Chapter 32

So Zhang Heying gave her husband a look, telling him to not be rude to their guest. She greeted Fu Mengyao warmly.

Fu Mengyao greeted her, full of smiles. She wore a mermaid style, bright red dinner gown, —which fit her modest figure— and full makeup. She looked quite eye-catching, but Zhang Heying and Li Qianye were not very impressed.

Li Qianye was particularly grumpy. Was she trying to outdress the celebrant?

Zhang Heying didn't care about that, but she was subconsciously comparing her to Pei Yueran —who always looked beautiful without even trying to— with her unique, elegant air.

Fu Mengyao came early, thinking Li Chuanmo would have arrived by now. She had wanted to act first and strike up a conversation with him before any other lady could catch his eye. She could guess that this party was also for Li Chuanmo's sake.

But after craning her neck a few times, she couldn't see him. So she asked, "Has Chuanmo arrived yet?"

"Not yet. The party would start soon. Why don't you go out and familiarize yourself with the guests?"

Fu Mengyao wanted to stay, in case Li Chuanmo had almost arrived. But on second thought, going out to greet the guests at the behest of the Matriarch would give her some status, so she didn't decline.

She went out proudly, greeting guests and smiling at everyone. A few of the ladies in her circle, children of the friends Zhang Heying invited also came along, and they fawned over her.

Every one of them wanted to be close to the future matriarch of the Li family even if they couldn't become her.

When Li Chuanmo arrived, he didn't bother going to the garden at all, he went into the main house directly. He met Zhang Heying and Li Qianye, who were just about to leave for the garden.

Li Yuchen went to peck Zhang Heying's cheeks, "Happy happy birthday Grandma. I wish you a long healthy life, and that you remain just as beautiful for all eternity."

"Won't she be a vampire then?", Li Qianye joked, but Zhang Heying glared at him. Li Qianye coughed. He was always saying the wrong things.

"She would still be the most beautiful vampire ever!", Li Yuchen announced. Zhang Heying hugged him happily and pinched his cheeks. "Your mouth must be full of honey."

Li Chuanmo cleared his throat and greeted his parents. They answered him warmly. He also wished his mother a happy birthday and gave her his gift. He got her the complete and original copy of Shakespeare's very first printed collection of plays, the First Folio.

Zhang Heying was noncommittal at first, but she couldn't pretend when she saw his gift. Her eyes lit up and she grinned, showing genuine happiness. She was an avid fan of Shakespeare and she had read all his plays.

She had heard that the First Folio was going up on auction in New York, but she was occupied at the time and couldn't go. She had been searching for news of the eventual buyer, but nothing came up. Now that it was hers, she was ecstatic.

Beside her, Li Qianye felt very jealous. This was his first choice of a gift, but he only knew that someone abroad won the auction. He didn't want Zhang Heying to know that he planned to get it for her, so he couldn't make any big waves searching for it.

Apparently, it fell into his son's hands. But at the same time, he was happy his wife got the present she had always wanted.

His eventual gift to her was a painting of their first meeting, which he commissioned from a famous artist. Zhang Heying had shed tears at the thoughtful and emotional gift. Their first meeting was a memory she would never forget, even though more than forty years had passed.

Of course, he was also well compensated by her, *ahem*...

Li Yuchen also presented his own gift - a handmade birthday card and a ceramic cup inscribed with the words "World's Best Grandma." Zhang Heying just couldn't stop smiling. Her family was definitely the best.

The twins could not attend the party for different reasons, but they sent her their love and thoughtful gifts.

Just as she was giving Li Yuchen a peck, Butler Nan announced, "Special Assistant Pei is here."

Li Chuanmo stiffened.

He then looked at his mother. When did she invite Pei Yueran?

Zhang Heying looked towards the entrance, getting ready to welcome her.

When Pei Yueran appeared in front of their eyes, only Li Chuanmo wasn't facing the direction of the entrance, but he also turned when he heard Li Yuchen's loud "Wow!"

Turning, his mind went blank.

*****

Pei Yueran felt she was probably late already, but she wanted to check if she could drop the gift she brought in the house before going to the garden, which was were the invitation stated the party would be held.

When Butler Nan came to open the door, he informed her that they were still inside, so she went in to say hi and drop her gift. She smoothed out the non-existent creases in her gown nervously. Parties weren't her strong suit.

Going in, she noticed four people in the room at once. Zhang Heying was looking beautiful and gentle in a burgundy long sleeve formal gown, while Li Qianye looked handsome in a suit of the same color.

A gasp of "Wow" broke her reverie and she looked at the young boy who spoke. He looked adorable in his black suit and silver bowtie. He also looked very familiar.....

"My Goddess" were the next words to tumble out of Li Yuchen's mouth as he moved forward excitedly.

Pei Yueran belatedly recognized him to be the adorable boy they met at the park, Han Yichen's new friend. She caught him in a hug.

"Good to see you again Yuchen. How are you?"

"I'm very fine. So good to see you. How come you're here? Do you know my grandma?" Li Yuchen asked.

Grandma? Zhang Heying was Li Yuchen's grandma? Li Chuanmo was Zhang Heying's son, so Li Yuchen was Li Chuanmo's son? Then, that man facing the other side of the room was....

"Meet my dad", Li Yuchen introduced excitedly even as Li Chuanmo turned.

As their eyes met, sparks flew.