Qin Man cocked up an eyebrow. "What's so important that they wouldn't be able to come on such an important day? Don't you think you should take better care of your son?" she snarked. "Could he have been taken by the police?"
The others nodded in agreement.
The young master of the Yao Family clearly hadn't shown up in such a long time, so they all didn't know what exactly was going on. He could be taken by the police and they still wouldn't know about it.
"Aunt Jiang," Yao Ran quickly said. "That's not what my mom meant. Please don't take it to heart."
Hm. Everyone stared disapprovingly at Jiang Wan, believing her to be useless when it came to reeling her kids in. They obviously couldn't compare to Yao Ran at all.
The corners of Qin Man's lips lifted into a cool smile, and Jiang Wan straightened her back. All eyes were on her. She was just about to say something when a tall presence interrupted all of them.
With soft footsteps, a tall figure showed up in the center of the hall. His cool and intimidating appearance made everyone stiffen and look over at the newcomer. Despite this, he still wasn't the slightest bit shy.
He didn't look like the gangster they had assumed. But rather, he appeared to be a successful businessman.
Their eyes widened.
"Isn't he Young Master Yao? But he doesn't seem to be lazing about."
"That's strange. I heard that he's the most useless member of the family, but why did he appear different?""I don't understand. Are you sure that's who we're talking about?"
They furrowed their eyebrows.
"Yao Yan," Old Madam Yao finally called out, smiling from ear to ear at her grandson's return. She spread out her arms to greet him. "You're back. Haven't I told you? I'd understand if you didn't come."
Actually, her grandson had already told her that he'd be a bit late to the party. Seeing him now, she was more than elated.
Everyone immediately quieted down.
"If I don't return, how would I know what all these people are saying about me? There were even rumors that I'd been taken away by the police. Would my Aunt start speculating whether or not I've been thrown into jail next?"
Yao Yan asked mockingly.
She had always hoped that something bad would happen to him.
Qin Man ducked her head in embarrassment.
"Grandma, this is the birthday present I've prepared for you. I wish you a long life ahead."
Yao Yan presented a wrapped gift in his hand.
Old Madam Yao brightened up at him. "It's fine," she insisted. "Your presence is already fine with me. There's no need for a present! As long as your intentions are good, I'll like it no matter what."
Upon seeing this, the guests couldn't help but feel a bit strange.
It seemed that there appeared to be an internal discord within the family.
"Cousin Yao Ran," Yao Yan called out. "You must've been quite busy these days with your grades dropping. I didn't know you still have some spare time concerning yourself with my business."
Her face paled.
She had always been great at studying, and she always appeared to be quite confident and well-mannered at the same time. However, Yao Yan's words immediately tore a bit of her facade.
She had yet to tell her mother that her grades had been slipping.
She clenched her fists.
Just the sight of her mother's face was enough to send shivers down her spine.
"What nonsense are you talking about? My Ranran has always belonged to the top three!" Qin Manscowled. "Where did you even acquire this fake news? Besides, my daughter has even participated in the Youth Math Olympiad finals! How can you slander her like this?"
"It's obvious that you wouldn't know a thing or two. Seeing you show up late on your grandmother's birthday party, do you even know the meaning of something so simple as filial piety?"
Yao Yan obviously couldn't compare to her daughter!
How dare he slander her in public? How dare he?
Qin Man obviously didn't doubt her daughter's results. After all, she had always been doing well ever since she was a child.
"The Youth Math Olympiad?"
When Yao Rong heard these words, he couldn't help but glance over at her with furrowed eyebrows.