Note: I apologize for not updating two days ago due to health reasons. Therefore, I am adding three more chapters to my update today. Happy reading, and I hope for your votes. Thank you.
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Suddenly, from the far end of the garden, Ling Li and Four Eyes appeared, moving with an elegant, almost ethereal grace.
They approached slowly, each holding a meticulously lacquered tray brimming with vibrant red packets — crimson envelopes adorned with intricate golden phoenixes and protective seals. As they entered, the atmosphere shifted, reverence washing over the crowd like a gentle wave.
"The moment has come!" Ling Li's voice echoed, clear and resonant. "Tonight, we honor not just Lily's triumph, but the unwavering loyalty, courage, and dedication of every heart that stood with us."
Four Eyes, his eyes glinting with sincerity, added, "You didn't just guard the flame; you became part of its very essence."
The couple began to distribute the red packets — each thick envelope handed over with care, a symbol of gratitude and shared triumph. At the same time, the treasury department of their group of companies was also busy distributing electronic red packets to all employees.
As the first recipient tore open their packet, a gasp sliced through the air. "Oh my God! Is this real?!"
Another voice rose, filled with disbelief and glee, "I got one too!!!"
A surge of excitement rippled through the crowd, as people leapt from their seats, laughter and tears of joy mingling freely, many bowing in gratitude for the unexpected blessing. The envelopes weren't mere gifts; they held the power to transform lives.
One security guard clutched his packet to his chest, eyes shimmering with emotion. "I can finally send my fifth daughter to college!"
"Who asked you to have seven daughters?" the second security guard quipped cheekily, dialing his wife to share the joyous news.
The first security guard could only stare in bewilderment.
"...."
Nearby, a kitchen staff member leaned over, whispering in awe, "This is beyond a bonus; it's a true blessing."
Ling Li allowed a gentle smile to spread across her face, her eyes glistening with warmth. "You earned every bit of it."
Four Eyes nodded solemnly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, encapsulating the spirit of the moment. "And we will always remember."
Meanwhile, Shi Min and Ren, not wanting their parents to miss out, also sent red packets to their employees.
As news of the generosity reached company employees at home, shock and elation erupted in the digital realm.
"Ahhhh! I think I'm going to faint!" one office clerk exclaimed in a flurry of excitement on their group chat.
"This! This is real, right? I'm not dreaming?!"
"Somebody pinch me!" another cried out, disbelief twisting through the typing.
Even Mushu, typically composed, broke into a rare smile as he handed his packet to a young assistant, who nearly swooned from the surprise, almost fainting.
The courtyard shimmered — not only with lantern light but with the luminous glow of gratitude and shared joy.
And there was Lily, witnessing the tidal wave of happiness around her, feeling her heart swell with every moment.
This gathering was more than just a celebration; it was a profound experience.
It was a homecoming.
A triumph shared.
A promise fulfilled.
The Gift Rush: Peonies Castle in Bloom
The news crashed into Shanghai like a thunderclap, reverberating through the very heart of the city.
Lily Li — daughter of Ling Li, stepdaughter of the enigmatic Four Eyes — had just clinched Olympic gold.
In mere moments, the boardroom of the company's headquarters transformed into a whirlwind of chaotic excitement. Executives froze mid-call, their jaws slack and eyes wide with disbelief. One director fumbled, dropping his tablet onto the polished table, while another's cup of tea splattered over his crisp documents. The youngest board member, barely thirty, surged with exhilaration, exclaiming, "She did it! She really did it! No wonder we received such a big red packet!"
With a clap that cut through the tumult, the chairman, usually a paragon of composure, commanded, "Prepare the convoy. We're heading to Peonies Castle!"
"Wait, we can't go empty-handed!"
The upper echelon of Shanghai was summoned into a flurry as well.
Phones vibrated incessantly. Butlers and assistants darted through the corridors, their footsteps echoing against the marble floors. Storage rooms flew open as if the spirit of celebration demanded it. Velvet boxes were dusted off like precious relics, showcasing rare teas, antique scrolls, and gleaming jade pieces, all inspected, polished, and packed with reverence.
Within homes across the sprawling metropolis, wives and daughters were called into action.
"Xiao Mei! That designer's bag that was delivered yesterday — where is it?!" a frantic voice rang out.
"Lulu, fetch the pink clutch with the gold trim I just bought! It's Lily's age! Quick!"
At the exact moment, others rushed into high-end department stores, determined not to be outdone.
Designer handbags, luxurious silk scarves, and limited-edition accessories — anything youthful, elegant, and fitting for this grand occasion was snatched up in a joyous frenzy. Some items were still nestled in their boxes while others were hastily retrieved from the back of closets, fresh with dangling tags.
As the sun began its descent toward the horizon, Peonies Castle emerged as a spectacle of organized chaos.
Luxe cars lined the sweeping driveway, their polished surfaces gleaming in the fading light. Assistants, arms overflowing with gifts wrapped in jubilant crimson and gold, rushed up the grand steps. Drivers unloaded crates of celebratory champagne, abundant baskets of rare fruit, and glossy boxes filled with imported chocolates. One executive even arrived with a custom-made music box, tinkling the Philippine national anthem, its notes floating through the air.
At the top of the steps, Ling Li stood regal and poised, her hair cascading like silk, arms crossed, with a bemused smile gracing her lips.
Beside her, Four Eyes sipped tea, observing the spectacle unfold with an air of detached amusement. "They're trying to outdo each other," he remarked, a hint of dry humor in his voice.
Ling Li nodded knowingly. "They're terrified of being remembered as the one who brought nothing. This act is human nature."
Fatty peeked out from behind the door, his eyes wide with astonishment. "Are those… Hermès bags?!"
Chatty gasped, her hand fluttering to her chest. "I saw a Chanel clutch! I'm emotionally overwhelmed again!"
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