BXBX NOVEL Chapter 9 - PERFECT FAMILY
Hu Lei found the entrance to the impressive grand mansion after a long walk. Luckily her body was in good condition in spite of living the life of a shut-in for three months. She did not have to ring a bell. When she stopped before the door, they opened almost on cue, revealing a beautiful lady in a typical black and white uniform.
Honestly, she had expected to be welcomed by a stern-faced Sebastian. However, a beautiful maid in a French uniform was also quite acceptable.
"Miss Hu, please follow me. I have been instructed by Madam Murong to lead you." The woman said with a slight bow.
The beautiful maid closed the door and led her around the mansion and into a garden. The low murmur of voices indicated that the brunch was already underway. The spacious garden had little elegant tables with all manner of cutlery and crockery, and the guests were eating their morsels with undeniable grace.
When Hu Lei was revealed through the arched entrance, there was no dramatic turning of heads. In fact, no one seemed to notice her arrival. The people kept muttering to each other with giggles and chuckles here and there.
The maid led her to the somewhat centred table where the hosts sat. Hu Lei remained calm, but her small hands could not help clutching into fists. In theory, she was alright with her mother being part of another family and not seeing her for years. However, faced with the perfect family of four, laughing together, she could not help the wave of frustration and a little anger that swept through her.
When her presence was noticed, the middle aged woman wiped her mouth elegantly and stood up to receive Hu Lei. Hu Lei\'s face formed a small frown because she felt that she did not recognise the woman. Well, the features of the woman remained the same, but her aura and manners were totally unfamiliar.
The woman she remembered was loud, hysterical and unrefined. The person facing her was a queen, with embracing warmth. It seemed that her mother had become a good person and found happiness in her new life. Hu Lei felt sad, but she was also a little happy that the woman was not that person anymore.
"Madam Murong, thank you for having me here." She spoke with a small smile.
When Hu Lei had decided to move to Supreme City, she had sworn to forget old enmities. She would not hold on to grudges and attempt revenge for things that happened when she was just a child. After all, that was a different time in her life. She wanted a fresh start.
Of course, she would not be foolish and careless. However, for now, she considered the slate clean.
"Hu Lei, I am so glad you could make it, though you were a little late." The older woman\'s tone held some admonishment.
Hu Lei felt a tinge of irritation at the tone in the woman\'s voice. Still, she knew not to show it; she kept smiling. She did not want to cause a scene. She had noticed that she had somehow become visible again as soon as Madam Murong had stood up and spoken to her.
Her silence caused some awkwardness, but the hostess was not overwhelmed. She moved on swiftly.
"Hu Lei, I would like for you to meet my husband, Murong Cheng." She introduced loudly but in a controlled voice.
Hu Lei turned to the stern man who remained in his seat, eating elegantly. He looked up at her and acknowledged her, though there was obvious disapproval and some annoyance. She nodded stiffly at him.
"And these are my children, Murong Yue and Murong Yan." Her mother continued.
Murong Yue and Murong Yan looked like they were the same age. However, their appearances were completely different. Judging from the apparent situation, they had to be fraternal twin.
Murong Yue was quite beautiful. Though her beauty would not be causing the collapse of the cosmos, she had distinctively attractive looks. Her face was small and graceful, and her phoenix eyes complemented it perfectly. Moreover, her shoulder length hair was sleek and perfect, framing her face like a halo.
On the other hand, Murong Yan did not have the best appearance. Her facial features were too similar to her father\'s and lacked the delicate look that was preferred by young ladies. However, she still exuded the grace and elegance of the upper class.
When the two were introduced, they did not acknowledge her presence, only allowing their eyes to brush over her figure. Hu Lei could see that they both did not like her. However, there was a difference in their reactions. The beautiful Murong Yue eyes flashed with anger, and she even gritted her teeth. The elegant Murong Yan seemed to consider her beneath them.
Seeing their attitude, she did not bother to offer a greeting even though her mother hinted it through her eyes.
Seeing her indifference, Madam Lu frowned at her in disapproval. Moreover, her unrepentant actions seemed to ignite anger in the two sisters and their father. However, Hu Lei did not put them in her eyes. How could she care about their anger and delicate sensibilities?