The atmosphere at the Xin family dinner was less than pleasant. On the surface, it seemed to be a celebration of the head of the family's recovery, but everyone knew this was a crucial moment for deciding who would hold power in the family. The old man had summoned them because he intended to distribute his authority and assets.
There were only a few people in the running to become the head of the family, and everyone had some idea who they were. All that remained was to see who came out on top. The most important thing was the old man's personal property.
As a third-generation family member, Xin Rong was a legitimate grandson and could expect to inherit more than the others. His grandmother also came from a respectable background. Most of the others, however, were people without any recognized status—not in the Xin family, nor in their mothers' families. How much they received depended on how much affection their elders felt for them. With so many people, it wasn't unusual for someone to be forgotten and end up without a penny.
That was probably one of the absurdities of a great family.
"Mr. Xu, are you enjoying tonight's dinner?" About halfway through the meal, the old man at the head of the table suddenly paused to ask.
There weren't many outsiders present. Xu Huo had taken a seat near the old man with Xin Rong's family. Now that he'd been addressed, he raised his head slightly under everyone's gaze. "It's very good. What do you think, old gentleman?"
Old Man Xin laughed heartily. "Of course the food at home suits my taste."
Xu Huo smiled without replying. The little exchange soon passed. Old Man Xin hadn't spoken to him to strike up a conversation, but merely to