Chapter 74: 74
The Zhou family was a political family in the capital city well known to the public, and Old Mr . Zhou was a prominent leader in the Central Government Agency . Zhou Tianyu’s father held a key position in the Central Government Agency as well, and her mother was the Minister of Education . Being the eldest daughter in the Zhou family, Zhou Tianyu naturally became the center of attention in the public’s eyes .
When Zhou Tianyu invited Wen Xinya earlier, she mentioned that it would be a mini-birthday party . When Wen Xinya arrived at the venue, she realized it was actually a small-scale banquet .
At the banquet, many young men and women of their similar age groups from the circle was invited, forming a somewhat relaxed atmosphere .
Wen Xinya quickly spotted Zhou Tianyu in the crowd . She was wearing a light purple gown that revealed one side of her shoulders as she shuttled between the crowd and interacted with her guests with a glass of red wine in her hand . Those in conversation with her were trying to please her, but she maintained her smile and exuded a gracious disposition . She looked graceful and presentable, definitely worthy of the title of “Princess of the Zhou Family . ”
Zhou Tianyu finally saw Wen Xinya standing not too far from her and walked up to her with a smile . “You should have let me known that you’ve arrived!”
Zhou Tianyu looked at Wen Xinya from head to toe . Wearing a pastel green skirt, like a lotus growing its first bud, she had grown into a fine, young lady . She was wearing the red ear stud as usual, with a pair of black and white longer earrings dangling from her ears . She had no other accessories except these . It was not too formal, but she looked presentable .
Wen Xinya laughed . “I wanted to admire the Princess of the Zhou Family’s halo from a distance . ”
“Hey girl, are you asking for a fight?” Zhou Tianyu stretched her hands, pretending that she was going to tickle Wen Xinya at her armpit .
Wen Xinya laughed and took a step back, grasping her arms tightly . “Today, you’re at the center of the spotlight . Do not blame me if you disgrace yourself . ”
Zhou Tianyu pouted . “All of the invited guests are in the same age group as me . Take a look at them, they are all behaving appropriately, but they will all reveal their true selves after a glass of wine or two . There’s nothing wrong for a little rowdy behavior . ”
Wen Xinya took a quick glance around the ballroom and stared at her . “Someone has told me that this is just a mini-birthday party . You almost got me into an embarrassment for being underdressed for this event . ”
Zhou Tianyu chuckled and snatched the present from Wen Xinya’s hands . “I have not had any birthday parties in recent years . This event was organized by my mother . Look at this, I didn’t expect a birthday party to turn into a banquet . I don’t like it either . ” She then focused her attention on Wen Xinya’s present . “What birthday present did you get for me? Let me open it right now . ”
Only an intimate friend would open a birthday present in front of you . Zhou Tianyu’s gesture warmed Wen Xinya’s heart . “There’s no need to ask me, you are going to open it anyway . ”
Zhou Tianyu held the beautifully wrapped box in her hands and started to unwrap it . As soon as she removed the wrapper, it revealed an exquisitely engraved box emitting a woody fragrance . When she opened the box, she saw the rims of a wooden scroll with the light musky smell of ink . She liked the smell .
“This is…” Zhou Tianyu’s hands trembled, excited .
“It’s exactly what you are thinking it is,” replied Wen Xinya with a smile .
Zhou Tianyu handed the box over to Wen Xinya . Then, she cautiously removed the scroll from the box and opened it with care . She could recognize that it was Old Mr . Mo’s Yan-Style calligraphy . He had written a chapter from the book — Perseverance by Quan Wengong from the Tang Dynasty . It was a motivational article aimed to educate mankind to remember their origins and show gratitude to the efforts of the forefathers who paved the way . It also reminded them of the importance of self-motivation, perseverance, and resiliency toward hardships .
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Wen Xinya started reading a small paragraph . “The descendant shall be reminded of the ancestors’ efforts . The successor shall remember the forefathers’ hardships . He who perseveres against difficulties will achieve his goals . Proceed with caution, work towards your ambition… If you have done your best, you will let no one down . The ancestors paved the way, the descendants enjoy the fruits of labor . Continue the spirit of perseverance and the establishments will last for many generations to come!”
Zhou Tianyu was admiring the brush strokes of the Yan-Style calligraphy on the wooden scroll . Every stroke represented power and strength, looking strong and majestic . She was mesmerized by every single word .
“Xinya, thank you! This is the best present I have ever received . ” Zhou Tianyu felt extremely touched and gave Wen Xinya a hug to show her appreciation .
Wen Xinya smiled . “Grampy was happy to hear that you are into Yan-Style calligraphy . He has asked you to visit him whenever you are free to pick up a few tips from him . You know that I am learning Liu-style calligraphy instead . That made Grampy disappointed . ”
Zhou Tianyu was elated . “It’s a blessing to be able to learn from Old Mr . Mo . ”
Wen Xinya pretended to be unhappy with the intention to tease her . “It’s your blessing that you have got to know me . ”
Zhou Tianyu smiled . “Yes, of course! My dear Missus Wen, may I then have the pleasure to invite you to cut the cake with me?”
“I’d rather not cut the cake . Look! That person has been busy entertaining the guests on your behalf . He should have the pleasure to cut the cake with you . ” Wen Xinya signaled her to look at Gu Junlin, who was talking to the guests at a short distance away from them .
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Zhou Tianyu looked as if she did not mind, and mumbled . “If I didn’t get him to do the job, it would be a waste of his attention-seeking looks, wouldn’t it?”
Wen Xinya burst out laughing . “I can smell jealousy in the air!” Though Gu Junlin had a charming appearance and was always attracting attention from the opposite gender, he had good self-discipline . He always stayed in Zhou Tianyu’s presence .
Zhou Tianyu pretended she did not understand what Wen Xinya meant . She sniffed and replied, “I could not smell anything else other than wine and food . ”
Wen Xinya felt sorry for Gu Junlin . “Gu Junlin is really pitiful, isn’t he?”
“Spat!” Zhou Tianyu put up a disgusted look . “Why is he pitiful? He should feel honored to be able to serve me . ”
Wen Xinya gave her a nudge . “Alright… Go ahead and keep your guests company . I won’t mind if you leave me alone . ”
Zhou Tianyu rolled the wooden scroll carefully and kept it into the box . She then left Wen Xinya to speak with other guests .
Right at this moment, Gu Junlin walked over with a glass of red wine . “Xu-er and Han Mofeng have not arrived yet, and Ling Qingxuan is hanging around with the other ladies . So, Tianyu has specifically sent me to accompany you . ”
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Wen Xinya could not help but laugh . “What a tragedy that you have to sacrifice yourself!”
Gu Junlin replied, “Not at all . It’s not a tragedy at all . It is my honor to be able to accompany a beauty like you . ”
“I’m glad you realize that . ” Wen Xinya quickly glanced at Zhou Tianyu and then looked back to him . He could detect a threat in her tone .
Gu Junlin smiled bitterly . Even an outsider was aware of his feelings toward Tianyu except herself, who only treated him as a buddy . They had been childhood friends and grew up together . However, Zhou Tianyu treated this relationship only as brotherly love . Surprisingly, Wen Xinya was the one who understood how he felt .
“Tianyu will be learning Yan-Style calligraphy from my Grampy soon . Why don’t you join her?” Wen Xinya winked at him and then walked into the ballroom .
Gu Junlin’s feelings for Zhou Tianyu were undeniable . As long as Zhou Tianyu was around, he would not set his eyes upon anyone else . He only showed affection towards Zhou Tianyu, though they were always bickering with each other . Wen Xinya was touched by his faithfulness and had decided to help him win Zhou Tianyu’s heart .
Gu Junlin was over the moon and gratefully said, “Xinya, thank you so much!”