The Ryu Dynasty Returns

Chapter 5:

A few of the Chen family couldn’t hold their sneers at Old Lady Chen’s announcement.

“Grandma, you can’t do this,” Alyssa finally spoke. “The Zhao family invited us, not going after accepting their invitation is rude and would be a stain on our names.”

Elias glanced at her with a raised brow. Alyssa revealed a small smirk, her cheek still holding the red spot of the slap.

If they don’t go to the banquet, how would she be able to get the attention of the Zhao’s heir? They have to attend!

Old Lady Chen pursed her lips, feeling swayed by Alyssa’s words. She was no fool, she knew the hidden meaning to Alyssa’s words, she wanted to impress the heir and that would be of great advantage to the family.

“Fine,” She looked at Odessa. “If we are able to attend this banquet, we will gain the respect of the other families and regain back our honour. They will see that the Zhao family stands with us.”

She inhaled sharply.

“Once you give me the invitation card, the manager position is yours.”

“Grandma?!” Elias exclaimed, wide eyed. “Why give it back?”

Aurelius, however held up his hands to stop Elias from speaking. A knowing smile spreading across his lips.

Old Lady Chen didn’t even glance his way, her eyes fixed solely on Odessa.

“If she hands over the invitation, then she has finally learned obedience.”

Odessa pursed her lips, her eyes dilating in their sockets. She looked towards Riven, pulling him aside.

“Riven, I think the best thing we can do is to hand over the invitation to grandmother,” she began. “I know they have treated you unfairly but I have lived long in this house and I know exactly how they think.”

“If you keep fighting them over every little thing such as this they will only make life harder for us both,” she let out a bitter smile. “Sometimes taking a step backwards is crucial for us to move forward.”

Riven listened to her words intently. His ever calm and relaxed demeanor not breaking even slightly.

“Are you asking for this because of the condition she made?” He asked, raising a brow.

Odessa was taken aback, her face going red instantly. “No, of course not.”

Riven’s lips pressed into a thin smile.

“I won’t give up this invitation,” he replied, much to her dismay. “Agreeing to their terms once will make them demand even much more in the future.”

Odessa’s face showed all signs of frustration at Riven’s stubbornness meanwhile as the whole family looked on, Old Lady Chen’s held a knowing and confident gaze.

“She will definitely persuade him to give up the invite,” she turned to look at the others. “Prepare for the Zhao banquet, we can’t afford to look ordinary and be belittled by the rest of the guests.”

…

The following morning, the Chen manor is filled with excitement as everyone is dressed in expensive gowns, tailored suits and jewelry which were gifts from the Zhao family.

“Alyssa,” Old Lady Chen called out as a servant adjusted her dress.

Aurelius and Elias stood beside her.

“Today is a very important and special day and I’m sure you all know what I mean,” she began, her eyes swept over them, stopping straight on Alyssa. “You must try your best to make impressions on the Zhao heir. Sitting at the bottom chain doesn’t fit us.”

Alyssa gave a small nod.

“I believe she knows what to do,” Aurelius said reassuringly as he stared at his daughter with pride.

“And where the hell are those idiots?” Old Lady Chen blurted out, her composure cracking to reveal impatience.

Almost immediately, Odessa and Riven walked downstairs to meet the rest of the family.

Elias revealed a sneer upon seeing Riven’s clothing. He was wearing the same outfit as yesterday!

“Wow, just wow, don’t you even owe atleast one proper suit to save yourself some dignity if you have some?”

“Trash will always prove to be trash,” Alyssa scoffed wirh disdain. “He’s definitely going to embarrass the Chen family in front of the whole city tonight! Grandma, do they really have to come along?”

Aurelius clicked his tongue over his teeth in disgust. “Tsk, perhaps we should get him some of the servants' clothes to choose from that would be more benefitting.”

“Of course, father. We can’t go to the banquet with him wearing yesterday’s clothes,” Elias sneered.

“My clothes were stolen,” Riven calmly said, staring at Elias.

Everyone instantly bursted into laughter.

Elias almost doubled over with laughter. “Stolen? Please bring up better excuses. Who would steal a cloth from a practical nobody?”

“You.”

Elias’s smile instantly disappeared.

“My clothes must have appealed very much to you that you would steal from me,” Riven added.

“What nonsense are you spitting out?!” Elias exclaimed, his face going red with rage.

Riven, unfazed by Elias’ outburst, pointed at the suit he was putting on.

“That is mine.”

Alyssa let out a chuckle. “You’re really insane. This suit was custom made for my brother. Instead of accepting my father’s offer of taking the servants' clothes you have resulted in stealing in broad daylight!”

“Making absurd claims just to protect his useless pride,” Elias seethed. “Odessa, keep your husband in check before he embarrasses us even more at the banquet and calls us thieves.”

Old Lady Chen’s face twisted into a frown. “Odessa, where’s the invitation card I had asked for?”

Odessa exchanged glances with Riven, who stared back calmly.

“I’m sorry,” she muttered, retrieving the golden scroll tucked into Riven’s jacket, handing it over to Old Lady Chen who revealed a small smile.

“Good. But this doesn’t rule out the fact that your husband just insulted Elias and made claims that aren’t true,” she straightened up. “Since you claim Elias had stolen your clothes, you clearly don’t wish to go with this family so you may drive yourselves with the sedan outside.”

Alyssa smiled mockingly. “Have fun.”

The old sedan outside had been abandoned for years and out of use. Starting it was a hassle and even getting it on the road was a bigger challenge. It broke down every two seconds.

The Chen family rode in luxury vehicles leaving Odessa and Riven behind, arriving at the Zhao banquet on time.

Old Lady Chen adjusted her clothes before stepping out of the car proudly.

“Remember,” she said to everyone. “From this moment onward, every word and every action represents the Chen family.”

Elias smirked.

“Don’t worry, Grandma. Those two are probably still pushing that broken down car.”

The family burst into laughter as they walked toward the entrance. However, before they could enter, several security guards crossed their arms and blocked the doorway.

“Sorry. Entry is temporarily prohibited.”

Old Lady Chen frowned at the intrusion. Most of the guests started looking back at them.

“There must be some sort of misunderstanding,” she said, handing over the invitation. “We are the Chen family.”

The captain took one look at the scroll and nodded back at her.

“Correct.”

A smile spread across Old Lady Chen’s face.

“Which is why you can’t enter,” he added.

“According to Chairman Zhao’s instructions, this invitation was given solely to the Wei couple and can’t be activated until the identities of the invited couple have been verified.

“Mr. Riven Wei and Mrs Odessa Chen must arrive first.”

The smiles on every member of the Chen family froze.