chapter 12 The richest Zhan Family

The banquet was held at the Guan City Hotel, a place Mila Hai would never usually visit. Guan City Hotel was one of the city's most high-end hotels, often called a seven-star hotel. Mila Hai was indifferent to its star rating; she didn't pay much attention to such distinctions.
Aunt Shen had arrived at the hotel before Mila Hai and the others. After exchanging greetings with the ladies she knew, she instructed her son and daughter to head into the hotel while she waited at the entrance, expecting her niece's arrival.
Aunt Shen smiled as she saw the car she had arranged to pick up her niece slowly approaching amidst the other vehicles. Soon, Judy Shen led Mila Hai towards her aunt.
"Aunt."
"Aunt Shen."
Mila Hai greeted Aunt Shen, aware that her niece was bringing her along, making Aunt Shen a little apprehensive. She had seen Mila Hai before and had to admit that this young lady, despite her modest family background, had an air of nobility and grace about her.
Aunt Shen was worried that Mila Hai might overshadow her niece. Her worries eased when her sister-in-law mentioned that Mila Hai was already married. Mila Hai's choice of attire further reassured her. Mila Hai wasn't dressed extravagantly; she wore ordinary clothes, minimal makeup, and no jewellery, effectively toning down her natural beauty compared to her niece, who was all dolled up.
"Come, let's go in. Judy, show your invitation. We'll need to check and register."
Judy Shen quickly handed over her invitation.
"Once we're inside, observe more and talk less. When the time is right, I'll introduce you to some people. Mila, you've always been more composed than Judy. Keep an eye on her and prevent her from getting into any trouble. Come on, Guan City Hotel is known for hosting the city's wealthy. Some of their young gentlemen may be present tonight."
Aunt Shen whispered to her niece, "Judy, if you can capture the attention of a wealthy young man, it'll be a great blessing for our Shen family. The wealthy family keeps a low profile, and their family values are exceptional. Their men are reliable and rarely engage in extramarital affairs."
"Your cousin is still young and not ready for marriage. Otherwise, your aunt would definitely prioritize your cousin for such a great opportunity."
No matter how close they are, a niece can never replace a daughter. But her daughter had just turned seventeen, not yet of marriageable age. It was too early to discuss marriage. For now, she was here to enjoy the festivities.
Mila Hai listened and didn't interrupt. She was merely a companion, there to enjoy the food. She had heard that Guan City Hotel served particularly delicious food.
"What's the surname of the wealthy family?"
"The surname is Zhan."
"Zhan, that's quite unique."
Judy Shen lightly nudged her friend, implying that her friend's flash marriage was also with Mr. Zhan.
Mila Hai understood her friend's implication and smiled, saying nothing. While Mr. Zhan also had the surname Zhan, he had no connection to the wealthy family. They merely shared the same surname. The world was full of people with the same last name, and only a few were related.
"Although the Zhans are the wealthiest family, the entrance isn't exclusive. As long as you have good character and are liked by their men, the elders won't be fussy; they are quite open-minded."
Aunt Shen entertained thoughts about the Zhan family for her niece Xiao. Her niece was good-looking and had a good character, and although their family's wealth wasn't on par with the wealthiest family, it was still superior to countless others.
Judy Shen seemed to pay little attention to her aunt's words, which exasperated Aunt Shen. She felt like pulling her niece's ears. Finally, she said in exasperation, "You two, go in. Auntie sees some familiar faces; I'll go and say hello."
"Auntie, we'll go in first."
Judy Shen quickly took Mila Hai away, relieving herself from her aunt's nagging. Her aunt was just like her own mother. No wonder her aunt and mother got along so well; they were cut from the same cloth.
This was Mila Hai's first time stepping into Guan City Hotel, but Judy Shen had been here countless times. She confidently led her friend, grabbed two food plates and found a corner to hide in.
"We don't know those ladies. If we go to greet them, they won't pay us any attention. Mila, let's eat. We've come to open our eyes and see what banquets in the upper class are like."
Mila Hai smiled and said, "Auntie would be so angry if she knew you came here just for the food."
She had also come here for the food.
"Mila, do you think I'm just pretty or a beauty that stands out? A young and pretty person like me just wants to catch the eye of the wealthiest young master. Haha, thanks to my aunt, I dare to dream. Let's not worry about what they think and eat quickly. Guan City Hotel has so many delicacies. I've dined here before, but I didn't dare order some dishes because they were too expensive. Tonight, I want to try them all."
"Thanks to you, I get to try them too."
Mila Hai was as excited as Judy Shen.
She was a married woman.
They happily hid in a corner, eating and drinking to their heart's content. Suddenly, everyone in the hotel focused on the entrance, and the atmosphere turned silent. The two friends, engrossed in their meal, finally realized something was amiss.
Mila Hai nudged her friend and asked, "Judy, why is everyone silent and looking at the entrance? Who's arriving?"
"I don't know."
Judy Shen stood up, and Mila Hai followed suit. They stood on tiptoes and looked towards the hotel entrance. Unfortunately, the crowd was too dense, and they couldn't see clearly who was entering. Such a grand entrance could captivate everyone in the hotel.
In a suit and leather shoes, William Zhan walked into his hotel surrounded by bodyguards.
The person hosting the banquet tonight was a seasoned businessman. The Zhan family had a close relationship with him. Since William Zhan was the head of the Zhan family, and the banquet was being held in his hotel, he appeared, showing respect to the distinguished guest.
He was tall and handsome, and even though his face always bore a stern and commanding expression, he was still a big attraction. Wherever he went, he could effortlessly become the centre of attention.
"Mr. Zhan."
"Mr. Zhan."
As William Zhan walked in, he could hear everyone's respectful greetings. The bosses with high status directly came to greet him. William Zhan nodded politely and responded to everyone's greetings.

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