THE HEIRESS OF TWO ERAS

Chapter 2 - Home to Feng Manor

The Breakfast Table gradually fell silent as everyone finished their meals.

One after another, the Feng Family rose from their seats, each preparing to begin another busy day.

Feng Zhiyuan adjusted his suit jacket as an assistant handed him his briefcase.

As the Chairman of Feng Group, the Country's Second-Largest Business Empire, another demanding day awaited him.

Beside him, Lianhua glanced through the day's schedule on her phone. As the Founder of Lian Couture and President of One of the Nation's Most Prestigious Fashion Houses and Modelling Agencies, Meetings, Fittings, and Runway Preparations filled her calendar.

Across the dining room, Feng Yichen stretched lazily before checking the time on his wristwatch.

"I've got a Photoshoot this morning," he announced. "Aunt Lianhua, don't forget you promised to stop by."

Lianhua smiled knowingly.

"I'll come. Someone has to make sure you don't strike the same pose in every photograph."

Yichen placed a hand dramatically over his chest.

"Ouch. My own Aunt doesn't believe in my talent."

"It's not that I don't believe in your talent," she replied with a smile. "I simply believe you can do better."

Everyone chuckled.

Meanwhile...

Feng Zilan quietly reached for another steamed dumpling.

Feng Zhiyuan noticed immediately.

"I thought you said you were full."

"I was," Zilan replied innocently as she picked up the dumpling. "But I'm preventing the food from going to waste."

She turned to her mother with a grin.

"Besides... Mom said I should eat more."

Lianhua raised an eyebrow.

"When did I say that?"

"This morning."

"I said you should eat properly, not finish everything on the table."

Zilan smiled sweetly.

"Same difference."

Laughter filled the dining room once again.

The Grandma Yulan shook her head fondly.

"You'll always find an excuse to eat."

"I'm simply being an obedient daughter."

"Oh? Is that what we're calling it now?" Feng Yichen teased.

"It sounds much better than calling me greedy."

"It certainly does."

Even Feng Zhiyuan couldn't hide the smile that tugged at the corners of his lips.

After a few more cheerful conversations, everyone rose from their seats and walked toward the entrance hall.

Outside, several luxury cars were already waiting beneath the bright morning sun while chauffeurs stood respectfully beside each vehicle.

Just as Feng Yichen was about to step into his car, Zilan hurried after him.

"Hey! Wait for me!"

Yichen turned around.

"Wait for you? What for?"

"You promised you'd take me to one of your photoshoots."

"I did?"

"Yes."

"I don't remember saying that."

"Well, I'm reminding you now."

He folded his arms.

"And why exactly do you want to come?"

A mischievous smile spread across Zilan's face.

"I want to see if there's anyone there who's as ugly as you."

Yichen stopped in his tracks.

"Ugly? Do you know how many brands are fighting over this face?"

She looked him up and down thoughtfully " Hmm....maybe they need new glasses."

The family burst into laughter.

Still chuckling, Yichen reached out as if to flick her forehead.

Zilan squealed and quickly hid behind Lianhua.

"Mom! Save me!"

Lianhua laughed helplessly.

"You two really haven't grown up."

"She started it," Yichen protested.

"I merely stated an opinion," Zilan replied with the most innocent smile she could manage.

The old lady watched the playful exchange with warmth in her eyes.

"Enough teasing," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "You'll both be late."

The cousins exchanged one last playful glare before climbing into their respective cars.

Just before everyone left, Feng Zhiyuan cleared his throat.

"Before everyone gets too busy..."

They all turned toward him.

"This weekend, we're travelling to Feng Manor."

A gentle smile appeared on the old lady's face.

"My seventieth birthday doesn't need such a grand celebration."

"Nonsense," Lianhua said warmly. "The whole family will be there. It wouldn't be complete otherwise."

Yichen nodded.

"I've already cleared my schedule."

Zilan beamed.

"I can't wait! Grandma's cooking alone is worth the trip."

The old lady laughed softly.

"You only come for my cooking?"

"And for you too, Grandma," Zilan replied quickly, wrapping an arm around her. "The cooking is just... an added bonus."

The old lady smiled, patting her granddaughter's hand affectionately.

"Go on now. Don't keep everyone waiting."

With cheerful goodbyes filling the air, the Feng family departed one after another, each heading toward another busy day.

--------------------------------------

On the Eve of Feng Yulan's Seventieth birthday.

Upstairs, Feng Zilan stood in the middle of Her walk-in wardrobe which resembled a private fashion showroom, with rows of newly designed gowns waiting to be chosen hanging before her.

"No."

She pointed at the first one.

"The colour washes me out."

Meilin carefully returned the gown to its rack.

"What about this one, Young Miss?"

Zilan tilted her head before shaking it again.

"The sleeves are too long."

Meilin reached for another.

"This one?"

"The waist is too loose."

Another dress appeared.

"The neckline is too high."

Meilin blinked.

"...This one?"

Zilan frowned thoughtfully.

"It makes me look shorter."

After the tenth rejection, Meilin stopped returning the gowns to their racks and simply stacked them neatly on the velvet bench with a resigned sigh.

"Young Miss... at this rate, we'll arrive after the birthday banquet is over."

"I'm Grandma's favourite granddaughter," Zilan replied matter-of-factly. "They'll wait."

A loud knock suddenly echoed from outside the bedroom.

"Feng Zilan!"

Yichen's voice came through the door.

"Are you planning to attend Grandma's Eightieth birthday instead?"

Zilan rolled her eyes.

"Don't rush me!"

"I've been waiting for twenty minutes!"

"You've survived this long. Another five won't hurt."

"It will if Shanghai traffic decides to make friends with us!"

Zilan walked to the door without opening it.

"You're just afraid everyone will realise I'm prettier than you."

A short silence followed.

Then—

"I've been a Professional Model for years!"

"And yet you're still arguing with an Art student."

"You..."

Meilin couldn't help covering her mouth to hide a laugh.

"Young Miss, Young Master Yichen is going to faint from frustration."

"He'll recover."

Finally, Zilan's eyes landed on a soft champagne-coloured dress embroidered with delicate floral patterns.

Her face lit up.

"That's it."

Meilin smiled with relief.

"I knew you'd choose that one."

A few minutes later...

The bedroom door opened.

Yichen looked up impatiently—

...then paused.

For a brief moment, he simply stared.

"Well?" Zilan asked, lifting an eyebrow.

Yichen clicked his tongue.

"I hate admitting this..."

"What?"

"You actually look... decent."

Zilan gasped dramatically.

"'Decent'?"

"I was expecting something terrifying."

She folded her arms.

"Take that back."

"I refuse."

She swatted his arm lightly as they laughed all the way downstairs, occasionally teasing each other.

Outside, The Family's Convoy was already waiting.

One after another, the Luxury Cars rolled out of the Feng Residence and merged into the streets of Shanghai.

As the City Skyline gradually disappeared behind them, towering buildings gave way to quieter roads lined with ancient trees and rolling hills.

An hour later...

A Pair of Magnificent Stone Gates slowly opened.

Beyond them stood Feng Manor.

The Ancestral home of the Feng Family.

The Convoy came to a gentle stop beneath the towering Feng Manor.

The Moment The Car doors opened, a cool breeze drifted across the estate, carrying the faint fragrance of blooming osmanthus and freshly cut bamboo.

Feng Zilan stepped out first, her bright eyes immediately sweeping across the familiar grounds.

Rows of crimson lanterns swayed gently beneath the carved wooden corridors, while servants busied themselves with the final preparations for the evening banquet. The tranquil koi ponds shimmered beneath the afternoon sun, and the centuries-old manor stood proudly against the backdrop of rolling green hills, looking every bit as majestic as she remembered.

A smile spread across her face.

"It's even more beautiful than the last time we came."

"It always is," Meilin replied softly, smoothing an invisible crease from the hem of Zilan's dress.

Before either of them could take another step, An Elderly yet Energetic voice echoed across the courtyard.

"My Precious Granddaughter!"

Zilan's face lit up instantly.

"Grandma!"

Without another thought, she gathered the skirt of her dress and hurried across the courtyard.

Feng Yulan opened her arms just in time to catch her granddaughter in a warm embrace.

"My goodness," the old lady laughed, gently patting Zilan's back. "You're still running around like the little girl who used to chase butterflies through this courtyard."

Zilan smiled against her shoulder.

"I'll always be your little girl."

"And you'll always have a place in my heart."

The old lady slowly cupped Zilan's face in both hands, studying her quietly for a long moment. A smile, filled with both pride and affection, gradually appeared on her face.

"Some flowers bloom beautifully... but my Zilan shines wherever she stands."

Zilan immediately hugged her grandmother again.

"Grandma, if you keep praising me like this, I'll become too proud."

The old lady chuckled warmly before lightly tapping her forehead.

"Too late. You already are."

The two laughed together, drawing amused smiles from everyone nearby.

Just then, more luxury cars rolled through the gates of Feng Manor one after another.

Well-dressed Guests stepped out Gracefully, accompanied by Assistants and Bodyguards. Some were lnfluential Business Leaders, while others were old Family Friends Who had travelled from Different Parts of the Country to Celebrate Feng Yulan's seventieth birthday.

Not long after, another black luxury sedan came to a stop.

The rear door opened, and a graceful middle-aged woman stepped out first.

"Yichen!"

Her face brightened the moment she spotted him.

"There you are."

Yichen's usually playful expression softened into a genuine smile.

"Mom."

He stepped forward and embraced her before turning to the dignified gentleman who had just stepped out beside her.

"Dad."

Zilan quickly walked over with a bright smile.

"Uncle! Aunt! You finally made it!"

Her Aunt Lin Xueqin gently cupped Zilan's cheeks.

"Our Zilan has become even more radiant."

"Truly Our Zilan has grown" Uncle Feng Zhihao remarked.

Before Zilan could respond, Yichen folded his arms with a teasing grin.

"Don't praise her too much, Mom. She already thinks she's the prettiest person in Shanghai."

Zilan shot him an exaggerated glare.

"And whose fault is that? I've been surrounded by your face for years. Anyone would appreciate beauty more after that."

Yichen placed a hand dramatically over his chest.

"You wound me."

"I was aiming for your pride."

The Adults burst into laughter at the cousins' Familiar bickering.

Together, the Feng family made their way toward the Grand Banquet Hall.

The Pathway leading to the entrance had become increasingly lively as more Distinguished Guests continued to arrive.

Camera flashes lit up the evening.

Professional photographers politely invited arriving families to pause for commemorative photographs, while several media reporters conducted brief lnterviews with Well-known Business Leaders attending the Celebration.

"This way, Chairman Feng."

"One photograph, please."

"Madam Lianhua, over here!"

Guests smiled gracefully before continuing inside.

As Hosts of the celebration, Feng Zhiyuan and Lianhua remained near the entrance, warmly welcoming every arriving guest with genuine smiles and courteous greetings.

Meanwhile, Zilan and Yichen had a different responsibility.

The two cousins moved through the banquet hall, greeting relatives they hadn't seen in months and paying their respects to elderly family friends.

"Good evening, Aunt."

"It's so nice to see you again, Uncle."

"Grandpa Liu, how have you been?"

One elderly woman gently held Zilan's hands and smiled.

"Our little Zilan has grown into such a fine young lady."

Another family friend nodded approvingly.

"Beautiful... and so polite."

Zilan smiled modestly.

"Thank you, Auntie."

The moment the elderly guests turned to continue their conversation...

Zilan quietly reached toward a passing waiter.

In one swift movement...

She stole a tiny cream puff from the silver tray.

Pop.

Gone.

Yichen happened to witness the entire thing.

He stared at her.

"...Did you seriously just steal food while greeting guests?"

Zilan blinked innocently.

"I didn't steal it."

"You absolutely did."

"I merely helped reduce the waiter's workload."

Yichen pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Do you go everywhere just to eat?"

She placed a hand over her heart as though deeply offended.

"I've been greeting people for nearly thirty minutes."

"So?"

"I deserve a reward."

"You deserve self-control."

"I tried that once."

"And?"

"It wasn't for me."

Yichen sighed dramatically.

"I honestly don't know how you're related to this Elegant family."

Zilan proudly lifted her chin.

"Because I'm the most lovable member of it."

He rolled his eyes.

"According to who?"

She looked around the hall.

"Everyone."

Almost on cue, an elderly aunt waved happily.

"Zilan! Come over here, dear!"

She pointed at the woman with an innocent smile.

"See?"

Before Yichen could respond, another Uncle called out,

"Zilan, come greet your Aunt Chen!"

Then another.

"And don't forget us over here!"

Yichen watched as guest after guest called for her.

After a long silence...

He sighed in defeat.

"...Fine."

A triumphant grin spread across Zilan's face.

"I told you."

"You are unbelievably lucky."

"I prefer naturally lovable."

Yichen shook his head

Not far from the banquet hall, Feng Zhiyuan and Lianhua continued Welcoming Distinguished Guests as they arrived one after another.

The Atmosphere remained lively.

Old friends reunited.

Business partners exchanged handshakes.

Laughter and conversation filled every corner of the hall.

Just then...

A Seek Rolls-Royce Phantom rolled

Unlike the previous arrivals, the moment the Car came to a halt, Several Nearby BusinessMen instinctively straightened their posture.