novelraw Chapter 719: The Emperor's Arrival
Chapter 719: The Emperor's Arrival
11:35 AM.
First floor, the opulent hotel lobby.
Peng Xiaomeng walked while softly reminding: "I'm telling you now, today is Zhao Peng and Jiajia's engagement banquet. We're here to congratulate them, so don't bring up our family's messy business, understand?"
"I know! Can you just be quiet for once!" Lin Muchuan suppressed his anger, his voice squeezed through clenched teeth.
Peng Xiaomeng glared at him fiercely and stopped speaking.
She was someone who valued face too, not wanting to argue in such a place and embarrass the family.
The two walked one after another, crossing the polished marble floor, arriving outside the hotel's main entrance drop-off area.
Peng Xiaomeng stood on the steps, adjusted her new coat bought specifically for today, assumed a proper posture, and waited quietly.
December in Chang'an, the sunlight was bright but carried no warmth.
A cold wind swept through the wide streets, making the flags under the portico flap loudly.Inside and outside the revolving doors, people came and went, well-dressed guests mingling with hotel staff in crisp uniforms.
Luxury cars occasionally drove in slowly, stopping by the red carpet, from which distinguished men and women emerged.
Every time a car arrived, Lin Muchuan's heart would skip a beat, only to sink in disappointment after seeing who was inside.
Just then, the originally orderly lobby entrance suddenly stirred with minor commotion.
The hotel's lobby manager, concierge supervisor, and several black-suited men who appeared to be security personnel quickly walked out from inside.
They stood solemnly in formation at the entrance, as if waiting for an extremely important VIP.
Lin Muchuan and Peng Xiaomeng exchanged glances, both seeing confusion in each other's eyes.
Immediately after, on the VIP driveway in front of the hotel.
A motorcade composed of black Hongqi H9 sedans and Toyota Coasters, guided by security personnel, slowly approached and came to a steady stop right at the hotel's main entrance.
Lin Muchuan and Peng Xiaomeng instinctively stepped back several paces, making room.
Even with limited experience, they knew that someone truly important had arrived.
The Coaster door slowly opened.
The lobby manager immediately bowed and stepped forward.
Two figures wearing administrative jackets stepped down first.
They didn't leave immediately, but turned toward the door, slightly bowing, making a "please" gesture, their voices clear:
"President Lin, this way please."
Lin Muchuan and Peng Xiaomeng held their breath, curiously craning their necks.
The next second, a tall, sexy figure gracefully stepped down from the vehicle.
When she lifted her head and cast her gaze toward the hotel lobby.
Sunlight happened to fall on her face.
That exquisitely beautiful, intensely striking face wore a proper yet distant smile belonging to someone in authority.
Powerful confidence, combined with the entourage around her and the hotel management's welcome, created an aristocratic yet imposing aura.
The moment she appeared, she became the absolute center of all attention.
Lin Muchuan and Peng Xiaomeng's breathing abruptly stopped at that moment.
The expression on Peng Xiaomeng's face shifted from curiosity to shock, then stupor, finally becoming complete disbelief.
When she first started dating Lin Muchuan, Lin Muxue hadn't graduated yet, and she had seen this extremely beautiful future sister-in-law.
But back then, although Lin Muxue was pretty, her features still carried youthfulness and unease, far from being so outstanding and aristocratic.
This scene before her eyes...
Felt like watching a live broadcast on a financial channel, unreal to the extreme.
Immediately after, figures stepped down one after another from the several Hongqi H9s and Coasters behind her.
Hotel staff quickly approached, unloading several clearly expensive-looking suitcases from the trunks.
Lin Muxue's gaze finally crossed the crowd and landed on the two people frozen stiff on the steps.
Her expression showed no change, still maintaining that calm, unruffled appearance.
She strode forward in her high heels, walking toward them.
"Click, click, click..."
The crisp footsteps, each one, seemed to step directly on Lin Muchuan and Peng Xiaomeng's heartstrings.
As she moved, the large entourage behind her also approached.
"Mu... Muchuan..." Peng Xiaomeng's voice trembled, she grabbed her husband's arm incredulously, as if seeking some sense of reality from him, "That... that's Luna?!"
Lin Muchuan seemed jolted awake by these words, staggering forward two steps, "Lu... Luna...?"
His voice was light and small, almost inaudible;
before his currently radiant sister, he even felt he lacked the courage to speak loudly.
Just then, Lin Muxue's footsteps stopped before them.
Her gaze swept over the two, her crimson-painted lips slowly parted, her voice so calm it betrayed no emotion: "Brother, sister-in-law, long time no see."
Only when this distant yet crystal-clear address sounded did Lin Muchuan and Peng Xiaomeng finally wake up as if from a dream.
Forced to believe that everything before them wasn't an illusion.
"Luna, you... you're..."
Lin Muchuan stammered as he spoke, not knowing what to ask.
Lin Muxue merely smiled faintly, not answering his question, but slightly turned aside, "Secretary Wang, today at noon, one of my relatives happens to be having an engagement here, so during the reception arrangements, I suggested holding it here for convenience."
"Understood, understood!" Secretary Wang quickly nodded, respectfully saying, "The leader specifically mentioned earlier that President Lin is returning home to visit family, and asked us to make proper arrangements."
Hearing their familiar conversation filled with undertones of power.
Lin Muchuan and Peng Xiaomeng felt a "buzz" in their heads, as if struck hard by a heavy hammer, almost unable to think.
What... what is this situation?!
Lin Muxue turned back, taking in the expressions on her brother and sister-in-law's faces.
An extreme thrill, like the strongest electric current, violently shot from the soles of her feet straight to the crown of her head.
She could even feel her toes in high heels excitedly curling and uncurling inside her stockings...
Ecstatic! How could one mere word "ecstatic" suffice!
However, this was just the appetizer.
The grand show she meticulously planned for her "glorious return home" had only just begun.
"Let's go, we should head inside first."
She withdrew her gaze, her tone flat, taking the lead to stride forward, moving toward the hotel lobby amidst the large entourage.
...
Second floor, Peony Hall banquet venue.
Guests had almost all arrived, festive music interwoven with human voices, the atmosphere lively and noisy.
"Hey, why hasn't Luna come up yet? It's almost 12 o'clock." Second Aunt Wang Suyun checked her phone.
"Xiaochuan went down to get her, she should be here soon."
Wang Suxia said this, but felt somewhat uneasy inside.
Lin Baoshan was even more distracted, frequently glancing toward the banquet hall entrance.
As parents, not having seen their daughter for almost two years, saying they didn't miss her would be false.
Especially with feelings of guilt, making both restless.
Eldest Aunt Wang Sumei, adorned with jewels, laughed: "This child Luna, not coming home for two years, not even greeting her elders. When she arrives later, I'll have to properly talk to her."
"Exactly." Someone nearby chimed in, "At the very least, during holidays she should call family elders to say hello, with the internet so convenient nowadays."
Soon, chattering discussions rose one after another.
Shortly after, Zhao Peng and Shi Mengjia approached with wine glasses.
Jiajia smiled and asked: "What are you talking about that's so lively?"
"Haha, talking about our family's big star Luna!" Second Aunt Wang Suyun laughed: "Haven't seen her for several years, so everyone's concerned about her recent situation."
Because she loved beauty and dressing up since childhood, plus being exceptionally good-looking, Luna had often been teased like this by relatives.
Jiajia covered her mouth laughing: "I haven't seen her for a long time either, can't see her moments, probably blocked me."
"Of course, mine are blocked too."
"Me too, she just doesn't want us seeing her life."
A few joking remarks made Lin Baoshan and Wang Suxia increasingly awkward, wanting to explain but unable to speak.
Jiajia, seeing her fiancé Zhao Peng's confused expression, smiled and explained: "Luna is my aunt's daughter, she's been working in Yancheng, almost two years..."
Zhao Peng showed an appropriately polite smile: "That's understandable, we're all family. Since Luna is so thoughtful, we should properly toast her later."
Second Aunt Wang Suyun immediately interjected: "Oh, Zhao Peng, you know many people, have wide connections, when you have the chance, you must introduce a good match for our Luna! In our big family, she's the only one not settled yet."
"Yes yes, Luna is so beautiful, can't let her be delayed."
Zhao Peng smiled politely: "Sure, no problem. I actually have many single friends, from industry circles, finance circles, IT circles."
While speaking, hurried footsteps approached.
Zhao Peng's mother quickly walked over, face unable to conceal excitement and nervousness: "Xiaopeng, quickly, don't stay here!"
"What's wrong, Mom?"
"Go to the entrance quickly! Mayor Li and provincial department leaders are outside greeting important guests! Your father wants you to hurry over, try to get some face time with the leaders!"
Hearing this, Zhao Peng's expression instantly tightened, no longer bothering with polite conversation with relatives here, responding immediately before quickly turning and rushing over.
Once he left, the relatives here instantly quieted.
Provincial department leaders? Mayor Li?
Everyone looked at each other, expressions astonished.
All stunned by this sudden news.
Soon, more information came from the groom's side guests.
Causing waves of suppressed exclamations.
Turns out, the large hall next to them had been temporarily partitioned into private rooms, currently hosting heavyweight guests being received by multiple provincial and municipal government officials.
And that Director Feng who had only appeared briefly earlier was part of the reception team.
Everyone could no longer sit still, curiously looking toward the banquet hall's open doors.
They saw Zhao Changhong and his wife leading Zhao Peng, standing by the registration desk outside, looking respectfully toward the elevator entrance.
That area was already crowded with people—
Hotel management, security personnel, and several uniformed officials with solemn expressions.
The corridor atmosphere suddenly became tense, even the air seemed pressed tight.
"The deputy mayor came personally?"
"Oh my god, what kind of person is next door anyway?"
Whispers rose continuously, everyone excited yet apprehensive.
Just then, one of Zhao Peng's guests hurried in, making a "shush" gesture toward the hall.
Seriously saying: "Everyone quiet! Don't make noise! The leaders are all outside!"
This reminder poured like cold water, the entire hall instantly falling silent.
Eldest Aunt Wang Sumei forced a dry laugh, awkwardly chiming in: "Yes, yes, everyone keep your voices down, keep them down."
Relatives at this table looked at each other, expressions showing some unease.
These relatives coming from Zhou County and towns, accustomed to lively gatherings, truly facing this kind of situation with "municipal leaders, provincial department guests" present, inevitably felt somewhat awkward.
Some subconsciously lowered their voices, some quickly put down wine glasses, even children's cries were muffled by parents covering their mouths.
The originally lively Peony Hall seemed to have been suddenly muted.
A quiet filled with awe and tension rapidly spread.
Just then.
The little grandson in Wang Suxia's arms suddenly woke up.
"Waa—" A loud cry shattered this silence.
The young, abrupt crying echoed through the hall, particularly piercing.
Wang Suxia flusteredly tried to soothe him, but couldn't stop the cries.
Surrounding gazes turned toward her, her entire face flushed red, so embarrassed she almost wanted to hide under the table.
"Probably hungry." She stammered an explanation, "His mother went down, will be back soon."
No one responded, only some relatives softly "shushed," signaling quiet.
Wang Suxia, anxious and embarrassed, in desperation could only put her pinky finger in her grandson's mouth, barely stopping the cries.
Simultaneously.
Outer hall.
"Ding—"
The dedicated elevator at the corridor end slowly slid open to both sides.
Relatives in Peony Hall almost instinctively held their breath, craning their necks, looking past the crowd toward that direction.
Brilliant light poured from the elevator.
Spreading a bright path on the polished marble floor.
Immediately after, a group of figures walked calmly out from the light curtain.
Leading was a young woman wearing pure white haute couture suit.
The sharp tailoring outlined her tall, elegant figure.
The diamond-studded Vacheron Constantin watch on her wrist glittered with cold light under the lights.
Honey-colored hair meticulously pinned up, revealing a smooth forehead and slender swan neck.
She didn't look around, just gazed forward, slightly nodding to Mayor Li, provincial department leaders and others who approached, politely exchanging greetings.
The proper, warm smile on her face interwoven with unflappable authority deep in her eyes created a powerful aura belonging to top elites.
Behind her followed a six-person team.
All in suits and leather shoes, exceptional temperament, including two blond, blue-eyed foreigners.
Holding briefcases, their gazes calm and solemn, quietly following behind her, forming an imposing presence.
And that Director Feng who had briefly impressed everyone in Peony Hall now walked respectfully behind her, face piled with "hehe" smiles, attitude humble almost to the point of obsequiousness.
Soon, their group walked slowly from the outer hall toward this direction.
Footsteps approached from far to near, steady and restrained.
However—
From Jiajia at the entrance registration area to her mother's relatives in Peony Hall, all froze.
Hearts tightening violently.
Almost forgetting to breathe.
Moments later, low exclamations exploded one after another:
"Luna?!"
"That's... Suxia's second daughter?!"
"This... what's going on?!"
Wang Suxia and Lin Baoshan abruptly stood up, eyes locked tightly on the woman surrounded like the moon by stars in the center.
Minds completely blank.
Luna...
Wang Suxia even forgot the grandson in her arms.
Only when the baby's abrupt crying pierced the air did she suddenly snap back to reality, entire body stiffening there.
The crying echoed through the silent banquet hall.
Lin Muxue's tall, coldly beautiful figure just appeared outside Peony Hall's entrance, lifting her eyes, her gaze briefly meeting her mother's in the air.
Time seemed to freeze.
Her red lips slightly pursed, chest subtly rising and falling.
Then she turned aside, quietly speaking a few words with Mayor Li beside her.
Afterward, she calmly turned back, her gaze lightly sweeping over Jiajia's direction, corners of her lips smiling as she slightly nodded: "Jiajia, congratulations on your engagement."
"Th... thank..." Jiajia quickly responded.
Everyone held their breath.
Lin Muxue walked into the hall with composed steps.
The white suit almost emitted cold light under the illumination.
That "crowds making way, lights following" aura made the air congeal.
In the banquet hall, it seemed only she remained walking alone amidst alternating light and shadow.
Her gaze was calm, expression composed.
All lights, breaths, gazes fell upon her.
In Wang Suxia's arms, Dudu's crying grew increasingly clear.
Relatives momentarily didn't know how to react.
Under the crowd's gaze, Lin Muxue passed table after table, walking toward the familiar yet distant relatives' table in the corner.
"Luna..." Among the crowd, cousin Wang Xiangtong timidly greeted, voice carrying restraint and apprehension.
Lin Muxue slightly nodded, responding: "Sister Xiangtong."
Then, her gaze calmly swept over those once familiar, now somewhat unfamiliar faces around.
"Eldest Aunt, Second Aunt, Uncle..."
All surrounding relatives stared at her in shock, dazedly responding but not knowing what to say.
Under the enveloping light and shadow, the Luna before them felt both strange and dazzling.
Her footsteps finally stopped before her own parents.
Her gaze swept over her father Lin Baoshan's face filled with discomfort, finally landing on the crying baby in her mother Wang Suxia's arms.
Her expression suddenly softened, corners of her lips slightly curving.
She reached out, fingertips gently touching the child's cheek, voice soft and low: "Dudu, don't cry... good boy, auntie is back."
Dudu continued crying, opening watery eyes curiously looking at her.
Just then, Peng Xiaomeng quickly ran out, taking the child from her mother-in-law's arms, skillfully patting and soothing, "Oh, sorry sorry, the baby might be hungry, some milk will help..."
The crying gradually stopped, the banquet hall sinking back into a peculiar silence.
Lin Muxue lifted her head, glanced at her flustered mother, and the surrounding gazes filled with awe, stupor, or curiosity.
Chest subtly rising and falling.
That pent-up, unspeakable resentment accumulated over many years was finally completely released at this moment.
This feeling, more intense, lasting, and irresistible than buying a limited edition Birkin bag, than a thousand likes on social media, than any material satisfaction.
Mother Wang Suxia opened her mouth, voice dry squeezing out a few words: "Luna... you're..."
Lin Muxue lightly inhaled, tone steady and composed: "I was invited by the provincial government, representing my company to come to Chang'an for special investigation of the Western Photovoltaic New Energy Industry Cluster project. The welcome luncheon was arranged next door. Coincidentally, this is Jiajia's engagement banquet, so I conveniently came to attend."
Her voice wasn't loud, as if stating the most ordinary work arrangement.
However, the words contained within—"provincial government invitation," "industry cluster," "special investigation"...
Each term exploded like bombs, shaking everyone's minds.
After a moment of silence, suppressed inhalations sounded around.
Some mouths slightly open, not closing for a long time.
That girl they remembered—wandering outside, vocational college graduate, working as model, beautiful but not quite "proper," even needing their "support"—the Lin family's second daughter...
How after not seeing her for two years, did she become like this?
Just as everyone remained immersed in shocked silence.
A vigorous voice full of warm laughter came from outside the crowd: "Hehe, President Lin, these two must be your parents? Pleased to meet you!"
The crowd quickly made way.
Mayor Li walked in slowly accompanied by his secretary, his gaze turning to affectionate smile when meeting Lin Muxue.
After simple nodding greetings, he naturally turned toward the stunned Wang Suxia couple, proactively extending his hand.
"This time Rongliu Capital coming to Chang'an for investment investigation is our city's fortune. Thank you both for cultivating such outstanding talent for our Chang'an."
Wang Suxia stood frozen in place, almost daring not to extend her hand.
Lin Baoshan reacted half a beat slow, hurriedly stepping forward, using both hands to receive the extended hand, his dark face flushing red: "Mayor... Mayor Li... how dare we accept this..."
In their entire lives, they hadn't properly spoken much even to town mayors.
Now, actually being tightly handshaken by a genuine deputy mayor, repeatedly praised...
Immense honor and unreality instantly overwhelmed them, almost unable to stand steady.
Mayor Li smiled, patting Lin Baoshan's hand, his tone warm: "You deserve it."
All relatives, including Zhao Peng's relatives and friends at the main table, all stood nervously, watching this unbelievable scene.
Mayor Li appropriately turned to Lin Muxue, his tone warm yet maintaining appropriate distance: "President Lin, the provincial department and municipal bureau comrades are waiting next door, what do you think..."
Her red lips slightly pursed, chest almost imperceptibly rising and falling, "I'll go handle official business first, will return later."
Father Lin Baoshan also followed with "Mmhmm" responses.
Lin Muxue didn't linger further, straightening her slender back again.
Amidst the complex gazes mixed with awe, fear, and admiration, she walked shoulder-to-shoulder with Mayor Li, calmly stepping out of Peony Hall.
Leaving behind a noble, elegant white figure that made everyone feel they could never catch up.