Chương 36: Let's Go Get You Ready

"And what family is she from?"

Liling felt a sharp pang of irritation in her chest at the obvious jab, the warmth she had felt just moments ago quickly dissipating. She had no family name to lean on, it had been ripped away years ago, and she and her brother were officially declared orphans and thrown away.

She opened her mouth to respond, but Li Hao spoke first, his voice firm. "Liling is my wife, and her family name is not grounds for her to be looked down upon." Although his tone was respectful, his message was clear: He had not chosen Liling for the added prestige of her family name but for her as an individual, and she would not be insulted for it.

Liling's heart gave an unexpected lurch at his words, but she kept her face impassive. This was the second time he was defending her tonight, and she wasn't sure if it was just for show or if he meant it.

Grandma Li's lips pursed, and she said nothing more. Liling on the other hand understood that she was only standing down temporarily for her grandson. In her eyes, Liling wasn't worthy enough to be married into the Li family.

Master Li clapped his hands to dispel the awkward tension building and lightly patted Liling's shoulder. "Pay no mind to the old woman, she's just grumpy. You're welcomed to the Li family with open arms"

With a forced smile, she thanked him saying it was all right.

After that, they drifted further into the banquet hall, the murmurs of the crowd and the clinking of glasses formed a low, continuous hum around them.

They took their seats as a huge family on a wide table and ate as the classical entertainment for the night took the stage. Little Bun was sitting on her left and Li Xiu had occupied the seat on her right. She had put the encounter with Grandma Li away at the back of her mind and buried the sensation she had felt as Li Hao defended her, beneath her usual calm exterior. She knew better than to trust in appearances.

Suddenly, the music stopped and the lights in the hall dimmed, drawing all eyes to the large stage at the front. A spotlight illuminated Master Li as he stepped up, his imposing figure commanding attention.

The chatter in the hall died down almost instantly, and a hush fell over the room in anticipation of his words. Liling could immediately tell what was coming and steeled herself for it.

With a broad smile, he raised a glass, his voice booming as it echoed through the hall. "Thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate my eightieth birthday. His smile widened as he continued, "As you all know, it brings me great joy to see my family, friends and esteemed guests gathered together"

The crowd erupted into polite applause and Master Li waited for the noise to subside before continuing.

"And that is why it gives me even greater joy to welcome into my family, my new granddaughter-in-law, Liling"

She smiled graciously, head held high as the second spotlight came to rest on her drawing their eyes to her. She felt exposed, like a specimen under a magnifying glass, left to be picked on and appraised by the crowd.

Another round of applause rose, but this time mixed with low hums of murmuring, a mixture of surprise and their thinly veiled disapproval. She could feel the weight of a hundred eyes turning towards her, assessing, judging, belitling. The air was thick with speculation, their whispers buzzing in her ears.

As the evening wore on, the banquet resumed its lively pace. Guests mingled, laughter and conversation filling the air once more. Li Hao had gone along with his father and grandfather to greet guests leaving the women and Little Bun on the table to continue with their meals.

Li Xiu soon pulled her off the table and through the crowd excited to introduce her to someone.

They moved towards a quieter corner of the hall, away from the main hubbub of the banquet. As they approached, Liling saw a tall figure standing by one of the large, ornate windows, his back to them.

He was dressed in a dark blue tailored suit that emphasized his broad shoulders and lean frame. He had black hair, and there was a sense of composed strength in his posture.

"Liling, I'd like to introduce you to..," Li Xiu said, her voice brimming with excitement as they drew closer. The man turned at the sound of her voice, and Liling found herself looking into a pair of striking brown eyes.

"Tang Wei", Li Xiu continued, practically bouncing with enthusiasm. "He's a family friend and one of the most interesting people you'll ever meet".

Turning to him she said, "Tang Wei, this is Xu Liling, my new sister-in-law, but without the in-law part"

Tang Wei extended a hand, his smile warm and genuine. "Mrs Liling, it's a pleasure to meet you"

Liling shook his hand, her grip firm, her expression polite "The pleasure is mine, Mr. Tang"

Zhao Wei chuckled, a rich, pleasant sound. "Please, call me Wei. No need for formalities among friends."

Li Xiu beamed, clearly pleased with the introduction. "Wei and Hao were classmates back in university and still friends now" she explained. "He's practically part of the family"

Liling nodded, Zhao Wei had a presence about him that was hard to ignore, a blend of confidence and calm that everyone around him at ease. There was an easy grace in the way he moved, and his eyes, though friendly, held a depth that suggested a keen intellect.

"I hope Li Hao hasn't been too much trouble for you", Tang Wei said, a teasing note in his voice. "He can be quite the handful."

Liling allowed a small smile to touch her lips. "He's been… interesting, certainly something..." she said, choosing her words carefully. "But manageable nonetheless"

Zhao Wei laughed again, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "That's good to hear. Li Hao's always been the charming one. I'm sure he's doing his best to make you feel welcome"

"He is", Liling agreed, turning her gaze to Li Xiu with a smile. "But Li Xiu here has been wonderful as well. She's made me feel the most welcome"

Li Xiu flushed with pleasure at the compliment, "Oh, but you praise me too much, I'm only doing what I'm meant to do"

The conversation between the three flowed easily, moving from work to travel to shared acquaintances. Liling found herself enjoying the easy banter. Tang Wei was a good conversationalist, with a quick wit and a keen sense of humour. It was a refreshing change from the probing questions and veiled barbs she had faced earlier in the evening.

As they conversed, Liling could also notice the faint blush on Li Xiu's cheeks as she spoke. She was usually always the one to lead conversations with stories and jokes, but as they talked, she was doing more listening than speaking, which was very unlike her.

Eventually, the conversation turned back to the banquet, and Li Xiu's eyes lit up with excitement again "Oh, I almost forgot, Liling's performing this evening, It's going to be so good"

Zhao Wei raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Really?"

"She is" Li Xiu confirmed, her face glowing. "Come on Liling, let's go get you ready"