Chapter 98: The Qingcheng Elite Hasn’t Arrived Yet

Words : 774 Updated : Oct 4th, 2025

Chen Jinfeng had purposely dressed up for today, fearing she might embarrass her daughter. She knew her presence at today’s event was inappropriate and might make Wanqing lose face. Nevertheless, on such a special day, she still wanted to express her maternal love, so she bought a cake from a shop. It was quite expensive, costing more than 400 yuan, but for her dear daughter, it was worth every cent. She offered the cake to Shen Wanqing, but the young girl refused to accept it. "Uncle Qin has ordered a six-layer cake for me. You can take this one home to enjoy, Mom. I need to go in now." Chen Jinfeng looked somewhat bewildered. "Six layers, huh? That must look amazing." She then glanced at the line-up of cars parked at the entrance of the restaurant, her eyes somewhat glazed over. But Shen Wanqing was in no mood to chat with her mother. "Mom, you should hurry home in case Uncle Qin sees you. It would upset him and put me in an awkward position. I’ll come to visit you when I have time." Hastily, Shen Wanqing pulled Qin Siling and walked into the restaurant. As they walked, Qin Siling asked in confusion, "Wanqing, didn’t you tell me your mother went back to your hometown to take care of your grandmother? Was that woman your mother?" Shen Wanqing bit her lip and after a moment, she muttered in a low voice, "Today’s event is quite formal. Since my mom isn’t used to such occasions, I’m worried she might embarrass Uncle Qin. Sister Si Lan, I only have Si Yuan’s best interests in mind. I hope he won’t be the subject of gossip." Qin Siling was deeply moved by Wanqing’s consideration. "You’re so considerate, Wanqing. I knew I didn’t misjudge you. But are you sure your mom will be fine on her own? Why don’t we ask her to join us for dinner? Even if we don’t introduce her, nobody would know." "It’s all right, Sister Si Lan, I will visit her later," Shen Wanqing offered more sweet talk, and Qin Siling’s impression of her improved even further. "Okay, let’s drop this matter and get inside." Outside the door, Chen Jinfeng held the cake alone by the entrance, her heart a mix of joy and sorrow. Wiping her tears with the back of her hand, she took her leave. Inside the Zhen Yuan restaurant’s most luxurious hall, the Qin family had reserved fifty tables for Shen Wanqing’s birthday celebration. In addition to their close friends and relatives, many of Qingcheng’s most prominent figures were invited, including the legendary Chu Ci. Class B from Qingcheng University was all present. The Qin family was generous, spending 5,000 per table, and refusing to accept any gifts. Everyone was full of admiration and envy— [I heard many celebrities are coming.] [I don’t care, I’m just waiting for Chu Ci...] [How come these celebrities and Chu Ci haven’t arrived yet? The seats upfront are still empty...] [Important figures always arrive last, don’t you know? Chu Ci is a top-tier star; he’ll probably just sing a song and leave within ten minutes. Wanqing likes Chu Ci, and the Qin family spared no expense to invite him... Money really can do wonders!] ... All these comments reached Shen Wanqing’s ears. Raising a smile of restrained delight, she whispered to Qin Siling from time to time, seeming to consider herself a part of the Qin family already. On the other side, the three men of the Qin family were quite busy. The elder Mr. Qin anxiously surveyed the empty tables, saying uneasily, "Should we make a few calls to urge them along? It’s getting late, and not a single one of Qingcheng’s dignitaries has arrived yet. It’s not good if people start to speculate." Qin Han was also getting impatient. He frequently checked his watch and then instructed his secretary, "Call them and see what’s going on. Remember to be polite." The male secretary nodded and hurried off. At this moment, Wang Keru approached. Qin Han felt a bit irritated and called her over, "Can you please entertain the guests for a while? It’s not proper to start the banquet so late, but it would be even more inappropriate without the arrival of the important guests." This task could only be handled by Wang Keru. Siling was too young and impetuous, often offending people, and as for Wanqing... it was better not to consider her in such a situation. She hadn’t much experience with large events. Qin Han realized that he really couldn’t do without his wife at a time like this.

Chapter 98: The Qingcheng Elite Hasn’t Arrived Yet

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