Chapter 180: All Eyes on Her

The determination in Yuan Xuan’s eyes was like a beam of sunlight shining into Mu Chenyan’s heart, lightening her footsteps as she strides…

Mu Chenyan held onto Yuan Xuan’s arm as they arrived at the Upper Mansion, where several of the important people had already been waiting.

Due to the number of guests visiting in the Spring Festival celebration, Old Mistress even opened up the front hall for guests to hang out.

The front hall was spacious. The eastern and western walls were decorated with antique shelves made of yellow rosewood. Pretty antique decorations and tools that Old Master Yuan liked were placed on top of them after having been cleaned thoroughly.

Toward the north end facing south was the master’s seat, a wide wooden chaise lounge with ornamental carvings. On its side, several intricate chairs made for one person each were placed in order, alternatively separated with a tiny tea table about four feet each side.

Both Old Master and Old Mistress liked antiques that exude a sense of tradition, so the Upper Mansion of the Yuan Family was embellished in such a way that it harkened to the end of Qing Dynasty and the beginning of the Republic of China. Additionally, it was mixed with some modern aesthetics that radiated dignity and generosity. Sitting in the front hall, Old Mistress looked stately and majestic.

The Yuan Tangbai couple was no longer there, but their seats were reserved, followed by Yuan Tangzhong and Yuan Tangshuo couples.

Yuan Zhe led Wen Ya to the seat reserved for the eldest grandson gentlemanly. He placed his huge hand over Wen Ya’s, whispering to his wife’s ear. Wen Ya would occasionally smile faintly as Yuan Zhe helped brushed her loose hair behind her ears.

Wen Ya seemed to be at ease in the situation. She beamed at Yuan Zhe a smile, her face flushed. The lady seemed to really be happy…

Seeing that, Mu Chenyan was a little uncomfortable. After finding out the secret between them, she was puzzled how the two could display their affection publicly as if nothing had happened.

Was maintaining an appearance of peace really more important that the true needs of the soul?

Yuan Tian and Yuan Ran sat together beside Yuan Zhuan. Noticing the act of the Yuan Zhe couple, Yuan Tian shared a look with Mu Chenyan as if she was saying, “Look, aren’t they just such good actors?”

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Mu Chenyan forced herself to smile at Yuan Tian.

Taking her seat beside Yuan Xuan, Mu Chenyan noticed Yuan Zhe looking at her. Without any change in facial expression, he made his mouth curve upward to form a smirk.

Mu Chenyan could tell from his gaze that he was still immature, even a little hard to read.

Mu Chenyan recalled the other day when she overheard his conflict with Wen Ya in the little garden. He seemed to know about Mu Chenwu’s return to Luo Hai as well.

Yuan Zhe was really excited about it, but how could her brother have any connection with a person like this?

Everyone was chatting away when Old Mistress decided that most people were in attendance and said, “Yuan Family had produced many descendants to carry on its legacy, so I’d consider today as coming to a full circle. Everyone is here to celebrate this Spring Festival together. If only Old Master and Tangbai were here…”

The older they were, the more frequently people who had left them and unchangeable events would appear in their minds. Seniors were bound to dwell on memories!

Seeing the objects they were associated with, Old Mistress looked over to Yuan Tangbai’s seat as she sniffled, prompting everyone to comfort her.

“Mother, please don’t be too sad! Brother had sacrificed his body for the country. He is the hero of Country Z. Even though he is here no longer, his heroic soul lingers. Look at all these people who visit us, aren’t they here for him?”

Yuan Tangshuo knew what Old Mistress was sad about, so he quickly assuaged her.

Upon hearing “sacrificed his body for the country”, Mu Chenyan stiffed up as she looked at Yuan Xuan.

It looks like the people of Yuan Family thought it was natural that Yuan Tangbai sacrificed himself! Mu Chenyan smiled ironically.

Old Mistress nodded and wiped her eyes with her handkerchief. Yuan Tangzhong said softly, “Mother, as you would know, even though big brother is no longer with us, Little Xuan was still doing well for us. Now that the young lady of Mu Family also returned, big brother’s family will begin to grow again in a few years when they’ve had new babies!”

Mu Chenyan did not expect Yuan Tangzhong to mention her. She had tried to hide her presence as much as she could, but with a single sentence, everyone’s gaze focused on her.