Nestled by the Qiantang River on Zhijiang Road, the grand, opulent Pan Pacific Fishing Platform Hotel stood beside a forest park.
Behind it, the majestic Qiantang River.
In front, a lush, beautifully landscaped park.
Surrounded by towering skyscrapers, a hub of prosperity.
Under the guidance of the valet, everyone parked their cars and followed Li Bin into the lavish hotel.
The dazzling, golden grandeur of the lobby left everyone buzzing with excitement.
"Good evening, sir. How may I assist you?" A stunning hostess in a purple qipao approached Li Bin, bowing respectfully.
"I booked a banquet at Tingchao Pavilion in Yuyuan. Please lead us there," Li Bin said, nodding, feeling a twinge of nerves.
Good thing he'd stopped by this afternoon, or he'd be lost.
"Of course, please follow me!" The hostess gestured elegantly, her hips swaying as she led the group to the largest banquet hall on the first floor.
"Holy shit! Brother-in-law, you went all out! Just for a few of us, you booked this massive hall? This is a fucking showroom! Damn, a big screen too? Is there a performance later?"
As they entered, Du Bin let out a shocked yell.
The others were equally stunned.
"I heard Tingchao Pavilion is the best private room here. A banquet starts at 30,000 RMB minimum. Li Bin, we know you're filial, but this extravagance isn't necessary," Du Jianjun coughed lightly, frowning at Li Bin, his eyes accusatory.
"Li Bin, this is too wasteful. Such a huge hall for just us—how much did you spend?" Wen Wan gave Li Bin a reproachful look, her eyes full of concern.
"No big deal. As long as Mom's happy, it's worth any price. I earn money to make my family's life better. Money's just a thing—family happiness matters most," Li Bin said with a faint smile, turning to the server. "Let them know we're ready to start."
"Yes, Mr. Li," a female server by the door hurried out.
"Wow! Look, it's the Qiantang River! So gorgeous!!" Wen Lan exclaimed, staring at the floor-to-ceiling windows on the east side, through which the wide, mighty river was clearly visible.
It was high tide, the roaring waves audible even inside the room.
"The tide's coming! Everyone, look!"
At Wen Lan's call, the group rushed excitedly to the windows, gazing at the surging Qiantang River tide.
"Xiao Bin, you really put your heart into this. Mom's so happy, truly happy. Having a son-in-law like you makes me feel so comforted, so blessed!" Shen Han, deeply moved, held Li Bin's hand, her eyes brimming with tears.
Li Bin naturally put his arm around his mother-in-law, whispering tenderly in her ear, "Mom, as long as you're happy, that's my greatest joy."
Shen Han felt a tingle from Li Bin's intimate gesture, her face flushing red. She nervously glanced at the others, saw them watching the tide, then shyly pursed her lips, pulling away from his warmth.
Inside, her heart was a storm, pounding wildly.
[Intimacy with Shen Han: +5 (90 Intimate)]
Shen Han's chest felt like a deer was bounding inside, her heart racing thump thump thump. The moment Li Bin held her, her body went weak.
"What am I thinking?! How can I have these thoughts?! He's my son-in-law! Shen Han, are you insane? What's wrong with you?! No! No! Absolutely not!!" As everyone returned to their seats, Shen Han clutched her chest, her face red with shame.
Once seated, servers soon began bringing dishes.
Plate after plate of lavish, hearty dishes arrived.
Followed by premium wines and drinks, opened by servers who respectfully poured for everyone.
"Today's my sister's birthday. I propose a toast, wishing her eternal youth and beauty!" After a few bites, Du Jianjun, adopting a superior tone, coughed and stood, raising his glass. "I'm driving, so I'll use tea instead of wine. Cheers, everyone!"
At Du Jianjun's lead, everyone stood, clinking glasses.
Since they weren't driving, Shen Han and the three Wen sisters drank red wine. Wen Ying and Li Xiaoyan, at Li Bin's insistence, were poured some too.
Except for the drivers, everyone had red wine.