Chapter 116: Not a Freeloader Son-in-Law

Shen Baoqiu and his companions stared wide-eyed at Chen Yuyi, as if he were some kind of monster. It turned out that inside Chen Yuyi’s box was merely a single calligraphy brush.

He paid no attention to their gazes and spoke to Old Madam Shen, “I know you enjoy writing. This is a rare wolf hair brush crafted by a renowned master, specially made for you. With this, your strokes will flow like the wind.”

Unable to contain themselves any longer, Shen Baoqiu and the others burst into laughter. Their laughter was contagious, and soon the entire gathering erupted into hearty guffaws, some nearly falling under the table with mirth. Others laughed until tears welled up in their eyes.

At that moment, Shen Zhujun wished she could disappear into the ground. Shen Chengde wore a look of frustration; after all, this son-in-law held assets worth over two billion yuan. If he was to bring a birthday gift, it should be something respectable.

Shen Youlin and her daughter, Xu Ruizhi, were laughing too, but unlike the others, they were amused by Chen Yuyi, not mocking him.

Old Madam Shen ignored the laughter and examined the brush with evident delight. “As expected, Yuyi truly understands my heart! Here, take this generous red envelope.”

She pulled a large red envelope from her pocket and handed it to Chen Yuyi. He accepted it with a smile. “Thank you, Grandma.”

At this, Shen Baoqiu and his companions ceased their laughter. Though they cared little for the envelope itself, they resented the gesture. They too had brought birthday gifts, undoubtedly more valuable than Chen Yuyi’s humble brush, yet none had earned so much as a glance from Old Madam Shen, let alone a red envelope. Meanwhile, this man gave only a brush and received a generous red envelope in return. Their hearts churned with envy and bitterness.

Suddenly, a group of people arrived—several wealthy gentlemen who were on good terms with Shen Chengde. Their unexpected appearance startled Shen Chengde. He hadn’t invited them and hurried to greet them. Shen Baoqiu and his friends were unfamiliar with the situation, but recognized the men as notable figures in Jiang City. They wondered if these men had come to offer birthday congratulations.

“Ah, Brother Chengde! How could you not inform us of Old Madam Shen’s birthday?” Miao Muqiao, a close friend of Shen Chengde, was the first to step forward.

The others trailed behind with polite grievances. “Mother said she did not want a grand affair and invited only close family. How did you hear about it, Miao Ye?” Shen Chengde asked, puzzled.

“Brother Chengde, no need to ask now. Let’s first pay our respects to the Old Madam,” Miao Muqiao said, leading them forward. They bowed deeply. “Wishing Old Madam Shen happiness as vast as the Eastern Sea and longevity as enduring as the Southern Mountains!”

Old Madam Shen nodded faintly, then turned her gaze toward Chen Yuyi.

Chen Yuyi shrugged, indicating it was none of his concern. Old Madam Shen shook her head in resignation—peace today was impossible. She instructed Shen Chengde to attend to their guests.

Besides showing respect, the wealthy gentlemen also stared intently. The old lady was truly rejuvenated.

Their eyes then turned to Chen Yuyi, and almost in unison, they bowed to him. “Greetings, son-in-law!”

Shen Zhujun was stunned. These men were nearly the same age as her father, yet they showed such deference to her “husband.” Normally, being their elders, they should be the ones receiving respect, not giving it. It made no sense.

Shen Youlin smiled quietly, certain these men had learned of her brother-in-law’s extraordinary status and came to curry favor.

The most astonished were Shen Baoqiu and his group. What was going on? Wasn’t this the cheap son-in-law? Why were these great gentlemen treating him with such reverence?

Chen Yuyi smiled lightly, nodding silently without any formalities.

Shen Baoqiu and his friends shook their heads in secret disapproval. Even with such respect shown by these men, Chen Yuyi uttered not a single word. Who did he think he was?

Although Shen Chengde invited the gentlemen to sit, they remained standing. After a moment, Miao Muqiao produced a jewelry box.

“Old Madam Shen, this is a diamond necklace I hastily prepared for you. Please forgive the lack of ceremony.”

A dazzling diamond necklace appeared, eliciting gasps from the onlookers.

Shen Baoqiu felt a flush of embarrassment; the diamond he offered paled in comparison. Each gem on this necklace was as large as a pigeon’s egg. His single diamond was insignificant by comparison. Yet he reminded himself it was not the cheap son-in-law who had presented it, so why feel ashamed? Little did he know, if not for Chen Yuyi, these men would never have brought such lavish gifts.

They had learned from reliable sources that the Shen family was holding a birthday banquet, and after confirming that the son-in-law was indeed the famed immortal master, they could no longer sit idly by. They envisioned a new future for the Shen family—one far different from the past. It was the perfect moment to curry favor and cement relations with the son-in-law.

One after another, the gentlemen presented their costly gifts. The younger generation looked on wide-eyed. Though the preparation was rushed and the gifts not as extravagant as they wished, the value was still immense.

Old Madam Shen smiled, shaking her head. “Such valuable gifts—I cannot accept.”

“Please do,” Miao Muqiao urged. “We merely offer a token of our respect. It is nothing, nothing at all. And now that the Shen family has such a distinguished son-in-law, there is nothing you cannot accept.”

The others echoed his sentiments.

Old Madam Shen finally nodded. Indeed, with such a son-in-law, the Shen family could bear any honor. She felt comforted.

Seeing this, Xu Ruizhi quickly invited the gentlemen to sit and enjoy some wine. She had already ordered another table.

Miao Muqiao and his friends, no longer able to stand, sat down with Shen Chengde. They praised his good fortune repeatedly.

Though Shen Chengde felt somewhat puzzled, he was pleased by their presence—it restored some face before the younger family members.

No sooner had they settled than another group arrived.

“Isn’t that Master Shan?” Shen Baoqiu’s group exclaimed, surprised. They wondered when the Shen family had connected with the Shan family of Jiang City.

The newcomers were led by Zuo Hongshan, accompanied only by Jiang Kun and several local magnates.

Just like Miao Muqiao’s group, they first offered birthday greetings and presented gifts of immeasurable value. Then they respectfully saluted Chen Yuyi in unison. “Greetings, Mr. Chen!”

Old Madam Shen’s eyes narrowed slightly. This grandson-in-law was indeed a mighty dragon, destined to become a true dragon one day.

Chen Yuyi was somewhat surprised but, considering Zuo Hongshan’s abilities, no news could escape him in Jiang City. He returned their greetings with a warm smile.

Zuo Hongshan showed no airs of a local tycoon, bowing profoundly before Chen Yuyi, leaving all the Shen relatives present dumbfounded.

Xu Ruizhi quickly prepared another table to accommodate Zuo Hongshan’s group.

Since their arrival, the atmosphere had grown more subdued. Those present struggled to believe the Shen family had risen to such heights.

Shen Youlin recalled being rescued by Jiang Kun when she was kidnapped. Seeing them pay respects and salute Chen Yuyi confirmed her suspicions—her brother-in-law had indeed sent help. She felt remorse for previously misunderstanding him, and a subtle affection for Chen Yuyi blossomed within her.

“This can’t be. He’s the cheap son-in-law, isn’t he? Why do these men treat him with such respect? What’s going on?” Shen Baoqiu and his friends were filled with doubt.

Not only they but all the Shen relatives found it hard to accept that the arrival of these dignitaries was because of the so-called cheap son-in-law.

Before they could solve the mystery, yet another group approached.

It was Qi Yun from Longchi Manor, accompanied by the Huo family from Jinxiu Manor.

They had also come expressly to pay their respects.

Seeing Old Madam Shen’s rejuvenated appearance, they were astonished. Having witnessed Chen Yuyi administer the Rejuvenation Pill, they naturally inferred that the old lady must have taken it as well.

Their reverence for Chen Yuyi grew even stronger.

Xu Ruizhi hurriedly set more tables to entertain the guests.

At this point, Shen Baoqiu and his companions were no longer composed. Their eyes toward Chen Yuyi had changed.

“Should I try to ingratiate myself with this man?” they thought simultaneously.

They had intended to curry favor but found themselves unable to take a single step forward.

Qi Yun’s affectionate gaze at Chen Yuyi did not escape Shen Zhujun’s keen eyes. She seethed with anger. This cheap “husband” was no longer cheap at all. How many beauties must he have charmed outside? The company’s young women all seemed inexplicably enamored with him, and now even these glamorous women showed such affection—how could she not be furious?

Perhaps sensing Shen Zhujun’s sharp gaze, Qi Yun composed herself and quietly took a seat.

What had been a modest birthday banquet of two or three tables had now swelled to over ten.

Shen Baoqiu and his group had fallen silent, not daring to utter a word. Any one of the present guests could easily overshadow them.

As the crowd grew, the atmosphere became lively, though the Shen relatives themselves remained humble.

At that moment, a coarse voice rang out.

“Where is our cheap son-in-law of the Shen family?”

It was Shen Nande and a group of old relatives, who, having enjoyed their drinks, arrived at the Shen residence.