Chapter 6 Those who betray true feelings deserve to swallow a thousand needles.
Unlike a wedding banquet, an engagement banquet is more about allowing close relatives from the Zhou and Xia families to meet and get to know each other. Therefore, there is no ceremony. After the host finishes his opening remarks, the two newlyweds walk in hand in hand.
Most of the Xia family members had met Zhou Ting before, but this was the first time the Zhou family members had met Xia Mingzhao. They all showed expressions of approval, praising the Xia family for their good upbringing, elegant demeanor, and gentle temperament, saying that she was clearly Zhou Ting's virtuous wife.
Xia Dongbo and Tang Wenhua couldn't stop smiling; Mingzhao was indeed their best work.
Next, the host handed the microphone to Zhou's father.
Mr. Zhou cleared his throat, his expression serious: "Today is the engagement day of the two young people, and also the day when the Zhou and Xia families will become husband and wife. As elders, we will naturally give our full support to the younger generation and protect them so that they may have a smooth journey in the future."
Upon hearing this, the guests put down their glasses, their eyes shining with excitement.
—The main event is here!
The engagement banquet is also the day for exchanging gifts. Wealthy families value face, and each exchange of gifts is like a battle of wits, with everyone vying to bring out the best things. The two young people are happy, and the guests enjoy watching.
Zhou Ting, in particular, is the eldest grandson whom the Zhou family has been grooming with great effort. Xia Mingzhao is also already renowned for her appearance and knowledge, so the Zhou and Xia families will certainly do everything in their power to ensure their well-being.
If it weren't for the fact that the Zhou family patriarch was present and the media couldn't be invited, they would have already planned tomorrow's headline: "The extravagant dowry of this wealthy family is too dazzling; why is it making headlines in the capital?"
The host first presented the betrothal gift list, which began with auspicious items such as wedding candles and cakes. Then, boxes of alcohol, cigarettes, gold, and banknotes were pulled out one by one, followed by the most valuable antiques and paintings. As soon as the host announced something, the Zhou family servants placed it on the table.
By the end, the table was almost overflowing with decorations, but the guests were becoming increasingly uneasy.
—Why is there no real estate, land, or management rights?
The betrothal gifts from the Zhou family were certainly valuable, but ultimately limited. Leaving aside other regions, the Zhou family in Beijing alone owned several plots of land, shops across more than a dozen streets, and chain hotels. Even a small portion of that would be enough to give their descendants an edge.
Outsiders might not know, but Zhou Pingchuan glanced at his father and understood perfectly well.
The eldest brother didn't think much of the Xia family's child.
He handed the antler staff to his assistant and picked up a cigar.
This was the head of the household, and the room instantly fell silent.
"Today is a joyous day for my Zhou family," he paused, "and Yun Gui Manor is a token of my good fortune for the two younger generation."
"Huh—" A series of identical gasps echoed in the room.
"The patriarch is too generous! That's Yun Gui Manor!"
Yun Gui Mountain Villa is located in the suburbs of Beijing. It was founded by Mr. Zhou ten years ago and focuses on privacy and luxury. After ten years of development and operation, its annual revenue is around 100 million yuan, but the actual amount is probably several times more.
Moreover, as a haven for the powerful and wealthy, making money is its least significant advantage. Its main benefits lie in its ability to network and acquire information in advance.
In short, Zhou Pingchuan was genuinely giving rewards to the two younger generation members.
Only then did Zhou's father show a slight smile: "Ah Ting, Ming Zhao, hurry up and light a cigarette for your third uncle."
Before Zhou Pingchuan arrived, the servants had already lit his cigars. Zhou Ting and Xia Mingzhao did as instructed, cut the cigars, and handed them to Zhou Pingchuan with folded hands.
Zhou Pingchuan took the torch, and Xia Mingzhao lit it for him. This was Xia Mingzhao's first time meeting the head of the Zhou family, and throughout the entire process, the man in front of him didn't even glance at him.
Xia Mingzhao felt that he was too cold and unapproachable. With such a high position and great power, she really didn't know what kind of person could be worthy of him.
"Thank you, Third Master," Xia Mingzhao said softly, her voice melodious.
Zhou Pingchuan still didn't look at him, but he took the cigar, which was considered an acceptance.
A thunderous applause erupted from below:
"Third Master is so generous!"
"Mingzhao is going to be very lucky to marry into the Zhou family!"
"With Third Master's blessing, the two younger generation will surely live happily ever after!"
Xia Dongbo and Tang Wenhua were secretly excited. They had met with Zhou's parents several times and had already realized that the other party did not approve of Mingzhao.
Zhou Ting was outstanding in appearance, family background, and education. The Zhou family was grooming him to be the next successor, so Zhou's father naturally wanted to find a more powerful in-law so that he could take advantage of the situation to become the Crown Prince in the future.
After exchanging gifts with the Zhou family, they went to the Xia family's place.
Knowing they were marrying above their station, the Xia family practically gave away their entire fortune to support their son, handing over their only profitable asset—the Intercontinental Cinema chain—to him!
The audience showered him with praise, and Tang Wenhua was moved to tears.
Firstly, because after many twists and turns, her beloved son finally got married to his lover, and she was happy for him.
Secondly, they had pinned all their hopes for the Xia family's turnaround on this marriage. They didn't know what the future held, and they only hoped that they hadn't misjudged Zhou Ting.
I hope he can truly become the next head of the Zhou family, leading the Xia family to revitalize its bad assets and return to glory.
Of course, some people murmured, "I heard that the Xia family just found their other son who was abducted a while ago. They gave all the good stuff to this family, so what about the other one?"
"You don't understand. How can someone who grew up by your side be the same as someone you just adopted?"
"Pshaw, I don't think so. If my son got lost because of my negligence, I would feel even more guilty and want to make it up to him."
"Pah, pah, pah, don't say such unlucky things."
"......"
The gift table and the carpet next to it were filled to the brim, and a relative who loves using the internet took pictures and posted them online.
The host let them take pictures and said with a smile, "We are honored to have Abbot Miaohui of Huiji Temple here with us. Now, please ask Abbot Miaohui to choose an auspicious day for our newlyweds to register their marriage."
Master Miaohui chanted a Buddhist prayer and wrote down the date for registering the marriage on the marriage certificate. It was fine; it would be just two months from now, not far off.
Below the date is the signature area for the newlyweds. As long as Zhou Tingxia and Mingzhao sign their names, today's engagement banquet will be considered a complete success.
"Sorry I'm late."
Xia Mingzhao took the brush, and at that moment, a male voice suddenly came from the doorway.
Everyone looked up and gazed in that direction.
Under the corridor lights, the boy was dressed in a simple yet formal T-shirt and casual suit pants. His hair was styled slightly, and his skin was fair and delicate. He exuded a refreshing feeling.
"Whose son is this handsome young man?" the guests began to wonder.
Xia Dongbo and Tang Wenhua knew perfectly well whose son he was. They glared at Xia Mian with eyes wide open, their teeth grinding together, vowing to sever their father-son relationship when they got home.
Xia Mingzhao's eyes were red, and she looked very pitiful.
Zhou Ting didn't notice the change in the person beside him, and just stared at Xia Mian without blinking.
Xia Mian coldly observed everyone, but a smile played on her lips as she deliberately walked slowly into the hall.
With each step he took, he made sure to savor the embarrassed expressions on the faces of the Xia family couple and Zhou Ting.
Those who betray sincerity deserve to swallow a thousand needles.
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