Chapter 706 - The Qiao Family House
Chapter 706: The Qiao Family House
The old Qiao family house was built in the 1930s and was of a European style. Although it was an old house, it had been renovated every few years, which maintained its impressive appearance.
Today was the first day of the lunar year and most of the members of the extended Qiao family were there.
Qiao Yu arrived to find most of his relatives there. He heard them talking inside before he entered the room.
“What’s the matter with my cousin? Why isn’t he here? Does he think he can show up late for Grandpa’s New Year gathering just because he’s the boss of the family business now?” In the main hall, a man sat there, crossing his legs at his knees and looking careless and unrestrained.
“Youtian, what are you talking about? Your cousin respects your grandfather the most. Of course, he’ll come here on the first day of the lunar year.” Next to him, Jiang Peiyun said with a frown.
“Mum, who are you kidding? You can count it yourself. How many times did my cousin come back here last year? We had to invite him over and over again each time. It’s obvious that he has no respect for Grandpa.” Qiao Youtian snorted. “He didn’t even come back for the family reunion dinner last night. When my uncle was alive, we used to eat together as a family.”
Opposite him, a middle-aged man scolded him. “Sit properly when you’re with your seniors. Straighten your back. I don’t care how you behave around other people. Here at home, you’re just a junior member.”
“Dad!” Qiao Youtian complained.
“That’s enough. Yu is busy and it’s normal he comes a little late.” The white-haired men at the host seat said all of a sudden. He seemed to be in his seventies. His forehead was covered with wrinkles and his eyes were deep-set, but he still looked as sharp as any younger men.
“Yes, that’s right. Yu must be busy at work. It’s understandable that he’s a little late.” Some more distant relatives chimed in.
“Yu is the most filial grandson. He made sure that everything here at the old house is the best. He has made sure that his grandfather can enjoy his old age in peace.”
“You have to give it to Yu, though. Shengshi was already thriving when his father was in charge. He has only taken over for a couple of years and who would have guessed that he would bring the business to a whole new level?”
Everyone did nothing but sing praises for Qiao Yu. They were no fools and could tell that Qiao Zhiming, the second son of the old man, had an overly ambitious family. However, one shouldn’t bully people without watching out for their powerful connections. Now that Qiao Yu was in charge of everything of the Shengshi Group, the last thing they wanted to do was offend Qiao Yu!
Even the old man knew it. So what if they were discontent. That grandson of his was formidable. Even he had to give in to Qiao Yu in the end.
Qiao Yu heard everything outside the door, but he didn’t let anything show on his handsome face. After a moment of silence, he walked in.
“Sorry. I’m a little late.” He said in a cold, indifferent voice in the doorway.
All eyes turned in his direction as they watched the majestic figure walk in. “Yu, you’re here.”
The second branch of the Qiao family, who looked so displeased a moment ago, rose to their feet immediately. Qiao Zhiming went up to Qiao Yu with a smile. “It snowed yesterday. Was the traffic keeping you?” He looked almost sincere.
Qiao Yu walked past Qiao Zhiming without so much as darting a look in his direction. He went straight to the old man. “Grandpa, Happy New Year!”
Old Master Qiao smiled at Qiao Yu. “Happy New Year to you, too. Where’s your mother?”
“She missed my father yesterday and didn’t get any sleep. I let her stay at home today,” said Qiao Yu quietly.
Hearing that, Old Master Qiao sighed. “Please tell her to not get too upset.”
“Tch. He’s been dead for years and she’s still upset? You won’t fool anyone!” said a sarcastic voice all of a sudden