Hidden identities of the AI Heiress-Chapter 994: The Highest Standard Birthday Banquet in History
Su Mian’s eyes carried a gentle smile. She held Qiao Yun’s hand and said, "Come, Mom will take you to meet some relatives."
The Lu Family actually had quite a few relatives, both close and distant. However, since they were scattered all over, they rarely kept in touch.
This time, taking advantage of Qiao Yun’s birthday, everyone came over.
Qiao Yun wasn’t very interested in such occasions, but since her family was happy, she was willing to cooperate.
She let Li Hanzhou go play by himself and then followed Su Mian again.
Qiao Yun greeted one person after another with Su Mian, and the eyes of the guests present were constantly on Qiao Yun.
In their eyes, there was amazement, admiration, and gossip.
The main topic of discussion was how exactly Qiao Yun knew this group of bigwigs.
"Could the Lu Family be secretly powerful?"
"Impossible, if they were really secretly powerful, they wouldn’t be a second-class family. In my opinion, this group of people came today thanks to Qiao Yun."
"If not the Lu Family, then it must be the Qiao Family."
"Very likely. After all, the Qiao Family is a family of doctors, and many people seek them for treatment. It seems they truly came for the Qiao Family’s sake."
"Qiao Yun is really the Lu Family’s lucky star. If not for her, the Lu Family wouldn’t have reached today’s achievements."
To say that no one present envied Qiao Yun’s good fortune would be impossible.
However, even if they were envious, there was nothing they could do but look on in admiration.
There were even some who gloated, saying, "Those who didn’t come, if they knew so many bigwigs they couldn’t usually reach had come to this birthday party, it would be hilarious."
The Lu Family invited quite a few people this time, but some self-proclaimed big families thought the Lu Family’s status was too low and there would be no benefit in attending, so they did not accept the invitation.
Now hearing others say this, these people suddenly felt a sense of pride.
A few who enjoyed the spectacle couldn’t help but take out their phones, record the grand occasion of the birthday party, and post it in their social media circles.
Those who didn’t attend, after seeing the videos, regretted it deeply.
Who would have thought so many bigwigs would come to a little girl’s birthday party!
If they had known, they would have attended.
But there were also thick-skinned CEOs who immediately dropped everything and rushed to the party.
This birthday party was undoubtedly grand and impressive. What Qiao Yun didn’t know was that her birthday party was later listed as a legend in high society.
From now on, whenever someone hosted a birthday party, it would be compared with hers.
Her birthday party became the highest standard party in the history of high society, and such a spectacle never happened again after that.
...
After the party ended, the Lu Family members saw the guests off, and every guest left with satisfied smiles on their faces.
Some of them had, more or less, benefited from being in Qiao Yun’s company, gaining recognition from these bigwigs.
"Mr. Lu, let’s collaborate more in the future and have a few drinks when available."
Lu Jingzhi’s hand was being shaken by this Beijing Circle tycoon, who wore a slightly flattering smile.
He felt many emotions welling up inside.
He still remembered last year when this Beijing Circle tycoon met him and looked down his nose at him.
Now he was bending over and shaking his hand, acting as if they were old buddies.
Back last year, he could never have imagined that the Lu Family would achieve what it has today.
It’s all brought by Qiaoqiao, Lu Jingzhi felt proud of Qiao Yun yet a little embarrassed.
Reality consistently reminded him how foolish his previous actions had been.
"Almost everyone has left, let’s go inside." Lu Rui patted Lu Jingzhi on the shoulder, signaling it was time to leave.
Lu Jingzhi came back to his senses, suppressing the bitterness inside, "Okay."
According to the plan, the family would celebrate Qiao Yun’s birthday at home, a true celebration for her.
They headed back to the banquet hall.
Su Mian was warmly inviting Pei Ya, "Xiaoya, don’t leave, come home with us to cut the cake for Qiaoqiao."
"It doesn’t seem appropriate." Pei Ya, after all, wasn’t truly part of the Lu Family. It seemed a bit odd for him to join a family celebration.
Pei Ya understood what was proper.
"What’s inappropriate?" Su Mian chided, "Don’t make me drag you."
Pei Ya helplessly looked at Qiao Yun.
Qiao Yun told him, "You’re not an outsider."
Pei Ya smiled slightly, "Alright, I will impose then."
"Not imposing, not at all." Su Mian smiled and then asked Qiao Yun, "Qiaoqiao, would you like to go directly home with us?"
Qiao Yun was about to agree when Li Hanzhou spoke first, "Aunt Su, Qiaoqiao and I have something to do, you all go ahead."
Qiao Yun looked up blankly, what could she possibly have to do?
Su Mian didn’t think much of it, letting them attend to their business but reminding them to be home on time.
Thus, Li Hanzhou smoothly diverted Qiao Yun away.
While the Lu Family, the Su Family, and Pei Ya all returned home to prepare the next celebration.
...
Once in the car, Qiao Yun fastened her seatbelt and looked up to find a plush doll in front of her.
Its cheeks were chubby, dressed in a little suit, with almond-shaped eyes slightly upturned.
From various details, Qiao Yun recognized this as a mini version of Li Hanzhou.
The man’s voice was low and gentle, "Happy Birthday, kiddo."
Qiao Yun blinked her eyes, took the doll into her hands, and squeezed it, "Is this the gift?"
"It’s one of the gifts." Li Hanzhou squeezed the doll’s hand, "If I ever upset you, you can vent your anger on it."
Qiao Yun hugged the doll in her arms and said seriously, "I really like it."
Li Hanzhou’s lips curled up pleasantly, his lazy gaze falling on the doll in Qiao Yun’s arms.
Suddenly, he felt a bit jealous.
Qiao Yun fiddled with the doll’s hands and asked, "Where are we going?"
"It’s a secret." Li Hanzhou said mysteriously, "You’ll know when we get there."
"Okay." Qiao Yun nodded and said no more, focusing on the doll.
She then discovered the doll’s clothes could be removed.
Qiao Yun, feeling like she had discovered a new world, took out her phone and contacted Pei Ya to order some 20CM doll clothes.
Pei Ya, upon receiving the message: ???
He didn’t ask but handed it over to his subordinates to order some maid outfits, Lolita costumes, and other incredibly cute doll clothes.
Qiao Yun imagined a mini version of Li Hanzhou in an animal costume, her lips curving slightly.
It would be quite adorable.
Perhaps the real person could try it out.
Seeing Qiao Yun staring at him, Li Hanzhou thought she was tired, so he patted her head, "If you’re tired, take a rest."
Qiao Yun let out an "Oh," and continued examining the doll.
Midway, she received blessings from Qiao Xun and Grandpa Qiao Se.
They didn’t come over this time because they had research to do.
Qiao Se felt very sorry and regretful, having sent over the gift early.
Qiao Xun sent birthday wishes and then sent Qiao Yun a birthday envelope before telling her.
[Qiaoqiao, I’ve arranged for the birthday gift to be couriered to you from the same city. You can only look at it yourself, don’t let others see it.]
Qiao Yun was puzzled as to what birthday gift needed to be so mysterious, but she still obediently complied.
After replying to her uncle, she put down her phone and focused on the doll.
...
She wasn’t sure how long the drive was, but when the car stopped, Qiao Yun looked out the window, realizing they had reached the mountaintop.
"We’re here."
Li Hanzhou signaled that Qiao Yun could get out.
Qiao Yun got out in a bit of a daze and looked up at the city below.
From here, Beijing’s bustling scene was spread out before her.
"Qiaoqiao, look up."
The man’s voice came to her ears.
Qiao Yun instinctively looked up.
The next second, her dark eyes were met with a vast universe.
Countless planets surrounded her. It was as if she had entered a tiny speck of dust in the universe. At this moment, the universe was so tangible and visually stunning.
Surprise flashed in Qiao Yun’s eyes as she raised her hand; a dazzling star fell on her fingertip, feeling so real, unlike a holographic projection.
What surprised Qiao Yun the most wasn’t the realistic universe before her but that she was very familiar with this star system.
The Empire called it the Alpha Star System.
It was also where she lived before she crossed over.
Li Hanzhou rarely saw Qiao Yun surprised and lowered his eyes to ask her, "Is it pretty?"
It took Qiao Yun a few seconds to reply, "It’s beautiful, I really like it."
On her birthday, she returned to the world that created her, even though it was virtual, she still felt very happy.
Qiao Yun’s eyes sparkled with tiny lights, clearly showing her happiness. Li Hanzhou smiled, "I knew you would like it."
It was worth all the effort and time he put into preparing this.
This was a brand-new holographic technology, and Qiao Yun was the first to see it.
Qiao Yun’s eyes glimmered with light, "How did you..." she pondered, "know about this star system?"
"I dreamed about it." Li Hanzhou turned to look at her, "It was so impactful that it stayed in my mind. Such a beautiful star system, I wanted you to see it too."
Hearing him say that, Qiao Yun was slightly surprised, but quickly wondered if it was because of the chip in Li Hanzhou’s head that led to memory sharing?
That possibility existed.
"Kiddo, am I good to you?" Li Hanzhou suddenly asked.
Qiao Yun was brought back to her senses, quickly nodding, "Very good."
Li Hanzhou’s tone lifted lightly, "Since I’m so good, can I be officially accepted?"
Qiao Yun paused, and then remembered when she agreed to date Li Hanzhou.
She had said they would try it out.
So has Li Hanzhou been thinking he was on probation?
Qiao Yun hesitated slightly, she wasn’t one to beat around the bush, so she spoke directly, "I remember telling you that I like you."
Now it was Li Hanzhou’s turn to be stunned, followed by a surge of immense joy filling his heart.
Qiao Yun gently shook her head, feeling silly.
She didn’t understand emotions.
But she knew she wanted to be a family with Li Hanzhou, and this thought was a hundred percent certain.
She couldn’t pinpoint when she started having this thought, maybe it emerged during the day-by-day quiet companionship.
Qiao Yun was still thinking about whether to solemnly repeat herself when she was pulled into the man’s embrace.
Under Qiao Yun’s startled gaze, Li Hanzhou lowered his head and gently kissed her.
Qiao Yun could sense his complex emotions and didn’t refuse, trying to be proactive.
For a while.
Li Hanzhou released her, his almond eyes curving up, "Qiaoqiao, thank you."
He felt inside his pocket.
Perhaps now was a good opportunity?
However, a short ringtone interrupted the beautiful moment.
It was Qiao Yun’s phone ringing.
She glanced apologetically at Li Hanzhou before answering the call.
It was Lu Zhanxing, asking why she hadn’t returned.
Qiao Yun looked at the time, realizing they had been out for quite a while. She assured Lu Zhanxing that she’d return soon before hanging up.
"Let’s go back then." Qiao Yun looked reluctantly at the universe.
Li Hanzhou said, "I’ll have the equipment sent to your home so you can watch it every day if you like."
"Okay." Qiao Yun didn’t refuse, as she did quite like it.
Li Hanzhou smiled, with a hint of regret, sighing. Though the most important matter wasn’t settled, he was content with acknowledging Qiao Yun’s feelings.
They descended the mountain and went home. Upon reaching the Lu Family’s residence, they found the entire villa dark.
Qiao Yun blinked, thinking her family had gone to sleep, feeling a bit apologetic.
But as she pushed open the door and entered, there came a "pop," and seven-colored ribbons fell before her eyes, followed by her family’s voices.
"Qiaoqiao, happy birthday."
Su Mian held a cake with lit candles, walking towards Qiao Yun step by step, smiling, "Make a wish."
Qiao Yun suddenly felt a lump in her throat. She obediently closed her eyes and made a wish.
The family sang her a birthday song together.
After making her wish, Qiao Yun blew out the candles.
Lu Shiran was curious and asked, "Sister, what did you wish for?"
Qiao Yun was serious, "I can’t say, otherwise, it won’t come true."
Lu Shiran was slightly surprised, "Is this still the sister of mine who believes in science and prohibits superstition?"
"Get lost." Lu Zhanxing knocked Lu Shiran on the head and took out his gift, scratching his nose, a bit embarrassed, "Sister, this is from your brother."
Qiao Yun accepted it, "Thank you, brother."
"I have one too, I also have a gift." Unwilling to be outdone, Lu Shiran took out the gift box he had prepared.
Besides them, everyone else also gave their gifts.
Lu Jingzhi was the last to take his out, a bit embarrassed, "This is a scarf I knitted myself. I hope you like it."
The Lu Family members were shocked, finding it hard to imagine Lu Jingzhi with knitting needles making a scarf.
Qiao Yun accepted it, sincerely saying, "Thank you."
Not hearing a single "brother," Lu Jingzhi felt a bit disappointed.
After giving the gifts, the family happily gathered to cut the cake.
Li Hanzhou didn’t participate; he stood aside, intently watching Qiao Yun.
The lonely kid he met last year, who seemed to wander on the edge of the world, finally wanted to integrate.
Thinking of this, he chuckled softly.
Pei Ya was also smiling as he watched the scene. Just then, his phone rang in his pocket, drawing him away from the scene to take it out.
It was a message from his subordinates asking if he wanted them to deal with the online videos.
The extravagance of Qiao Yun’s birthday party led to some leaked videos. However, with the ongoing Huo Family incident, the videos only gained moderate attention and didn’t go viral.
Pei Ya instructed them to delete the videos and keep an eye on comments, especially negative ones, then didn’t pay further attention, confident the buzz would fade, presumably not causing any trouble.
