Everyone moved to the dining room and took their seats. Though deemed a banquet, it was a private affair with only four people: three generations of the Song family and Xia Ruofei.
Most of Old Mr. Song's children held official posts in other provinces. Among the grandchildren, Song Rui was the eldest. Even though he was utterly terrified of his grandfather, he still visited occasionally. His younger siblings were even more intimidated; on the rare occasions they accompanied their parents to the old estate, they would tremble with anxiety. Since Old Mr. Song had called Song Zhilan home for dinner on such short notice, no other juniors were present.
Xia Ruofei initially invited Director Lu to join them, but the man vehemently declined. He insisted his duty was strictly to serve and protect the chief, and it would be highly inappropriate for him to sit at the table.
"Ruofei, just let Lu do as he pleases!" Old Mr. Song said with a chuckle. "He's been this way for years."
