Chapter 333: Apprenticeship Banquet

Chapter 333: The Master-Disciple Banquet

This was part of Beijing’s commercial district, where many shopping malls, cinemas, and restaurants were clustered. Hao Yanyan had some free time recently and decided to take Xu Jianwen, who was on a day off, out to unwind.

Xu Jianwen had been distant lately, coming home in low spirits every time.

He Qiaoxiang advised her that a woman’s career could take a backseat for now—what mattered most was securing her family life first.

Once this difficult period passed, they could introduce Hao Yanyan to a major player in the fashion industry; then starting a business would naturally be easier.

Convinced by this reasoning, Hao Yanyan took the initiative to spend time with Xu Jianwen to reconnect.

As a young couple without children, catching a movie and having dinner together seemed perfect.

But Hao Yanyan never expected to bump into Zhang Xue here.

Zhang Xue was the eldest sister-in-law in the family—though technically a sister-in-law, she was practically a second mother to her.

Since childhood, Zhang Xue had made many clothes and shoes for Hao Yanyan. When the family was poor, Hao Yanyan even wore hand-me-downs altered from Zhang Xue’s own clothes.

"Yan Yan!"

Zhang Xue exclaimed excitedly.

Hao Yanyan instinctively looked toward Xu Jianwen at the entrance. She had told him before that the Ye family had never been kind to her.

Yet Hao Yanyan felt no guilt about saying so. Having been reborn from decades into the future, the Ye family had faded from her memories.

What good was their kindness? In marriage and daily life, it hadn’t helped her at all.

Despite Hao Yanyan’s drastic changes, Zhang Xue recognized her immediately.

"Yan Yan, are you doing well in Beijing?"

When there was no response, Zhang Xue pressed further.

Judging from Hao Yanyan’s fashionable appearance and radiant look, she must have been living quite comfortably.

While they were speaking, Zhen Yunshuang came out of the restroom.

When Hao Yanyan left home, Zhen Yunshuang had been too young to remember faces. After washing her hands, she walked over and called to Zhang Xue, "Auntie, should we head back?"

Zhang Xue was still staring intently at Hao Yanyan.

Xu Jianwen noticed how long Hao Yanyan had taken just to wash her hands, so he headed toward the sinks.

Hao Yanyan quickly said, "Sister-in-law, I’m not part of the Ye family anymore. I’m doing well in Beijing and don’t want any interruptions."

Zhang Xue was stunned. "Yan Yan, what do you mean? Do you think me greeting you is a disturbance?"

Though in Hao Yanyan’s memory it had been decades since they last met, to Zhang Xue, the little sister she’d doted on had suddenly turned cold and indifferent.

"That’s right," Hao Yanyan replied bluntly.

With that, she turned and left.

Straight into Xu Jianwen.

"What kept you?"

Hao Yanyan said, "It's nothing. I ran into a woman asking for directions. How about I take you to a new Western restaurant? It's a bit far from here, but we happen to have time today."

"Auntie, what's wrong?"

Zhen Yunshuang looked at her aunt, who was standing there looking really upset, and didn't understand what had happened. That woman must have upset Auntie.

Zhang Xue said, "Let's not mention this when we get back, okay? Otherwise, others will feel upset too."

Zhen Yunshuang nodded obediently, "I understand, Auntie."

Zhang Xue returned to the restaurant, putting on a normal face, but her mood wasn't as good as before.

Ye Xiaoxiao thought it was weird—why did a quick errand put her in such a mood? "Auntie, are you okay?"

"Probably just tired."

"We'll leave right after eating then."

After the meal, they went home, where Ye Changning had just returned with Ye Mei and Zhen Wanlin.

Seeing the pile of books brought into the living room, Ye Changning said dramatically, "Have you guys considered the kids' mental health? What's the use of buying so many books?"

Ye Jianguo retorted, "What are you talking about—'no use'? I think Xiaoxiao's gifts are great—much better than that game console you bought."

Ye Changning: "..."

Was he doomed to get scolded forever, even after becoming a billionaire?

Miao Cuifang added, "You can’t play the game console too much. After coming home, no more than one hour per night."

Ye Xiaoxiao made a face at Ye Changning.

That's what you get for running your mouth.

...

After the bridal home visit, the next day was the master-disciple ceremony.

Though the Ye family was set to leave, one more day didn't matter.

They had already agreed to depart after the ceremony.

When they set out in the morning, Zhang Xue looked out of it.

Ye Changqing could tell something was wrong with her the night before. "What’s wrong?"

Now that they were alone in the bedroom, Zhang Xue came right out and said, "I saw Yan Yan yesterday. I just wanted to say hello, but she acted like I was some random person asking for directions."

Zhang Xue believed the Ye family wasn't some shameful relatives. They had never mooched off anyone.

Yan Yan had grown up in the Ye family, but now she acts like we're strangers.

"But she must be doing well—all dressed up fancy and married to some young, good-looking guy."

Ye Changqing paused for a beat before saying, "Xue, I know you care about Yan Yan, but she’s no longer part of the Ye family. Can't blame her for feeling that way."

Zhang Xue: "I just can't understand how she could be so heartless."

"Don't overthink it. Today is Xiao Xiao's apprenticeship banquet. We can't make a scene," Ye Changqing comforted his wife, though he himself wasn't feeling much better.

Zhang Xue patted her cheeks: "Right, today is Xiao Xiao's big day. We can't go causing trouble."

"Do I look presentable?"

Ye Changqing: "Just presentable? You look gorgeous."

Zhang Xue genuinely laughed this time. "You silver-tongued devil."

The apprenticeship banquet was held again at the familiar Beijing Hotel. Ye Xiaoxiao seemed to have underestimated her master's influence—the moment she walked in, she spotted several school teachers.

Though called "teachers," they were all medical heavyweights.

The familiar Sun Zhengyao was among them.

Lu Hanchuan was stunned too when he noticed several legendary TCM practitioners seated there.

With the average age in the banquet hall well over sixty, Lu Hanchuan and Ye Xiaoxiao stuck out like sore thumbs.

Fortunately, Song Guoxian was overseeing things, and the Ye family soon arrived.

Ye Xiaoxiao took Lu Hanchuan to greet some of the familiar faces among the guests.

"Xiao Ye, let me introduce you to these distinguished guests first..."

Before Song Guangjing made his entrance, Sun Zhengyao, as Ye Xiaoxiao's teacher, enthusiastically introduced her around.

Ye Xiaoxiao greeted them politely.

Given TCM’s decline, the elder masters treated Ye Xiaoxiao quite warmly.

"Old Zhou hasn’t accepted a disciple in ages. This kid’s gotta be something special."

"That’s for sure. I heard she’s already perfected her needlework at such a young age."

"The Qiushan acupuncture method of Rende Pharmacy has found its successor. Master Qiushan would rest at peace knowing this."

Ye Xiaoxiao caught bits of gossip, but due to her limited knowledge about Rende Pharmacy, some of the details were lost on her.

After the greetings, Ye Xiaoxiao sat down.

Lu Hanchuan remarked, "This many top-tier doctors in one room? Most folks never meet even one."

Ye Xiaoxiao teased, "Why do you look like you just won the lottery?"

Who wants to visit a doctor when they're healthy?