The Useless Heiress Is Actually A Bigshot

Chapter 46: Chapter 46: First Encounter

Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong felt that the change in their granddaughter was indeed too great.

However, they immediately recalled the incident where Zhong Niangyao had nearly lost her life when she fell into the water, which seemed to make everything traceable. After all, after experiencing such a life and death event, one was bound to change.

And clearly, Yaoyao’s changes were for the better. This reassured them considerably. Even if something were to happen to them in the future, with Yaoyao’s current temperament, she would be able to preserve the legacy left by Ming Xin.

Although they wanted to always be beside their granddaughter, they were also aware that they were getting old and might pass away any day.

Zhong Niangyao did not know that it was her calm demeanor that had initially sparked a trace of doubt in Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong, but they soon rationalized these doubts away, even finding solace in them.

Lu Mansion was truly vast; after entering through the main gate, it almost took half an hour by car to reach the main mansion.

Old Madam Lu’s birthday banquet, such a significant event, was undoubtedly held here. Moreover, this birthday banquet was extraordinarily lively.

Nearly all the notable wealthy families from the whole Imperial Capital had come to attend the Lu family’s banquet.

It was rare for the Lu family to host such a grand banquet, inviting almost the entire elite of the Imperial Capital. Those wealthy families naturally wouldn’t miss this chance to connect with the Lu family, so they all attended in full dress.

Following Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong into the banquet, Zhong Niangyao looked at the lavishness inside— the bustling lights, the clinking of wine glasses—her expression unchanged, not even a wrinkle on her brow.

She had experienced countless banquets in the palaces of Lai Country but disliked such occasions. More often than not, she would show her face and then leave.

However, evidently, it was unlikely she could leave early from an event like today’s.

Zhong Minghao and Zhong Mingyu had already gone off to chat with their acquaintances, naturally not forgetting to connect with families of the first-class wealthy status.

As for Zhong Jinghao, Zhong Mengfan, and Zhong Mengxuan, they started mingling with young gentlemen and ladies of similar age. They were all of marrying age and naturally used this opportunity to see if they could find a suitable marriage partner.

However, the Lu family members had not yet appeared. Although today was Old Madam Lu’s birthday banquet, the host family, the Lu family, hadn’t come out to greet the guests. Of course, nobody dared to say anything. Even if it were not the Lu family’s main venue today, nobody would dare to complain about the Lu family’s actions.

Both Zhong Mengfan and Zhong Mengxuan were eager to make an impression on the Lu family today. Even if they couldn’t connect directly with the Lu family, they wanted to find a first-class wealthy young master.

Zhong Niangyao, however, was uninterested in these matters, always staying close to Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong.

Watching his compliant granddaughter walking ahead, Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong were very pleased, especially when they saw the envious glances from their old peers, which made them even more delighted. Nevertheless—

“Yaoyao, go and play with the girls your age!” Old Sir Zhong waved dismissively, “A young girl like you shouldn’t hang around us old folks.”

“Grandpa, don’t you like having me by your side?” Zhong Niangyao clung to Old Sir Zhong’s arm, smiling coquettishly, “I just like staying with you and grandma!”

“Your grandpa is right, go talk with other young girls!” Old Madam Zhong was clearly taken with this approach too, though she verbally disagreed, she still enjoyed the envious looks from other old peers.

“Your granddaughter is really lovely!” Old Master Mu, standing by, glanced at Zhong Niangyao and looked at Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong with envy, “Not many young people like to stay by our side.”

Previously, there had been some not-so-nice rumors circulating about Zhong Niangyao in the high society of the Imperial Capital.

They said she was rude and uneducated, a dimwit who loved nothing more than to follow around the illegitimate son of the Lai family.

But upon meeting her today, this refined and elegant young lady was nowhere near the bad reputation rumored.

Just observing her calm presence among these old folks, although she didn’t interject, her face showed no discontent, always wearing a smile, clearly evidencing her kindness.

So it appeared, those external rumors were indeed unreliable, likely driven by jealousy of her good looks, leading to the slander of a young girl like her!

Not only Old Master Mu, but the other old gentlemen, though they didn’t say it aloud, had a good impression of the well-mannered Zhong Niangyao.

Zhong Niangyao was unaware of these old folks’ thoughts; she simply didn’t want to deal with the pleasantries. Moreover, staying by these elders and listening to their life experiences was more comforting for her.

However, ultimately, under the persistence of Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong, Zhong Niangyao left.@@novelbin@@

Still, she did not heed Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong’s suggestion to chat with her peers; instead, taking advantage of everyone’s lack of attention, she slipped out directly toward the direction of the garden.

Leaving the noisy banquet scene, the sounds gradually faded, and the surroundings became quiet.

The Lu Mansion was extensive, and once Zhong Niangyao was away from the hall, she had no real sense of direction, simply walking forward led by her thoughts.

Having distanced herself from the bustling banquet hall, Zhong Niangyao quite enjoyed the moment of solitude. Unknowingly, she had walked into the garden.

Looking at the exotic plants in the garden, Zhong Niangyao wanted to find a place to sit. But after walking a few more steps, she stopped abruptly.

Because at the deepest end of the garden, a man of striking appearance was standing by the corridor, dressed in a white shirt and black trousers.

With a smooth, fair complexion, his sharp, cold handsome features were distinct; his black, profound eyes shimmered attractively; his thick brows, high nose, and beautifully shaped lips all exuded nobility and elegance.

Looking at the man not far away, Zhong Niangyao felt her breath catch, her heartbeat slowed half a beat, and a strange feeling suddenly surged in her heart.