Chapter 11 – What’s Going On?
Just then, Thomas Zhong and his younger brother, William, have returned to the living hall from their mother’s room.
He noticed that his son has brought a lady home and the current atmosphere does not seem too right.
“What’s going on??” Thomas Zhong questioned sternly.
“!!…”
Upon seeing that her husband has also arrived, Auntie Josephine quickly ran over to his side to complain about what had just happened.
“William, look at the girl that Javier has brought back… Such a wild and unruly girl. You should have seen how she treated us earlier!”
After hearing what Auntie Josephine had said, Thomas Zhong had no choice but to verify it with his son.
“Javier, is that true?”
No longer surprised that such a question would come from his father, Javier Zhong stared at him indifferently, “If you already chose to believe her, then why bother asking me?”
And just before Thomas Zhong could even retort, Grandma Zhong’s angry voice sounded out from the corridor.
“Who said she is wild and unruly?!” Grandma Zhong had a few servants following behind her as she walked towards the main hall.
When she was in the corridor earlier, she heard this remark from Auntie Josephine and is unhappy with her for speaking so rudely of Stephanie Ruan.
“I have specially asked Javier to invite Stephanie over for lunch today. She is my esteemed guest and I will not tolerate anyone who is unkind to her!”
“…”
Oh?? Esteemed guest??…
Stephanie Ruan tilted her head to Javier Zhong and gave him a surprised look.
So it was actually Grandma Zhong who had invited her over for a meal and not Javier Zhong…
Well, now everything started to make sense to her.
I mean, who else would have the ability to make Javier Zhong take the initiative to invite her out for a meal??
“Javier… Stephanie… Come over and take a seat. We will start eating soon.”Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.
Grandma Zhong patted lightly on the empty seat beside her and signalled for Stephanie Ruan to sit next to her.
With that, Javier Zhong naturally took the other seat beside Stephanie Ruan.
This little act of Grandma Zhong has shocked the entire family, including the servants who are standing quietly at the side.
Everyone knows that it is very difficult to gain Grandma Zhong’s favour.
All along, it has been understood that the two seats beside her are only reserved for two special people – Javier Zhong and Thomas Zhong, her eldest son.
Even on days that Javier Zhong is not around for their family’s meals, no one would dare to covet his seat and it could only be left vacant.
Up until today, it is quite obvious that she does not favour the other ladies in the house, which is why they are always seated far away from her.
Seeing that Stephanie Ruan has gotten the privilege to seat beside Grandma Zhong from the very first day, shows that she already holds a special place in Grandma Zhong’s heart.
…
The servants brought the freshly cooked dishes out and soon, the large rectangular table is filled with much expensive Chinese food.
Stephanie Ruan took an empty bowl and scooped the superior ginseng chicken soup for Grandma Zhong.
“Grandma Zhong, here is some soup for you. Let me know later if you want more of it.”
Regardless of her reason for coming close to the Zhong family members, she felt that it is still important for her to be respectful towards the elders.
Well of course… unless they treat her badly!
Being very satisfied with her kind gestures, Grandma Zhong nodded her head happily, “Good girl… Good girl.”
After returning a polite smile, she then went on to scoop another bowl of soup for Javier Zhong.
“Darling… have some soup while it’s hot. You have been working too hard these days.”
She placed the bowl in front of him, took a spoon, and gently blew on the soup before feeding it to him in front of everyone.
“Darling, here you go.”
“How’s the soup?” She asked him with a loving smile.
“Mmm, it’s good.” He responded with a doting look on his face.
“…”
Except for Grandma Zhong who is enjoying their sweet interaction, the family members seated at the table cringed at this scene and showed expressions of disgust.
Indeed, it is very accurate to say that the two of them had totally ruined everyone else’s appetite.
People who did not know would actually think that they have been married for a long time!
Very quickly, Javier Zhong got completely immersed in the situation and is busy enjoying her service that he had long forgotten the many eyes staring at them.
In fact, he did not know what has happened to him but he could not keep his eyes away from Stephanie Ruan’s face as she continued to bring the different dishes to his plate and feed them to him one at a time.
Her beautiful and clear almond-shaped eyes coupled with an enchanting smile have completely captivated him.
Could someone let her know that she is playing the role of his fiancé too well that he himself is also almost deceived by it??
It is as though he has been totally bewitched by her that he could no longer control his own emotions.
At this moment, he probably did not realise that his heart is slowly opening up to her.
…
While the faces of other family members are filled with nothing but jealousy, Grandma Zhong and Butler Quan watched them with delighted expressions.
After the meal has ended, Grandma Zhong invited both Javier Zhong and Stephanie Ruan into her room.
Curious as to what Grandma Zhong had to say to them, both of them sat quietly on the sofa while they waited for her to return.
Holding onto a huge exquisite red box, Grandma Zhong took a seat beside Stephanie Ruan and carefully opened it.
Inside laid a rare 100 carats diamond necklace that is seated comfortably on a black cushion in the box.
Having a keen eye for jewellery, Stephanie Ruan could easily tell that it is one of the world’s most valuable necklaces and an item like this could be auctioned for at least 51 million yuan (about 8 million US dollars)!
“!!…”
Seeing that his grandmother has brought out this diamond necklace, Javier Zhong clearly knew what this meant and he looked at Grandma Zhong with widened eyes.
This is unbelievable!!
The necklace is his grandmother’s most beloved item and she would never bring it out unnecessarily!
In fact, it has always been well kept in her safe deposit box and no one has seen it for a very very long time…
Did grandma already forget what he had told her the other day??… That she is only his fake fiancé??
“A-hem…” Javier Zhong intentionally cleared his throat to gain Grandma Zhong’s attention but…
He could not believe that he was actually ignored by her today??!
Grandma Zhong stroked on the necklace gently before looking up at Stephanie Ruan.
“This necklace is given to me by my mother before she had passed on… I’ve always wanted to give this to my future granddaughter-in-law and I finally have a chance to do it today.”
She then passed the closed box to Stephanie Ruan and held on to her hands intimately. “This necklace has a sentimental meaning to me and I hope you will help me to take good care of it.”
“…”
To Stephanie Ruan, she has always believed in working hard for the things that she wants and would never eye on other people’s riches.
Although she is currently in a ‘fiancé contract’ with Javier Zhong, she has never once thought of taking a single cent from him as well!
Yes, it is very accurate to say that she is totally not interested in his wealth, fame, and looks.
After all, it is already the 21st century. She is an independent woman and is loaded with her wealth as well!
But having said that, Stephanie Ruan could feel how much Grandma Zhong likes her and she is naturally very touched to know of her good intentions.
However, she is only acting as Javier Zhong’s fiancé and it is definitely not right of her to accept an item that does not belong to her!
As such, Stephanie Ruan had an awkward smile on her face as she gently returned the box into the hands of Grandma Zhong.
“Mmm… I’m very sorry to disappoint you, Grandma Zhong, but this gift is too valuable, I really cannot accept this from you.”
“??!…”
Upon hearing her response, Javier Zhong turned his head abruptly and gave Stephanie Ruan a slightly surprised look.