The table in the center was the same size as the ones around, but it was exclusively for the Ji family and those who are close to Grandfather Ji. No one else was allowed to sit. However, Ji Chu Hua and her boyfriend, Gu Ting Fei, along with Ji Shao An were part of the Ji family.
The other day he had visited them to see why Ji Chu Hua came to the Ji Mansion and caused a disturbance with Ji Jingxu and Ting. Never would he thought it was just to sit at the table with him.
As much as Grandfather Ji didn't want them at his table, he had to give them some face.
He chatted away with the guests who held high statues in Imperial, then to the ordinary families he invited. He made sure everyone who attended his birthday were treated equally by him.
Saying a few words to the families, Housekeeper Hu walks up to him and whispers a few words into his ear. His brows furrow for a second but he quickly nod his head and sends the old man away.
Walking to the table that was for him, he sat down and leans towards Ji Jingxu who sat to his left.
Whispering what Housekeeper Hu had told him, Ji Jingxu pout his lip, but could only nod in head.
The seating of the round table went with Grandfather Ji in the center, Ji Jingxu on his left, two empty seats, Gu Ting Fei, Ji Chu Hua, Ji Shao An, Old Lu, Madam Lu, Lu Han, Lu Tian, and finally, another empty seat on Grandfather Ji's right.
Madam Lu sat directly across from the old man, she waited until he was done speaking with the young Ji Jingxu. When she saw him move away, she smiles and decided to ask.
"Uncle Ji, is your granddaughter going to be here?"
Although she asked this, it did not mean she wants Lu Tian to marry the old man's granddaughter.
She likes Yue Ling very much, so she only wishes to meet the daughter of her good friend.
After the death of her two friends, she saw the little girl again, but she was around the age of nine or ten. She did expect that to be their last meeting. Ever since that day, she has been wondering how the little girl is doing.
Lu Tian who was indifference the entire time sudden frown at his mother's words. Why couldn't she wait until after the party?
On the opposite side, Ji Chu Hua was seated between Gu Ting Fei and her father, Ji Shao An. When she heard Madam Lu's words, her cheeks flush and she glance shyly at Lu Tian.
Even though she is with Gu Ting Fei, if the Ji family and Lu family want to pair her with Lu Tian, she would not hesitate to agree. Gu Ting Fei is wealthy and has great looks, but he is no where on the same level as Lu Tian.
Gu Ting Fei feign ignorance to Madam Lu's words and Ji Chu Hua's reaction. Truth is, he does not even care.
He isn't in love with Ji Chu Hua. She was just a woman to help pass the time. If she wanted to break up, he wouldn't object.
Hearing Madam Lu's sudden words, Grandfather Ji furrow his brows. Could it be that the Lu family already knows that Yue Ling is his granddaughter?
No, that can't be. If they knew, she would have come here with them.
However, thinking something, he glance at Ji Chu Hua. So far, everyone in Imperial thinks she is his granddaughter. Could it be that Madam Lu wants to introduce Lu Tian to this girl?
Thinking this, he sees the look in Ji Chu Hua's eyes. A glint of disgust flash in his eyes before he retracted his gaze from her.
Although it was quick, Lu Tian who had eyes like an eagle did not miss the look in the old man's eyes. He slightly purse his lip and thought to himself.
Grandfather Ji looks at Madam Lu and he smiles, "Ji Chu Hua is currently dating Gu Ting Fei. I think letting the two of them meet like this is inappropriate."
Madam Lu was stupefied hearing these words. She looks at Ji Chu Hua and was even more dumbfounded. She wasn't referring to Ji Chu Hua. She part her lip to correct her words, but before she could utter a sound, someone interrupted.
"Grandfather, brother Ting Fei and I are just friends."
Ji Chu Hua softly spoke. She slightly leans away from the man to not cause anymore misunderstandings and glance at Lu Tian with a shy expression.
"The rumors about us are not true. Don't listen to what others say. Right brother Ting Fei?"
As her words fell, she turn to look at the man who was supposed to be her boyfriend.
Gu Ting Fei nod his head at her words. There was no expression of jealousy or hurt on his face at all. It was more like he did not care.
Grandfather Ji furrow his brows then nod his head in understanding.
"Mm. Who ever you decided to date or marry is of no concern to me."
Hearing these words, Ji Chu Hua smiles sweetly. Her smile was one that could capture the hearts anyone who sees. However, what she did not grasp was, the old man meant she is not affiliated with him.
Ji Chu Hua looks over to Madam Lu and smiles with her teeth.
"Aunty, I am his granddaughter, Ji Chu Hua and I don't mind chatting after the event."
Madam Lu: "…" But I mind!!
Madam Lu was at a loss for words as she screams those words in her head. She force a crooked smile and robotically nod her head. She wanted to turn Ji Chu Hua down, but that would make the girl embarrass.
How did it turn out like this?
No one noticed that at the table, the temperature had dropped drastically.
Lu Tian was indifferent, but his eyes had turned cold and dangerous. He agreed to meet the old man's granddaughter, but why did it turn out to look like a discussion over marriage?!
On the other side, Ji Jingxu who looked like a sweet young boy held a bitter expression. Both his hands clench tightly under the table.
How can Ji Chu Hua be so disgusting? She is in a relationship with Gu Ting Fei, but the moment her eyes caught sight of Lu Tian and Lu Han, she dare to ignore her boyfriend!
Out of everyone seated at the table, Lu Han was the only one who felt the change of temperature. He could feel sweats form on his forehead as he sat right next to his older brother!
He cast a side glare at Ji Chu Hua with disgust in his eyes. 'This ugly woman actually thought my mother was referring to her?! Hah! She must be dreaming!'
Feeling the awkwardness at the table, Old Lu decides to change the topic. He looks at the old man and smiles.
"Uncle Ji, why are there three empty seats? Are you waiting for more guests?"
Grandfather Ji sighs in relief at Old Lu. He glance at the two empty seats between Ji Jingxu and Gu Ting Fei, then he looks at the empty seat on his right.
"Ah, yes. I have invited three guests who are very close to me, but it seems like they haven't arrived yet. I'll wait a little longer before I make my speech."
Everyone at the table and those who sat near heard the old man's words. However, all could not help but wonder, who are these guests that are very close to the old man?
Just as his words fell, Housekeeper Hu enters the ballroom with two people following behind him.
One was a middle-aged man and the other was a teenage boy around the same age as Ji Jingxu. Unlike those who came in first, these two were dressed more casually.
