Jiang Ying Yue picked up Little Jun and kissed him on the cheek. However, the little guy was unsatisfied. He grabbed his mother's face and gave her a kiss on the mouth instead. Then he turned to Jin Liwei and smirked.
Everyone laughed at the toddler's antics, except for one person.
Long Hui glared at Jin Liwei. "Stop corrupting my son. Look at him. He's emulating your shamelessness!"
It was Iris who felt offended at his accusation. She snapped at him. "Don't blame Liwei. You're just salty because your son is more romantic than you!"
Dom, the make-up artist and the hairstylist snickered a few steps behind them. They just came out from the walk-in closet after glamming up Iris and Jiang Ying Yue.
Long Hui glared at them next. The make-up artist and the hairstylist immediately shut up, but Dom didn't mind and continued snickering. Then he whipped out his phone and started snapping photos of the smug Little Jun.
"Junie boy, hold your smile and look at Uncle Dom's camera. Yes, good job! My cutie patootie pie is so handsome! Even more handsome than Dada and Papa! Ehehe."
Both Iris and Jiang Ying Yue chuckled at Dom's claim. Jiang Ying Yue then wiped the small lipstick stain that got on Little Jun's lips.
As for the make-up artist and the hairstylist, they retreated to the background with the nanny. They already discovered Jin Liwei's identity about a month after they started working for Iris. Needless to say, they were very shocked. Even without the signed NDA, they wouldn't dare divulge this piece of information to the public because Jin Liwei was a fearsome enemy.
It wasn't worth it offending the most powerful man in the business world of his generation just for some quick cash. They might get away if they betrayed Iris but to anger someone of Jin Liwei's calibre? That would be pure insanity on their part. Besides, they already began respecting and liking Iris as a boss. Loyalty for her was already growing inside them.
Finally, it was time to go. Dom and the nanny diverted Little Jun's attention, so that Iris and the others could leave the penthouse.
The two pairs rode Jin Liwei's limousine on the way to the party.
"I guess you're not coming with us judging by that outfit of yours," Long Hui commented as he looked at Jin Liwei's casual clothes. "Did Father not invite you?"
"Of course Father invited Liwei," Iris replied instead. "Originally, both of us aren't coming but since you asked, I'll attend. Liwei and I will only attend events together as a couple after we officially announce our relationship. Besides, with the three of us gone, he needs to stay at home to babysit the cats and Little Jun. Right, darling?"
"En." Jin Liwei readily agreed.
Long Hui scoffed. "You're letting this brat turn you into a househusband?"
Iris pursed her lips at Long Hui.
Then Jin Liwei replied, "Hmm… That would be nice."
Long Hui looked at Jin Liwei as if he transformed into an alien. Iris, on the other hand, looked delighted.
"En." Jin Liwei chuckled and nuzzled her neck.
Long Hui shook his head at them, and then turned to his Jiang Ying Yue, expecting her to have the same reaction as him. However, Jiang Ying Yue had a slightly envious expression on her face as she watched Iris and Jin Liwei.
He cleared his throat and asked her, "Do you also want me to become a househusband?"
Jiang Ying Yue looked at him like he had lost his mind. "We have a son to support. Both of us need to work."
"Ahahaha! Of course, of course. I was just joking," Long Hui laughed awkwardly.
It seemed like his little sister was right. The romantic advances of his son (learned from that damn Jin Liwei) was more effective to Jiang Ying Yue than his own attempts of romancing her.
###
The Long ancestral residence wasn't ideal to host a grand bash because it housed too many priceless treasures that could be damaged by the guests. Even the compound was a treasure in itself.
That was why it was decided that Long Tengfei's birthday party would be held at another property of his. This property boasted a contemporary and chic mansion with a tropical-style landscaping. He recently acquired it as one of his real estate investments.
Inside the mansion, the guests mingled with each other. Most of them were individuals or from families who were around the same level as the Longs in high society. There were a lot of businesspeople and socialites among them.
The status of these people were impressive, but they weren't at the top of high society's hierarchy. Their levels weren't high enough to invite the likes of the Jins, the Lus, and most especially the Fengs. Nevertheless, this birthday party was still filled with a lot of different personages who were connected to the Long family one way or another.
Long Tengfei welcomed and briefly chatted with the people who came over to greet him a happy birthday. Yang Jiahui and Meimei were beside him. His second son, Long Jian, and first daughter, Long Jinjing, also had arrived. Her first daughter came with her best friend, Chen Fei. He asked them to accompany him in greeting the guests.
Long Jufang, Long Meng and the other elders were displeased by Long Tengfei's decision to display his illegitimate children in such a conspicuous position beside him. To them, it was like showing the whole world their family's dirtiest and darkest stains. How shameful!
The conversations suddenly stopped and heads turned towards the entrance. Long Tengfei and the others followed suit to see what was going on.
Audible gasps could be heard when everyone saw the new arrivals.