"Yeah, yeah, look!" Pouting towards Lin Xiao, Fang Xiufang beamed at Hua Lianxi. "Isn't she lovely? This is my granddaughter-in-law!"
Giving Fang Xiufang a peck on the cheek, Hua Lianxi sweetly offered her birthday wishes: "Grandma, Lianxi wishes you a long life as long as the Southern Mountain and happiness as boundless as the East Sea! May you be happy every day!"
Glancing at Kong Chengyi, Fang Xiufang patted the back of Hua Lianxi's hand. "If you give me a great-grandson soon, Grandma will definitely be happy every single day!"
Not expecting Fang Xiufang's response, Hua Lianxi let out a soft "ooh," glancing shyly at Kong Chengyi, who was smirking. She lowered her head and playfully whined, "Grandma!"
Shrugging, Kong Chengyi said, "I'm working hard every night!"
"Oh, my darling! Keep up the good work, keep it up!" The delighted Fang Xiufang imagined the beautiful scene of holding a chubby great-grandson in the near future. She placed Hua Lianxi's hand in Kong Chengyi's palm. "Grandma's waiting, okay?"
"Mom, the guests have all arrived." Scanning the banquet hall and estimating that all the invited prominent families had arrived, Kong Zhendong stepped forward, interrupting Fang Xiufang's lovely daydream. "You two help Grandma up to the stage!"
The two supported Fang Xiufang to the stage. Once she was standing steady in front of the microphone, they stepped back to stand behind her. Kong Chengyi, not at all concerned about the many guests, kept his arm around Hua Lianxi's slender waist. This intimate gesture instantly captured the attention of all the guests, and the entire banquet hall buzzed with excited whispers and speculation.
"Who is Young Master Kong holding?"
"Tonight is the Old Madam's birthday banquet, could it also be Young Master Kong's engagement party?"
"This girl looks very unfamiliar, not like the daughter of any prominent family. Could she be an employee of Chengzai Group?"
"The instant news on WeChat just reported that Young Master Kong announced at the entrance that she's his wife, but they didn't say who she is! They've really kept this secret well!"
Even at eighty years old, Fang Xiufang was still sharp-eyed and quick-eared. She looked at the commotion below with a smile, then glanced back at the affectionate couple.
"Thank you all for coming to see this old woman and have dinner with me. Tonight, everyone enjoy yourselves to the fullest and have a great time!"
As soon as she finished speaking, enthusiastic applause erupted from below, followed by loud shouts of "Happy Birthday," "May your life be as long as the Southern Mountain," and "May you enjoy good health and longevity." Mixed in were eager bits of gossip, such as "Is the person Young Master Kong is holding the young madam?" and "Old Madam, which family is the beautiful lady Young Master Kong is holding from?"
Grinning triumphantly, Fang Xiufang pointed to the beautiful couple behind her. "My grandson and his wife!" she announced firmly.
"Congratulations, congratulations!"
"Congratulations, Old Madam, congratulations, Young Master Kong!"
With the speculation confirmed, the crowd cheered their congratulations, and the just-begun banquet instantly surged with excitement and joy on everyone's faces.
Holding Hua Lianxi, Kong Chengyi stepped forward to stand beside Fang Xiufang. He gazed at Hua Lianxi, his usual cold expression softening instantly. His deep voice announced again, "My wife, Hua Lianxi!"
Nodding gracefully to the many guests, Hua Lianxi smiled sweetly, her cherry lips curving upward. Then, she glanced shyly at Kong Chengyi, who was looking at her with deep affection, before quickly looking away, her expression full of happy awkwardness.
Taking Hua Lianxi's pale hand, Kong Chengyi lowered his head and placed a kiss on her slender finger adorned with the diamond ring. "We will definitely invite all of you to witness our wedding banquet in the future!"