Cross Lines

Chapter 64: Family Feast

Unlike the birthday party at the hotel hosted by Seymour Gao, the elder Gao’s birthday banquet is always held at the Gao family's private residence. On weekdays, Seymour Gao has built a suitably grand house in the countryside for his parents, and his brothers and sisters-in-law live there with the elderly couple. The family only comes to the city for birthdays and festivals, for a family reunion and celebration.

The elder Gao has the stubborn character typical of rural patriarchs, always displaying an air of overseeing everything. Seymour Gao’s wife, on the other hand, is a city woman accustomed to a life of luxury. She holds little regard for her father-in-law, which affects her daughters as well, who show a superficial respect while being privately impatient with their grandfather. The old man’s blatant preference for sons over daughters makes the annual family feast an ordeal for the Gao women.

However, because of Seymour Gao, this seemingly harmonious event must still be held. Everyone not only has to attend but also must put on a show of enthusiasm. Despite his arrogance, the elder Gao is somewhat intimidated by his second son who changed his family name. He must at least pretend to be amiable to ensure that his son will leave the family estate to his own grandson.

Seymour Gao’s eldest brother, Gao Siqian, was originally a simple and honest farmer. He was awkward and inarticulate, but after marrying a loquacious wife who bore him two sons, he has handed over all authority to his wife and is entirely at her mercy. Besides taking care of his parents, his thoughts are mainly focused on how to get money from his brother and eventually pass the company to his own children.

Under such circumstances, the elder Gao’s 78th birthday feast was held at the Gao family’s private residence. Due to the elder’s old-fashioned belief that women should not sit at the main table, the feast was divided by gender: the men dined in the living room, while the women sat in the dining room. This arrangement was actually welcomed by everyone, as it spared them from the smoke of several large cigars.

“Oh, it’s the old man’s special day today. We should raise our glasses to celebrate and wish him a long life, haha!” Gao Siqian’s wife had a loud voice, so loud it was uncomfortable for the ears. When she spoke, Jasmine felt a throbbing in her temples. Her daughter, Xingxing, who had been eating quietly, was startled into staring with wide eyes, forgetting her food.

Qiqi kept her head down, silent as she looked at her phone.

In the presence of her mother-in-law, as a sister-in-law and hostess, the second daughter-in-law had to maintain some decorum. Although Seymour Gao’s wife rolled her eyes in frustration, she could only force a smile and raise her glass.

“Cheers.”

Fortunately, there was also Peter Gao’s wife at the table, who had to support her mother-in-law. The situation was not overly awkward. However, the eldest daughter-in-law still could not stay quiet.

“Jasmine, what have you been busy with lately? Haven’t seen you come home to visit Grandpa and Grandma.”

Jasmine, though somewhat reserved, responded with an awkward smile, “Work is busy.”

“Work should be handled by men! Us women should mainly take care of the elderly and children, keep ourselves presentable, give men face, and enjoy ourselves. Why should we worry about it?”

A moment of silence fell over the table, with even the two maids of the Gao family exchanging discreet eye rolls.

“Well then, I wish you many blessings and longevity, Auntie!”

“Oh, Jasmine, you do know how to talk. For this sentence, I must drink this glass of wine!” She tilted her head back and downed most of her wine in several gulps.

“But today, besides celebrating Grandpa’s birthday, there’s another matter to discuss with Qiqi!”

Called out unexpectedly, Qiqi looked up in confusion.

“This is also a major family affair. Liangzi is not young anymore. Your grandmother and I have been discussing getting him married soon to continue the Gao family line. However, he refuses to even meet the wealthy girls we’ve found for him.”

The second lady seemed to know what was coming and leaned back in her chair, remaining silent.

“Liangzi mentioned several times that he likes your classmate who is a doctor. Qiqi, could you introduce them?”

Upon hearing this, Qiqi’s face immediately darkened. “Auntie, I can’t help with that.”

“Why not? Does she have a partner already? Even so, Liangzi said you two grew up together. Could you talk to your cousin? If that doesn’t work, we can try another way?”

“Sorry, but really not possible. You should let second uncle give up on this idea.”

The atmosphere instantly froze, and the old lady who had been listening in asked the second daughter.

“Why? What’s wrong with my grandson?”

Seeing Qiqi’s face turn icy, Peter Gao’s wife, who interacted with her more frequently, quickly intervened.

“Oh, these things need time, whether it works out or not depends on fate!”

“Yes, let’s not discuss this further. Try the new chef’s cooking.” The mother, fearing her daughter might cause a scene, quickly changed the topic.

The discussion about fate temporarily pacified the tense Gao family women, and the second daughter-in-law managed to hold back her frustration. The awkward situation was somewhat diffused. Jasmine, who had been quietly helping her daughter with her meal, had been observing Qiqi.

In contrast, the mood at the main table was somewhat better. The younger generation took turns to toast, and the elder Gao was already slightly tipsy.

Seymour Gao appeared pleased, having not only agreed to his brother’s request to repair the ancestral hall in their old village but also promised a house as a congratulatory gift for the birth of Peter Gao’s child.

Leo, ever polite and adept at flattery, managed to charm the father-in-law and his family, keeping the mood upbeat.

“Dad, if Peter Gao has a son and you give him a house, what will you give Jasmine and me if we add a grandchild to the family?”

Leo’s half-joking, half-serious comment made everyone pause instinctively.

The elder Gao was about to respond favorably, thinking that women should have more children. However, he realized that having a grandson might affect the status of his granddaughters. He quickly retracted his words and merely said, “Having children should be lively!”

Seymour Gao’s cheeks were flushed from drinking, and he put down his chopsticks. “If you give me a grandson, I’ll give you shares!”

Immediately, the previously loud dining table fell silent, and even the boisterous Gao Liang stopped talking, turning to look at his second uncle.

Seymour Gao’s eyes were half-closed, his expression unreadable, and he smirked slightly.

“I’ve heard from above that we’re almost certain to go public this time.”

Peter Gao and Leo, who understood the implication, instantly brightened up.

“Really? Dad, that means our company has a great future ahead!”

“I’ve said it before, Sophia Xu thought she could hinder us, but she underestimated us! Approval is so tough now, and once we go public, it will be proof of our strength!”

Leo, with a smirk, glanced at Peter Gao. Though the elder Gao and Gao Siqian didn’t fully understand their conversation, they caught on that something good was happening and smiled broadly. Gao Liang quickly stood up and poured wine for his second uncle.

“Second uncle, if we go public, could I get more shares? Is this what they call original shares?”

Peter Gao, eyes sharp as an eagle from behind his glasses, scrutinized Seymour Gao’s reaction. Seymour Gao remained calm, smiling at Gao Liang.

“Ah, you’ve learned a lot, knowing about original shares.”

Gao Liang, slightly embarrassed by the praise, scratched his head and laughed awkwardly. Seymour Gao accepted the toast without saying more. Peter Gao wanted to speak but hesitated, his fingers gripping the wine glass tightly. He deeply resented his incapable younger brother’s ignorance.

He had a premonition that Seymour Gao would make moves regarding the equity distribution once the company went public. With only three shareholders in a company of this scale, and most shares held by Seymour Gao alone, it was highly abnormal. Equity changes post-listing would be restricted, so preparations would need to be made beforehand. This was a critical moment in the future competition for Yafu.

But currently, Yafu was entirely under Seymour Gao’s control. Although Jasmine and himself held high positions in the company and were responsible for important matters, Seymour Gao had never shown favoritism, always maintaining a professional demeanor. Seymour Gao was not in a hurry, but Peter Gao could not wait.

Japan is a country that is both enjoyable to visit and live in. If not for national interests, Maggie would have loved to make friends with the locals and experience the country’s culture. For a designer, it’s also an excellent way to stimulate creativity.

From the moment they met at the airport, Lola had been very quiet, saying little. Maggie, meanwhile, busily reported her actions to Dr. Luo via her phone, covering everything from security checks and boarding to finding her seat and handling her luggage.

By the time the plane landed and they exited the airport, it was already evening. Maggie, pulling her suitcase, was excited.

“Is the hotel booked, or should we go directly?”

Lola checked the time and said, “Is a hotel necessary in Japan?”

Blinking, she added, “No hotel, then? A guesthouse? Oh, that’s good too, we can experience authentic Japanese style.”

Lola didn't say anything more. A black car pulled up, and she opened the door.

"Please, Maggie."