Reborn Young Miss: Phoenix Burning Red-Chapter 346: The Qin Family (1)
The Qin family’s ancestral mansion was located in Jinling City, and it was the first time Adrienne had ever visited such a grand place. The mansion’s intricate architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens left her in awe as she marveled at the rich history that was preserved within its walls.
The mansion, like the city, was built during an earlier time, but now it stands immaculate, its stone walls sculpted into towering arches, its traditional Chinese architecture fused with European piazzas and walkways. The gardens are manicured, rich with vibrant flora and stone statues that speak to an ancient culture.
Adrienne had come with Lennox to meet the rest of the Qin family. Since their marriage was disclosed to the public, Lennox occasionally received invitations from his two uncles and aunt. Adrienne knew her husband didn’t want to have anything to do with the Qin family, but he obliged for her sake. His relatives wouldn’t stop pestering him with invitations until he accepted them.
As they made their way through the grand hallway, Lennox’s grip on Adrienne’s hand tightened, and she could feel the tension in his body. Alyssa Qin, Lennox’s aunt, greeted them. She was a tall woman with angular features and piercing eyes. She wore a silk dress of the finest quality. Adrienne could tell that the color suited her aunt’s complexion and did not clash with her pale skin. A string of pearls and a diamond necklace glistened at the neckline, surrounded by a web of her long, black hair.
Her greeting was polite but cold, and Adrienne couldn’t help but feel intimidated by her presence. It was as if Alyssa was trying to gauge her worth.
Lennox’s two uncles, on the other hand, were warm and welcoming, eager to meet the new addition to the family. Henry and Reginald Qin smiled warmly at Adrienne. From what Adrienne knew, Henry was the firstborn son of the Qin family, while Richard, Lennox’s father, was the fourth child. Henry was also Jacob’s father and the current vice chairman of Qin Industries. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢
He was already in his early sixties, but he carried himself with an air of authority and sophistication that commanded respect. His sharp cheekbones and chiseled jawline gave him a distinguished and powerful appearance. Meanwhile, Reginald was the youngest brother and had a more laid-back demeanor. He was the family’s black sheep, known for his love of gambling and extravagant lifestyle.
"Lennox, I would have never thought you would return home with a beautiful bride. It’s been three years, hasn’t it?" Reginald smiled at his nephew.
Lennox’s expression remained neutral, but he said, "Addie and I had a lot of things to deal with. It’s my fault for not coming home sooner."
Reginald chuckled and patted Lennox on the back. "Well, better late than never, my boy. And from the looks of it, Adrienne Jiang is worth the wait."
"Why don’t we go inside before you catch a cold?" Alyssa suggested, gesturing towards the grand entrance of their family estate. "I’m sure Addie would appreciate seeing the place where you grew up."
Lennox nodded, and he and Adrienne followed their elders wordlessly. Adrienne took her time, looking around the place. Unlike other ancestral homes of affluent families, the Qin family mansion had a certain charm that made it feel warm and inviting. The walls were adorned with family portraits, and the air was filled with the scent of fresh flowers.
She and Lennox stopped as they spotted a massive portrait with the entire Qin family gathered together. At the center, Lennox’s grandfather was seated, and he was surrounded by his children, with young Lennox standing next to his right.
It was the first time Adrienne had seen her husband so young. His striking resemblance to his youngest brother, Noah, was uncanny, from the shape of his eyes to the curve of his smile. The only difference she could see was their height and the build of their bodies.
The only one missing from the family portrait was the youngest son of the Qin family, Harvey Qin. There was no news of him since he disappeared prior to his brother’s marriage to Lennox’s mother. No one from the Qin family dared to speak his name as if he didn’t exist to them anymore.
Adrienne couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. The Qin family seemed to be a family with secrets. She glanced at Lennox, who was standing beside her, and saw that he had a stony expression on his face.
"Your grandpa is still asleep, but he knew you and Adrienne would visit today. I hope you wouldn’t mind if he didn’t come to greet you." Henry told Adrienne.
Adrienne gave him a small smile, trying to be polite and understanding.
"Of course, Mr. Qin. I understand that he needs his rest," she replied.
"Mr. Qin?" Reginald laughed. "We all bear the Qin family’s name. You should call us uncles since you are already part of this family, Adrienne."
Adrienne glanced at her husband, and Lennox merely gave her a nod.
"Alright. I will keep that in mind, uncles. Thank you for making me feel welcome."
After the initial greetings and pleasantries, Alyssa led them to the dining room, where a sumptuous feast awaited them. Adrienne raised a brow. She didn’t anticipate how eagerly his family would await her visit with her husband.
The dining hall was grand and spacious, and the table was set with the finest silverware and china. It was large enough to seat twenty people, and the chandeliers overhead cast a soft glow that illuminated the room.
Adrienne sat next to Lennox, and they waited for the meal to be served. Alyssa sat at the head of the table, while Henry and Reginald sat on either side of her. The conversation was polite but stilted, and Adrienne could tell there was an underlying tension between the family members.
As they sat down, Alyssa raised her glass and proposed a toast. "To Lennox and Adrienne," she said, her voice ringing out like a bell. "May your marriage be blessed with happiness and prosperity."
