Chapter 115: The Birthday Banquet in Progress

Chen Yu Yi smiled lightly. He had long instructed Zhang Tian You to prepare a birthday gift, and Zhang Tian You had indeed prepared a very ordinary one as requested. Moreover, Chen Yu Yi no longer cared much about such matters. The rejuvenation pill he had given to the Old Madam Shen earlier was far more valuable than those so-called birthday gifts, though of course he would never boast about it to these people.

Seeing that Chen Yu Yi remained silent, Shen Bao Qiu shook his head and said, “I’ve prepared a South African diamond for Grandma.” With that, he pulled out an exquisite box and opened it, waving it before everyone’s eyes.

The younger generation squinted at the dazzling light, barely able to make out what was inside, and couldn’t help but praise, “Sure enough, it’s a giant South African diamond! My eyes are still dazzled. Bao Ge really knows how to splurge!”

One by one, they then proudly displayed the birthday gifts they had brought—jade ornaments, small antiques, health supplements. Though not particularly valuable, they were all presentable.

After some showing off, their gazes turned in unison toward Chen Yu Yi.

Chen Yu Yi smiled faintly. “I won’t embarrass myself by showing my gift.”

“Tch, I bet he’s just too ashamed to show it!” someone sneered.

“Exactly. Just look at him. No way he has any decent gift to show.”

“I bet even if he had something decent, it’s all money from cousin Zhu Jun!”

Immediately, a wave of disdain swept through the crowd.

Chen Yu Yi merely smiled lightly. What they said wasn’t wrong; the money for his gift had indeed come from Shen Zhu Jun, and he saw no need to argue. Besides, none of these people were worth his retort.

His indifferent attitude seemed to absorb their scorn like a cushion, leaving them frustrated and even a little angered.

“Just a cheap son-in-law, truly an embarrassment to the family!” they cursed silently.

Meanwhile, in a luxurious hotel in Jiangcheng, a group of people had gathered.

At the head was Shen Nan De, Shen Bao Qiu’s father.

The others were older relatives of the Shen family, some elders from the main Shen clan, contemporaries of the Old Madam Shen.

“Nan De, really, for big sister’s eightieth birthday, us old fellows should be paying our respects. You’ve gathered us here—what important matter brings us together?” one elder said, mindful of old ties and the propriety of celebrating the birthday.

Shen Nan De was decked out in glittering gold, wearing a thick gold necklace around his neck, a gold watch on his wrist, and several gold rings on his fingers; he clearly had a fondness for gold.

He was generous too—in handing out large red envelopes to the relatives, with double envelopes and luxury health supplements for the elders.

Though these relatives were not short of money themselves, they appreciated the gesture. In their long-standing impression, it was customary for the Shen family to bestow gifts during festivals and celebrations.

However, such treatment had not been extended by the current Shen family for a long time. Shen Nan De’s branch had once been expelled by the Old Master Shen but still considered themselves part of the family. Now, Nan De’s return and his attention to kinship earned their praise.

“You’re right; it’s improper not to celebrate. But there’s no rush—we should enjoy a hearty meal here first. I’ve prepared the finest dishes this place offers. When we go to my eldest brother’s house later, can we expect such a feast?”

Shen Nan De chuckled, “Actually, I invited everyone here for a lively gathering. Once we’ve had our fill, we’ll go over there to stir up some excitement.”

Someone retorted, “There’s no food or drink over at the Shen family’s place, nor any festive atmosphere. What’s the point?”

“That’s why we should go bring some life to the party,” Shen Nan De said with a meaningful smile.

“Nan De speaks the truth. We really should go see what has become of the Shen family. An eighty-year birthday celebration so cold and quiet—is this still the Shen family of old?” an elder said, anger evident in his voice. He, like the others, was disappointed by the family’s decline.

They all recalled the former glory of the Shen family with nostalgia.

“I thought that with Shen Zhu Jun around, married into a good family, the Shen clan might turn things around. But finding a worthless son-in-law like him has been such a disappointment to us old relatives!” another elder sighed repeatedly.

Shen Nan De merely smiled without comment.

At this, a peer of Shen Nan De stepped forward, “Uncles, don’t be so pessimistic. Look, Nan De is back—his branch of the Shen family is showing signs of revival.”

The elders nodded in agreement. “Nan De is far more capable than Cheng De. That useless fellow is better left unmentioned. Nan De, do whatever you must. We old men fully support you!”

Shen Nan De laughed heartily, achieving precisely the effect he desired. “Come, it’s rare for us all to gather like this—let’s enjoy ourselves with good food and drink.”

Under his warm hospitality, glasses clinked and the atmosphere grew lively.

Back at the Shen residence, the Old Madam Shen appeared just as the birthday banquet was about to begin.

The younger generation was stunned. Some had not seen her in years; the closest had been months ago, others nearly one or two years. Yet now, the Old Madam Shen looked nothing like the frail woman they remembered.

Some who had never met her whispered, “Isn’t Grandma eighty? She hardly looks more than sixty. Has the Shen family got the date wrong?”

“How could that be? Last time I saw her, her hair was pure white, and her face was marked with age spots. It’s only been a year—how could she look younger? No age spots, hair black as night.”

“Is that really the Old Madam Shen?” some doubted.

“Nonsense. If not her, then who? But it’s truly astonishing.”

Even Shen Zhu Jun was dumbfounded. Though they lived under the same roof, she had been busy with work, and the Old Madam Shen had not left her small courtyard recently, so they hadn’t met. She was deeply shocked but thought her grandmother’s good health and care for longevity might account for the youthful appearance, perhaps a special effort for today’s banquet.

Shen Cheng De had long noticed too, believing the jade disc of the Shen family was the source of her rejuvenation.

Xu Ruizhi and Shen You Lin had seen the Old Madam Shen’s appearance earlier and shared the same thought: with a celestial master in the family, anything was possible.

The Old Madam Shen smiled gently at the younger generation. “Please, be seated.”

She glanced at Chen Yu Yi. “Yu Yi, come sit next to me.”

The younger ones were dumbfounded. By all rights, no one would expect the so-called cheap son-in-law to sit beside the Old Madam Shen. They couldn’t fathom her intentions.

Chen Yu Yi took no offense, sitting beside her. Shen Zhu Jun sat just below him, and Shen You Lin beside her sister.

Though not many guests had come, the banquet filled three or four tables.

Shen Cheng De sat sulking, displeased both by the banquet’s atmosphere and the disrespect shown to him by some younger attendees, unwilling to speak.

Shen Zhu Jun and her sister had initially been enthusiastic but gradually grew indifferent due to the others’ poor treatment of Chen Yu Yi.

The reason was simple: those people looked down on Chen Yu Yi.

Even Shen Zhu Jun was uncertain why she had begun to care so much about her “husband.”

Xu Ruizhi maintained a warm smile throughout, cordially attending to the guests, knowing her son-in-law would not take offense, and she herself had long since elevated her spirit beyond such petty matters.

Though the gathering was small, it was lively enough.

Seeing the atmosphere improve, Shen Bao Qiu stood and said, “Grandma, this is the birthday gift I prepared for you!” smiling as he took out the exquisite box and placed it before the Old Madam Shen, opening it as if to ensure everyone knew its value.

The Old Madam Shen nodded slightly without even glancing at the gift. “Hmm, it’s rare that you put thought into this.”

Several younger relatives followed, presenting their gifts in turn, displaying them like an exhibition.

The Old Madam Shen praised each politely but did not look at any of the gifts and fell silent thereafter.

The gifts were decent enough, and the onlookers’ attention was entirely drawn to them, creating a noticeable stir.

Only the Old Madam Shen remained unmoved, sitting like a statue.

Those who had given gifts beamed upon hearing others’ praise.

When they finished, none returned to their seats but instead cast challenging glances at Chen Yu Yi.

Shen Zhu Jun secretly pinched Chen Yu Yi, whispering, “Where’s your gift?” She had asked him to prepare it early, and surely he wasn’t still unready.

Chen Yu Yi smiled faintly. “No rush. Let me eat first—I haven’t had breakfast yet.”

He ate leisurely, utterly unhurried.

Shen Zhu Jun pinched him twice more but said no more.

Meanwhile, Shen Bao Qiu and his companions still watched him closely, amused and annoyed by his casual demeanor, thinking what sort of man had no sense of propriety.

At last, Chen Yu Yi stood. “Grandma, I wish you blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea and longevity like the Southern Mountain!”

He then produced a long, elegantly wrapped box.

But when he opened it, some with drinks in their mouths sprayed them out in surprise, and those eating choked suddenly.