The Ryu Dynasty Returns

Chapter 4:

A servant hurried into the courtyard breathing heavily.

“Old Lady Chen… the Zhao group is here.”

“The Zhao group?”

They all exchanged glances of confusion, surprise etched on their faces.

For nearly two decades, the Zhao family had kept their distance from the Chen family. No one from the Chen family had been able to approach them and neither had the Zhaos.

Before anyone could understand the reason for their arrival, the convoy came to a stop. Several attendants in black uniforms stepped out before opening the trunks of the cars.

Box after box was carried into the courtyard. Some contained antique paintings, rare jade cravings, precious jewelry and fine clothings.

The Chen family stared in disbelief. The sight of these items were enough to reveal the greed in their eyes, they didn’t need an appraiser for this.

“Oh my, these are precious items!”

“Just one of those porcelain vases is worth millions!”

Old Lady Chen took a step forward, her eyes glistening with pleasure at the sight.

“Grandma, perhaps the Zhao family wishes to reconcile with us. After all, I have just heard that Chairman Zhao recently took over the company.”

“Yes, that must be it. He’s trying to establish new relationships.”

Alyssa’s eyes lightened up as box upon box were loaded onto the courtyard containing luxurious dresses and jewelry. It has always been a dream of hers to get married into one of the six great families.

“Elias, didn’t Orion Zhao look at me during that charity banquet last year? These gifts must surely be for me!” She chimed happily.

“I do remember,” Elias replied, sharing her enthusiasm. “I wonder what took him so long to come but it was worth the wait.”

The surrounding relatives had heard what Alyssa had said and began congratulating her.

“Alyssa, you have made this family proud. Getting the attention of the Zhao’s heir is no small feat at all!”

“Exactly! If he can send us these plenty gifts just for showing interest in Alyssa imagine the amount of benefits we would get once they get married.”

“Hmph, at least one of the granddaughters is making us proud,” Aurelius boasted and almost every eye went towards Odessa with mocking stares.

Old Lady Chen’s expression softened slightly. “Alyssa, you have made this family proud. Go and welcome them.”

At that moment, an older looking man stepped out of the car.

“That’s…Butler Han!”

In Kairen City, Butler Han’s reputation supersedes most lower tier families. He was the Zhao family’s public representative and even the head of the remaining five great families treated him with respect.

Old Lady Chen immediately hurried forward with a smile.

“Butler Han, what an honor. Had we known you were coming, we would have made better preparations in earnest.”

“Old Lady Chen,” he greeted with a respectful bow. “These gifts are from the Zhao family to celebrate with you on this joyous occasion.”

“We thank Chairman Zhao for his generosity,” her smile gree more wider. “But this comes so suddenly and also as a surprise but we are glad he takes a liking to one of our daughters.”

Han frowned slightly, confusion boldly written on his face. “I’m afraid you’re mistaken. Chairman Zhao isn’t interested in anyone here—“

“What do you know?!” Alyssa snapped, feeling insulted. “You’re just a messenger. You are mistaken. Confirm with Chairman Zhao before you speak nonsense.”

Han smiled faintly.

“Miss, I have served the Zhao family for thirty eight years. I have never mistaken my master’s orders.”

He turned towards Riven

“Young Master Wei.”

He bowed deeply.

“Young Master Zhao instructed me personally to deliver these wedding gifts to you and Ms. Odessa Chen.”

Silence instantly followed his announcement. Young Master Wei?

This ordinary looking man was really the Wei’s heir?!

Alyssa shook her head frantically. “No. This is impossible… there has to be some mistake! You have made a—“

SMACK!

Old Lady Chen’s palm landed across Alyssa’s face with a crisp crack.

“Shut your mouth!”

Alyssa clutched her burning cheek, staring at Old Lady Chen with shock, her eyes glistening with tears.

Old Lady Chen barely spared her any glance, looking at Han apologetically.

“Please forgive my granddaughter’s ignorance, butler Han.”

Han gave a quick nod and gestured at the golden scroll in his hands.

“This is the invitation to the Zhao’s banquet tomorrow evening.”

Just as he was about handing it over, Old Lady Chen was about to grab it. Han instantly took it back.

“Young Master Zhao personally said that it should be given to the Young Master and his wife for they are linked to identity verification, if the Chen family will attend its up to them.

Riven received the scroll with a small nod.

Old Lady Chen’s face went red with embarrassment at the sight, but she couldn’t say anything in the presence of butler Han.

Not yet.

Han and the attendants soon entered into the cars, the engines roaring to life as the long line of vehicles disappeared through the gates. Silence returned to the courtyard once more.

Nobody spoke. They were too stunned, their gazes fixated on Riven. They couldn’t believe their eyes. The same man who they had mocked and doubted moments ago had been personally acknowledged by the Zhao family’s butler.

Just as the silence became unbearable, Elias suddenly let out a laugh.

“I can’t believe I almost believed this show.”

Everyone turned towards him as he stared at Riven with pure contempt and disgust.

“So what if Chairman Zhao sent you a few gifts? It only proves the Zhao family is honouring the friendship with the Wei family. You’re just benefiting from your dead father’s reputation!”

Riven’s jaw twitched slightly as Elias walked towards him.

“If you’re truly someone important,” he sneered. “Then tomorrow’s banquet will be attended by every influential figure in the city, perhaps someone will recognize you.”

“Or maybe,” a mocking smile spread across his face. “They will expose you for the useless fraud you truly are.”

“Since these gifts were sent to the Chen family to celebrate this marriage,” Old Lady Chen began. “They naturally belong to the Chen family’s treasury.”

Odessa furrowed her brows. “Grandma, these gifts belong to Riven not us.”

Old Lady Chen frowned.

“Isn’t Riven married to you? Aren’t you both living under my roof?! Naturally everything you both receive is for the benefit of this family after all you both owe us for the commotion you have caused.”

Before Odessa could speak again, she gestured at the servants.

“Take these gifts inside for safe keeping.”

As the servants dutifully took each box inside, Old Lady Chen’s eyes went towards the scroll in Riven’s hand.

“Young man, give me the invitation.”

Riven raised a brow slightly.

“No.”

The atmosphere instantly turned icy. Old Lady Chen’s face darkened.

“Do not forget where you’re standing!”

“Neither should you.”

Old Lady Chen straightened up, her eyes narrowing. “Very well then. Since you don’t want to hand over the invitation, neither of you will be allowed to leave the manor tomorrow. Let’s see how you would be able to attend the Zhao’s family banquet then.”