Chapter 176 Are you also Mao Mao's friend?
The two guests, holding invitations, were ushered into the banquet hall.
The last two guests arrived, following behind Lou Dashuai as they entered, attracting the attention of countless people.
Upon recognizing the two individuals, the guests were surprised and turned to speak with their acquaintances.
"Nie Zhengyun? What's he doing here?"
"The Green Gang is developing in Haicheng, so it's natural that they wouldn't offend Commander Lou. The Green Gang has a good relationship with the military, so it's understandable that he would receive an invitation."
"So many people received invitations today, even the Haicheng Chamber of Commerce received several. It's not surprising that Nie Zhengyun, the leader of the Green Gang, received one."
"And the other one?"
"Who is that person walking to the right of Commander Lou?"
"Strange, it looks kind of familiar."
Writers often produce passionate articles in newspapers and magazines, but their appearances are not as famous as their writing. Moreover, most of those invited today are military and political personnel who have little contact with literary circles.
But since Shen Zhaolin was so famous, there were naturally people who recognized him.
The Minister of Education of Haicheng put down his wine glass and looked incredulously at the young man who had just walked in through the main entrance.
That's right, no matter how he looked at it, that person was definitely Shen Zhaolin!
Another person exclaimed in surprise, "Shen Zhaolin, why is he here today?!"
"What?!"
Those around him turned to look at the person who had spoken.
You're saying he's Shen Zhaolin?!
"Is this the Shen Zhaolin I've heard about?"
"Now that you mention it, I remember seeing Shen Zhaolin once before, and he seems to be that person..."
"But how did he end up here?!"
Yes! Why would Shen Zhaolin come here?
Everyone present knew that Shen Zhaolin and Marshal Lou were not on good terms. The two were a scholar and a warrior, and Shen Zhaolin's harsh comments often appeared in the newspapers. He had angered Marshal Lou so much that he smashed his cup on several occasions.
The Lou family should not invite Shen Zhaolin to their banquet.
Furthermore, it's one thing to invite Shen Zhaolin, but why did he actually come?!
Have the two already made peace?
No, no. The thought had barely formed when everyone saw Shen Zhaolin and Commander Lou walk to opposite sides, their steps hurried, as if they wished they could immediately separate and go far away, not wanting to breathe the same air as each other.
They don't seem to have a good relationship at all.
How strange, how really strange!
Over there, Commander Lou was also puzzled.
Not only did Mao Mao send him an invitation, but she also sent one to Nie Zhengyun. How come Shen Zhaolin received one too? How many people were sent this invitation, which should have been exclusively for him? Why didn't anyone tell him?
Lou Dashuai's fists were clenched so tightly they made a cracking sound.
Behind him, his four sons exchanged glances.
Lou Hongjian said in a low voice, "I thought Dad would get angry."
Lou Heming: "Dad was obviously very angry, and I was prepared to break up the fight."
Lou Fengju smiled and said, "Of course Dad is angry. If he could, he certainly wouldn't want those two to come in. But it was Mao Mao who personally invited them."
Today is Mao Mao's birthday, and with such a grand birthday party, they certainly wouldn't want Mao Mao to be unhappy in the slightest.
How disappointed would Mao Mao be if the guests she personally invited didn't show up? This perfect birthday party would leave a regret in her heart.
It seems that Dad held back his temper because he was considering Mao Mao's feelings.
Lou Yansui looked up at the top of the stairs: "Mao Mao is here."
The main character of today's banquet has arrived.
The little bundle of joy that the Lou family cherishes is dressed up today, in a gown adorned with pearls and diamonds, making her shine with a dazzling radiance. However, no matter how bright the light shines, it cannot compare to her bright and lovely smile.
Everyone's attention was drawn to it, and they saw it at a glance.
The little girl was completely at ease. Seeing many people looking at her, she sat in her mother's lap, holding onto her mother's shoulder with one hand, and happily waved her little hand at everyone. Her milky white face was beaming with a smile that melted everyone's heart.
Is this really the daughter of the cruel and tyrannical Lou Wenshan?
She doesn't look like her dad at all; she looks like she's made of cotton candy. She's so adorable.
As soon as it landed on the ground, Mao Mao couldn't wait to take off with its short legs and run towards Lou Dashuai.
"dad!"
"Hey." Hearing the soft, sweet little voice, the anger on Lou Dashuai's face instantly melted away. He bent down and picked up his little daughter, saying, "Daddy's little princess, you've finally arrived."
The two faces, one big and one small, were close together, like a fierce tiger rubbing against a puppy, creating an incongruous scene.
Mao Mao giggled incessantly, her little arms wrapped around her father's neck, rubbing against him affectionately.
"Did you like the birthday party Daddy threw for you, Mao Mao?"
"like!"
"Does Mao Mao like her dad the most?"
The little voice answered in a clear, sweet voice: "I love Daddy!"
Lou Dashuai laughed heartily, all his pent-up frustration vanished.
That's right, he is Mao Mao's favorite dad.
Even if those two people come, so what? It won't change the fact that he's Mao Mao's father, and no one can argue with him.
He's very generous!
Lou Dashuai lifted his foot and walked in the opposite direction from where the two people were: "Come on, Mao Mao, Dad will take you to meet some friends."
We must not forget our purpose today.
Today is not only Mao Mao's birthday party, but he also wants to take this opportunity to show off his precious daughter to everyone. He wants the whole of Haicheng to know that Mao Mao is the Lou family's little princess.
What Shen Zhaolin? What Nie Zhengyun?
They're all outsiders!
...
Shen Zhaolin stood in a secluded corner, holding a glass of champagne.
Although he deliberately avoided crowds, he could still feel the gazes coming from all directions.
Shen Zhaolin was not surprised by this.
On the contrary, he was a little surprised that he actually came to Mao Mao's birthday party.
That day, after impulsively agreeing to the girl's invitation, Shen Zhaolin immediately regretted it. The birthday party clashed with a work commitment he couldn't avoid, and he had no intention of befriending the Lou family. He had originally planned to find an opportunity to apologize to Mao Mao and decline the invitation.
But for some reason, thinking of Mao Mao's expectant look that day, he had been working overtime these past few days and somehow managed to finish his work ahead of schedule. When he came to his senses, he found himself standing in front of the Marshal's Mansion with gifts and invitations.
Strange, why was he so impulsive?
Sure enough, at the door, he saw Lou Wenshan with a gloomy face.
Lou Wenshan clenched his fists at his sides, his face contorted with rage, clearly displeased with him and on the verge of violence.
But he still came in.
Thinking of this, Shen Zhaolin took a sip of champagne.
He also saw Mao Mao being carried down the long staircase. The little girl made a grand entrance like a princess, radiant and attracting everyone's attention.
Shen Zhaolin thought: He would wait until he found an opportunity to wish Mao Mao a happy birthday, and then he would leave.
As for what others might think, they might speculate that his relationship with Lou Wenshan has improved. He has no intention of defending himself; the truth will come out later.
only……
Mao Mao was carried away by Lou Wenshan to the other side of the hall, but it wasn't very convenient to talk to her.
As Shen Zhaolin sipped his champagne, lost in thought, someone stood beside him.
He glanced to the side.
The newcomer was dressed in a long black robe with a deep, dark pattern on the fabric. He wore a jade ring on the thumb of the hand holding the wine glass, a symbol of power.
It was the same person who had been holding the invitation at the door earlier.
“Mr. Shen.” Nie Zhengyun gently clinked his champagne glass against his. “I have long admired your reputation, but meeting you in person is truly an honor.”
Shen Zhaolin said modestly, "You're too kind. It's all exaggerated from the outside world. I'm just a commoner. May I ask who you are...?"
"My name is Nie Zhengyun."
Shen Zhaolin was slightly taken aback.
That Green Gang leader?
Nie Zhengyun's eyes curved slightly, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "Mr. Chen, are you also Mao Mao's friend?"
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