Chapter 147: Mrs. Gao

Mrs. Xiang responded with a warm smile, offering praise: "I always said that Qi'an was holding out on finding a partner because he was waiting for someone truly extraordinary. Lo and behold, the two of them look like such a perfect match standing together!"

Lu Qi'an beamed. "Mrs. Xiang, you certainly have a keen eye!"

Mrs. Xiang felt a flicker of surprise at Lu Qi'an's reaction. Ever since he began working at the Lu family's conglomerate, he had become significantly more composed and reserved; it was rare to see him wear his emotions so openly. Though he had only spoken a single sentence, his expression and tone made his joy palpable.

Mrs. Xiang couldn't help but hold Qin Miaoyu in higher regard, though she kept her composure. She gestured for them to follow her inside. "The elder is already seated in the living room, waiting for you all to come and chat with him."

The group entered the living room and made their way toward the guest of honor. After greeting the birthday celebrant, Xia Yun led Qin Miaoyu toward a cluster of socialites.

Lu Qi'an followed close behind, step by step.

One of the women facing their direction caught sight of Mrs. Lu, Xia Yun, and immediately turned her gaze toward Qin Miaoyu beside her. Rumors had been circulating that Mrs. Lu would be bringing her daughter-in-law today.

In the circle of Jingcheng's elite families, many had hoped to forge a marriage alliance with the Lu family. This was due to both the Lu family’s substantial wealth and influence, and Lu Qi'an himself—a man of exceptional character and reputation, whom many elders viewed as the ideal son-in-law.

In the past, Elder Lu had been deeply concerned about Lu Qi'an’s marital prospects. When visiting, many would bring up the topic of marriage, hoping to test their luck, but Lu Qi'an had never shown interest in anyone. Since last year, however, Elder Lu had stopped fretting, and everyone assumed it was because Lu Qi'an was preoccupied with Lu Corporation affairs. In fact, now that he had taken full control of the company, he had become an even more coveted "golden bachelor" in the eyes of many.

Who would have guessed that, just two days ago, news had suddenly broken that Lu Qi'an had been secretly married all along? At the time, they had assumed Mrs. Qi was joking, as there had been no whispers of such a thing, nor had Lu Qi'an ever been seen with anyone in public. It was only after Mrs. Lu confirmed the news that they believed it, though they remained deeply curious about the woman he had married and why they had chosen to keep it a secret.

Now that she was finally in front of them, reactions were mixed.

A woman who was close with Xia Yun was the first to approach. "Xia Yun, you’ve finally decided to bring your precious daughter-in-law out! She is just as you described—a young lady with both a lovely face and a lovely temperament."

Qin Miaoyu returned the smile. "Thank you for your kind words!"

The woman then turned to Lu Qi'an. "My, Qi'an, why are you clinging so closely? We aren't going to eat your wife. Go off and do what you need to do; we'll take good care of her for you!"

Lu Qi'an lingered. "Aunt Zhao, I have nothing pressing at the moment. I'll stay here and keep you company until my guests arrive."

The woman he addressed as Aunt Zhao gave a light click of her tongue and said to Xia Yun, "Xia Yun, I never realized Qi'an had such a thoughtful side to him."

Xia Yun replied, "Well, he is a married man now—he has to be thoughtful!"

A few other acquaintances soon joined the conversation. Qin Miaoyu didn't need to say much; she simply stood by as Mrs. Lu introduced her, offering polite greetings in return. Whenever necessary, Lu Qi'an would whisper a reminder of who someone was or how she should address them.

Not far away, several other women watched the harmonious scene with disdain. "I thought the Lu family would marry someone extraordinary. I've never even heard of her—she must be from some small, insignificant background!"

Another woman chimed in, "Exactly. She’s far inferior to Qingqing. I really don't know what the Lu family is thinking!"

The speaker looked toward the woman at the center—the core figure of their circle, Mrs. Gao of the Gao family, the second-most prominent dynasty in Jingcheng.

Initially, the Gao and Lu families operated in different industries, maintaining a state of peaceful coexistence. However, as both grew, competition in the marketplace began to sour their relationship. Years ago, when Mrs. Gao personally approached the Lu family to arrange a marriage between her daughter, Gao Qingqing, and Lu Qi'an, the talks fell through. Later, Gao Qingqing was forced to spend five years abroad, and the two families had been at odds ever since.

Mrs. Gao let out a sigh. By her calculations, Qingqing should be returning from abroad soon. She narrowed her eyes as she watched the two standing side-by-side.

Qin Miaoyu keenly sensed Mrs. Gao's gaze. When she looked over, the woman didn't look away, her expression distinctly unfriendly.

Qin Miaoyu whispered to Lu Qi'an, "Who is that watching us?"

Lu Qi'an looked over, a flicker of irritation crossing his eyes. "That is Mrs. Gao. If you run into her in the future, don't get too close. Some people are so unhinged they might just bite."

Qin Miaoyu looked at Lu Qi'an in astonishment. It wasn't that she was overreacting, but this was the first time she had ever heard him speak of someone in such a way. She couldn't help but be even more curious about what kind of person could elicit such an assessment from him.

Just as she was about to ask for more details, a woman coming over to socialize interrupted her.

"Miss Qin!"

Qin Miaoyu looked up and recognized a familiar face—someone she must have met not long ago. She searched her memory and matched the woman’s face to two people in her mind.

She ventured, "Mrs. An?"

Mrs. An replied, "It is I! You have a good memory, Miss Qin. I didn't expect to see you here today. An Qian's wedding went wonderfully; it was all thanks to the dedication of your studio!"

When the surrounding women heard this, they immediately asked what it was about. Upon hearing that Qin Miaoyu was a partner in a studio, they looked to Mrs. Lu for confirmation.

Xia Yun affirmed, "Miaoyu opened a studio a short while ago, specializing in wedding planning."

"Since Mrs. An is praising it, the designs must be excellent, right?"

Mrs. An smiled radiantly. "Indeed. You all know An Qian—she has the most discerning taste. She couldn't find a wedding design she liked, so she kept delaying the arrangements. It wasn't until she saw the design at the Jin family’s wedding that she found Miss Qin's studio, and the wedding planning finally fell into place."

Hearing this, the other women became genuinely curious and began chatting with Qin Miaoyu about her work. Qin Miaoyu, of course, didn't mind; she was eager for more inquiries—perhaps she would even land a new commission!

Lu Qi'an stood to the side, watching Qin Miaoyu chat happily with Mrs. An, his expression darkening slightly.

Mrs. An... she was An You's mother, wasn't she?