had taken him a full year to regain his strength.
Yet, no matter how much time passed, that loss remained.
Not wanting him to dwell on painful memories, Han Li flashed him a bright smile.
"Aish! You just grew up in the blink of an eye" Grandpa Su sighed as he dragged Han Li to sit beside him after she greeted everyone at the table "You should take some free time from work for yourself, look at how skinny you are."
"Yes! She is always busy whenever I call her to hangout" hearing that, Su Lan also complained
Han Li could only smile helplessly. "I've been busy settling things here. I'll be returning to the mainland next week."
The moment those words fell, Grandpa Su's expression dimmed slightly.
Su Lan, too, fell quiet.
They both knew what "settling things" meant.
Not everyone in the Su family was aware of Han Li's true identity—especially Su Xi and her father. They can't speak of it openly.
Grandpa Su sighed as he thought about that. He really didn't want his friends only descendant to stay away from him and go back, he wanted to see her make her own family and live peacefully here and not to get involved in the mess.
However everyone has their own priorities, and after knowing her reason of returning he knows Han Li will not change her decision easily.
"Now that you are of age you should also consider your marriage, take some time off and roam around and fall in love." Said grandpa Su with heartache. He hoped she could go back to the lovely girl she originally was.
At that, Han Li's gaze drifted to her wrist.
Beneath her scarf, a bracelet lay hidden.
Her fingers brushed over it lightly before she chuckled, her voice filled with helpless amusement.
"Grandpa Su, I just turned twenty-two. There's still plenty of time to talk about marriage."
Grandpa Su sighed dramatically. "Young people these days… Delaying weddings as if time waits for them. I married your grandmother at twenty-two, had this brat at twenty-four! And you think you're still young?"
Su Yan laughed. "That's because you were worried Grandma would find someone more handsome than you, so you tricked our naive grandma into marriage early."
Grandpa Su glared. "What nonsense!? I was the most handsome man in the city! Your grandmother was lucky to have me!"
Laughter rippled across the table.
But across the room, Su Xi's expression darkened.
Su Xi saw grandpa Su treating Han Li so affectionately and laughing with others, jealousy flashed through her eyes. She never understood why a person with improper background is always so well treated by everyone in Su family, when she, the member of the Su family is not so well treated and accepted.
At the moment she holds no power to voice out her opinion, when she get Su family under control she will cut off any relation they have with this low class social climber. Forcing a smile she greeted Han Li and went to meet the guests.
As everyone arrived, Mr.Su notified his father to start the banquet. The Party started as old man Su went on stage to give the speech.
"Bonsoir"*
Old man Su raised his wine glass, gaining everybody's attention as they stopped their chatter, turning their intention toward the platform.
"I, Su Chiyu express my gratitude to all of you for making time from your busy schedules and coming to celebrate my birthday. Your presence here, makes this old man's birthday special and enjoyable or else I would have slept by now after having tea with my son, and that is what I did on my birthday last year." he joked, making everybody laugh. As everybody knew, he didn't celebrate his birthday last year.
"As a person grows older, he tends to yearn for the closeness with his family and friends. Thus, your presence here makes this old man's heart fill with excitement. I hope you all have good time."
"Passe une Bonne soirée"*
As old man Su ended his speech, everybody raised their wine glass and took a sip, indicating start of the banquet.
The Su family moved effortlessly between their guests, exchanging pleasantries and handling business talks with ease.
At the center of it all, Old Man Su, surrounded by his old business partners. Everyone scattered, forming groups of acquaintances and chatter filled the hall, making it livelier.
Meanwhile, at the far end of the hall, away from prying eyes, Han Li and Su Lan stood by the ornate bar, their wine glasses barely touched.
Just as Han Li lifted her glass to take a sip, a shadow fell over them.
A man in a tailored navy-blue suit approached. His ash-gray hair was swept back neatly, and his tall, broad-shouldered frame exuded confidence. He looked around twenty-six or twenty-seven, his sharp features accentuated by the subtle smirk playing on his lips.
"Miss Lilian."
Han Li's expression shifted instantly. The warmth in her eyes dimmed, replaced by a chilling coldness.
Note:
*Bonsoir= Good evening
*Passe une Bonne soirée= have a great evening