11:35 a.m.
First floor, the magnificent hotel lobby.
As she walked, Peng Xiaomeng continued to remind him in a low voice, "Let me make this clear first. Today is Zhao Peng and Jia Jia's engagement banquet. We're here to offer congratulations, so don't bring up our family's messy business. Got it?"
"I know! Can you give it a rest already?" Lin Mu Chuan forced down his anger, the words squeezing out through clenched teeth.
Peng Xiaomeng shot him a fierce glare and said nothing more.
She cared about appearances too. She did not want to quarrel in a place like this and embarrass the family.
One after the other, they crossed the gleaming marble floor and arrived outside the drop-off area at the hotel's main entrance.
Standing on the steps, Peng Xiaomeng smoothed the new coat she had specially bought for today, composed herself, and waited quietly.
December in Chang'an had bright sunlight, but little warmth.
A cold wind swept along the broad street, whipping the flags beneath the entrance canopy into loud flutters.
People came and went through the revolving doors. Smartly dressed guests and hotel employees in crisp uniforms moved through one another.
Luxury cars occasionally pulled in slowly and stopped by the red carpet, letting out distinguished-looking men and women.
Every time a car arrived, Lin Mu Chuan's heart skipped a beat. Then, after seeing who was inside, he would lower his eyes in disappointment.
Just then, a small commotion suddenly arose at the previously orderly entrance.
The hotel's lobby manager, the head of the concierge department, and several men in black suits who appeared to be security supervisors hurried out from inside.
They solemnly lined up at the entrance, as if waiting for an extremely important guest.
Lin Mu Chuan and Peng Xiaomeng exchanged a glance,