Why is there a delay in the start of the gala?
The same question popped up in the heads of all the other ladies present.
Everyone unanimously shifted their gazes onto Wen Xinya, who was the only guest who had shown up late. Since they were all busy chatting with each other, no one took note of the time, and Wen Xinya only showed up three minutes before the start of the gala. Hence, everyone thought that Wen Xinya was late.
They thought that Wen Xinya was the reason for the delay.
After all, Wen Xinya was Old Mr. Mo’s granddaughter and even if they did not take her seriously, they would have to show Old Mr. Mo some face.
Everyone began to feel upset and displeased with Wen Xinya.
Wen Xinya had to admit that Xia Ruya had pulled a brilliant move this time.
Yet, Xia Ruya did not explicitly spell out anything at all. Others wouldn’t be so silly as to voice their opinions either. If Wen Xinya were to get flustered and try to explain herself, she would just be admitting that the delay was caused by her.
Indeed, Xia Ruya always had a way to make life hard for her, regardless of the occasion.
At this moment, the mysterious owner of Boya Pavilion walked towards them slowly with four judges. “Welcome to the Heiress Gala’ held by Boya Pavilion.”
Her warm and refined voice was extremely pleasant and she did not sound in the least bit aged at all. Everyone could not help but glance at her curiously.
The mask on her face covered her eyes, forehead and the sides of her face. Her skin was fair and fine, thus making it difficult for anyone to guess her age.
Her hair was dark and black like ink, and she pulled it back into a simple bun that was secured with a green hairpin. There were no complicated accessories on her and she was dressed simply in a green blouse and a pleated skirt.
However, she exuded an elegant and posh aura, and also gave off the vibe of someone who had experienced a lot in life.
Her aura was different from Wen Xinya who shone resplendently. Unlike Wen Xinya, her aura was calm and mellow.
The owner of Boya Pavilion took everyone by storm as soon as she appeared.
She scanned the heiresses before shifting her gaze onto Wen Xinya. “Are you Old Mr. Mo’s granddaughter, Wen Xinya?”
There was a tinge of emotion in her perpetually mellow voice.
Wen Xinya stepped forth and answered humbly with confidence, “Yes.”
The owner scanned Wen Xinya from head to toe before saying with a smile, “It’s no wonder that you’re from the Mo Family. You do have the glory and aura of your granny.”
Although Wen Xinya resembled Mo Yunyao, she actually looked more like her grandmother, Ren Yuqian. Mo Yunyao was prideful in her own right, like green plums, whereas Wen Xinya was strong, determined, ambitious and proud, just like her grandmother, Ren Yuqian.
Everyone knew of the ties between Wen Xinya’s grandmother and the owner of Boya Pavilion. Hence, the heiresses could not help but be jealous of Wen Xinya when they saw the owner of Boya Pavilion singing praises of Wen Xinya. They all began staring at Wen Xinya begrudgingly in a hostile manner.
Wen Xinya was unsure of what the owner truly thought about her. Hence, she answered politely, “You flatter me, Madam.”
The owner again asked, “How has Old Mr. Mo’s health been lately?”
Wen Xinya answered, “Thank you for the concern, Madam. Grampy has been in the pink of health.”
The exchange made the other heiresses green with envy. Everyone knew that those who managed to impressed the owner would enjoy a good reputation in Capital city.
Reputation mattered greatly to all the heiresses of the wealthy families from the upper-class society.
After speaking to Wen Xinya for a while, the owner announced. “I know you’re all excited about the gala. Since everyone is here, let’s begin!”
As soon as she made the announcement, everyone gleamed with joy and excitement. The thought of the Heiress’ Gala which was about to commence soon, made them extremely eager to outshine everyone and emerge victorious.
The owner then continued, “Everyone, please follow me. I’ve set up some chairs in the West Yard. The gala will be held there.”
She then took the lead together with the judges, while the heiresses followed closely behind.
It was extremely crowded and lively.
“I heard that there’s a patch of plums in the West Yard. During the plum season during winter, the entire patch will be fiery red, a stark contrast to the snow. It’s such a pity that it’s only October now and we won’t get to enjoy such a picturesque view.”
“There may not be any plums to marvel over, but there is plenty of expensive and renowned cotton rose hibiscus in the West Yard. It’s October now, the blooming season for cotton rose hibiscus. They bloom like lotuses and resemble peonies. It’s a really rare sight.”
“I wonder if we’ll be getting the chance to enjoy the signature floral cake that Boya Pavilion is famous for. It’s a snack that’s made of a plethora of flowers and has a fragrant yet unique taste. I was fortunate enough to have tasted it once. It’s a heavenly delicacy.”
As they treaded along the white bridge, they could see the various bamboos along the lake, which were refined and interesting.
Wen Xinya cast a glance at the small passageway in between the bamboo trees, which was so deep that it seemed endless. She remarked, “That trail looks so serene.”
Next, the owner led all of them onto the bamboo trail where the refreshing and clear scent of bamboo wafted up into everyone’s noses, making them sing praises of the bamboo in utmost awe.
The end of the trail was spacious and everyone was greeted with the sight of the large artificial lake which was surrounded by lush greenery and a wide array of flowers. They finally got to see the vibrant rose cotton hibiscus.
The temperatures during fall were warmer this year. Hence, the cotton rose hibiscuses were blooming exceptionally well. Cotton rose usually thrived in damp conditions. The ones by the lack were vibrant and colorful.
The owner then led everyone to the trail along the vibrant rose hibiscuses and said, “There may not be any plums for our viewing pleasure, but there are cotton rose hibiscuses which are just as beautiful and unique. Don’t they suit the Heiress’ Gala better?”
Since plums were solitary, cold and aloof, they were not quite suitable for the Heiress’ Gala. That was the reason she chose to host the gala during Autumn.
After giving it some thought, everyone felt that the owner’s words were rather interesting. At the same time, she seemed to also be hinting that they would be competing with each other.
The owner smiled and said, “Did you guys see the porch in the middle of the lake? The past Heiress’ Galas have all been held there.”
