Volume 1 Chapter 117 The Princess vs. the Crown Princess
The news that Xu Jingmo is in love has long been known to everyone.
But everyone has a youthful time, and how many student romances can last?
Many people who wanted to marry into the Xu family were basically waiting and watching, not taking it seriously.
There were some trustworthy people who inquired and investigated privately, but they found out that the girl was nothing special, so they didn't take it seriously.
The Xu family is one of the most powerful families in North City. Nowadays, the few families that can be considered as a match for their family are almost all of a generation older than them.
Xu Siyan is too young, so let’s not mention him for now.
In Xu Jingmo's generation, any family that could discuss marriage with him was considered to be marrying up compared to the Xu family.
With a good family background, rich and handsome appearance, and an excellent student from a prestigious university, Xu Jingmo is truly a popular commodity in the wealthy circle of North City.
However, people who are familiar with Xu Hongjian also know that Xu Hongjian is a feudal and stubborn old man. Xu Jingmo is his most beloved grandson, and the selection of their grandson's wife must pass his test.
Therefore, families who are interested in getting married have been planning to bring their children to show themselves in front of him a few years ago to make a good impression.
But Xu Hongjian was a man who favored boys over girls. His wife died early, so he was too lazy to even say a polite word. Every girl who saw him found him so serious and scary. They couldn't stand his stern and scrutinizing gaze and were unwilling to have anything to do with him.
All those acts of acting cute and saying nice things are like the White Bone Demon in front of Sun Wukong. She shows her true form before she can even use any tricks.
Moreover, Xu Daiyue often said outside that he was partial and didn't like her. He didn't like his own granddaughter, so outsiders would not dare to touch his head easily.
Xu Xingzhi and Wen Jiahuan were not in North City all year round, and Yan Shuyun, the only mistress of the Xu family, would not care about Xu Jingmo's affairs. How could an aunt worry about her nephew's marriage? Isn't this annoying?
Therefore, there are only two ways to marry into the Xu family.
Either deal with Xu Hongjian or deal with Xu Jingmo himself.
Xu Jingmo has a peculiar temper. It is not surprising that he is late for a banquet, nor is it surprising that he brings his girlfriend around town. He has always been a person who does not obey orders.
What was strange was Xu Hongjian. How could a man who usually looked intimidating without getting angry give such face to a little girl by going to pick her up in person and even saying that it was his honor to attend the banquet?
Please, you are the head of the Xu family. How many people can treat you so well?
Everyone in the room looked at Du Ruo with curiosity, wondering what kind of person was he who could handle two people at the same time? Was he so amazing?
From the outside, the girl has a pure and beautiful face. She wears a simple white cheongsam and her hair is tied into a simple bun. She only uses a white jade hairpin as a decoration. She does not need any heavy makeup. The simple and natural beauty is enough to make people unable to take their eyes away. She seems extraordinary and unattainable.
She is very beautiful, but beauties are not rare in the world, and each has its own beauty. Just relying on appearance alone is still not enough.
Du Ruo's voice was gentle and sincere. He handed over the birthday gift he had prepared and said softly, "I'm really sorry that I'm late. I wish you a happy birthday, long life, wealth and health."
Xu Hongjian gladly took it and opened the gift box.
What caught his eye was an agarwood incense stick with exquisite carvings and a unique fragrance that touched his soul deeply.
The smile on his face widened, and he was very satisfied. It was rare to find someone who was so pleasing to his eye.
Many people knew that he liked collectibles and often catered to his tastes. Over the years, he had received all kinds of gifts, including necklaces, jade, Buddha head Dzi beads, porcelain, calligraphy and paintings... everything was there, too numerous to count.
Little did people know that his interest in collectibles started with his interest in agarwood.
Perhaps because of his status, everyone thought he had seen all the best agarwood in the world and it was hard for him to be interested in anything else. So many people who catered to his tastes, yet no one ever gave him a gift related to agarwood.
He asked curiously, "Is this a birthday gift you specially prepared for me?"
Du Ruo nodded and said frankly, "Yes, agarwood amulets have the meaning of calming the mind and ensuring safety. Since I received a string of Buddhist beads with such a good meaning from you, I should give you one with a similar meaning in return."
Xu Hong smiled and said, "Thank you, I like it very much. I am very happy that you can come all the way from Jiangcheng to attend my birthday party. Besides, the party starts at 7 o'clock, so you are not late at all, you come at the right time. Come, I will introduce you to some friends."
Du Ruo came here for this reason, and without any hesitation, she smiled and said, "Okay."
The guests present only looked at the old man and the young man who had nothing to do with them, and tacitly abandoned Xu Jingmo, who was related to them, and walked in the same direction side by side.
Xu Jingmo looked calm and composed. He raised his hand and rubbed his nose. There was a look of doting in his eyes and a bit of inexplicable pride on his face. Then he stepped forward and followed Du Ruo's pace.
??? People were whispering to each other curiously.
Xu Hongjin led Du Ruo and introduced his friends to her one by one.
The academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the directors of the research institutes, the president of University B...are all academic giants in their respective fields.
His introduction to Du Ruo was also astonishing. He said in a friendly and respectful tone:
"This is little Du Ruo, my friend regardless of age difference."
During the entire introduction, there was no mention of her relationship with Xu Jingmo.
But anyone with a discerning eye can see what kind of relationship they have.
Xu Jingmo was as attentive as a personal butler. He would feed her from time to time in between her conversations with others. He didn't say anything, didn't participate, and kept a low profile, but his behavior revealed a kind of boldness that could not be ignored.
The ladies asked Wen Jiahuan curiously, and the men also asked Xu Xingzhi questions out of curiosity.
Wen Jiahuan said proudly, "Oh, where did you get that from? My son Mo has been following me around since he was 5 years old..."
Xu Xingzhi remained silent, but just thought to himself, how come even his father could not avoid being drugged by this magic potion, is he really that attractive?
In the corner, a group of rich young ladies, led by Xu Daiyue, were also having a tea party.
The moment Wen Fei saw Du Ruo and Xu Jingmo come in, she exclaimed excitedly, "Oh, I haven't seen you for a few days. It's such a pleasure to see you suddenly."
No one else responded. Wen Fei stood up and said, "I'll go say hello to her. I bought her a gift when I was on vacation, but I never had the chance to give it to her."
After Wen Fei left, someone asked curiously, "Daiyue, that's Xu Jingmo's girlfriend?"
Xu Daiyue hummed perfunctorily.
Li Mancen glanced at Wen Fei who was leaving, then at Xu Daiyue who had no expression on her face, and said calmly, "She is quite likable. Fei Fei has known us for so many years, and I have never seen her be so enthusiastic towards anyone. We have only known each other for a short time, but she treats us almost the same as Daiyue."
Xu Daiyue raised her eyes and looked over, only to see Wen Fei saying something to Du Ruo with a bright smile on her face. Du Ruo responded with a faint smile. Then Xu Hongjin waved his hand, and Du Ruo said hello and returned to Xu Hongjin's side.
"Hey, isn't it said that Grandpa Xu has always favored boys over girls? I see that he likes Du Ruo very much. Sister-in-law, your sister-in-law is amazing." Li Mancen seemed to be sighing casually.
Several people nearby also echoed this, saying that they had all been ignored by Xu Hongjian.
"Yes, I have never seen Master Xu smile so kindly."
"So Xu Jingmo likes this. Tsk, he even set three standards. Do you think he has such high standards?"
"Daiyue, your status as the eldest princess of the Xu family is still not as high as that of the future Crown Princess. Your grandfather is too partial."
Xu Daiyue looked at Du Ruo who was surrounded by a crowd. Beside her were her grandfather's friends whom she had known since childhood but whom she was still unfamiliar with. Her grandfather had only introduced those people to Xu Jingmo.
Now, Xu Hongjian and Xu Jingmo were willing to play supporting roles to Du Ruo, as if she was the protagonist of today's banquet.
Xu Daiyue's eyes darkened and she stood up and left the banquet hall.
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