"Eh, who are they? How dare they attend General Ji's birthday dressed like that?"
"Someone said they arrived at the front gate in a taxi. How embarrassing."
"Aiya, were they even invited? Look, even the families from lower backgrounds knew how to dress appropriately."
"Ji Mansion is not some charity place that welcomes them."
Staring at the two people being led by Housekeeper Hu, Ji Jingxu smiles at the young boy around his age. However, hearing the whispers surface around the ballroom, his expression darkened more than ever.
He wanted to go over to each person speaking foul words and smash their heads on the table for being so stupid.
Unable to hold back his anger, he abruptly stood up, but before he could even scoot his chair back, Grandfather Ji stopped him.
With no other choice, Ji Jingxu could only remain seated and try to calm himself down. He hated people like this the most. Always judging before they even get to know the person. Aren't they scared that they might have offended the wrong person?
The middle-aged man was led by Housekeeper Hu to Grandfather Ji's table. Stopping near the old man, the middle-aged man bows with a respectful smile.
"This comrade wishes a great birthday and a long life ahead."
Grandfather Ji nod his head in return with a satisfy smile on his face. He turn to the people sitting at his table and part his lips to introduce the new guests.
However, like it was a genetic thing from the second Ji family, Ji Shao An snort and spoke first.
"Uncle, how can you invite people like them to attend a grand banquet like this? You already invited so many from lower class backgrounds, is there any more room for them?"
"People like them?"
Grandfather Ji's eyes turned cold as he retort a question at his nephew. Even the tone of his voice had turned murderously to anyone who heard.
Although others had sensed the cold gaze from the old man, his nephew seemed to be oblivious of it. Ji Shao An scoffs aloud and cross his arms over his chest. His next words caused everyone in the ballroom to turn their heads in the direction of two new guests.
"It was supposed to be only the highest of statuses in Imperial who were invited. You were already generous enough to invite those from lower background."
Looking at the poorly dressed middle-aged man and teenage boy, Ji Shao An felt disgusted.
"How did they even get pass the gates? If they are here to find a job at Ji Corps, they can wait until tomorrow to apply."
Saying this, he waves at Housekeeper Hu as if to shoo them away.
"Take these two away. My Uncle does not welcome guests like them."
Those around knew the meaning behind Ji Shao An's words. These two people who were dressed poorly were using General Ji's birthday as an excuse to get on his good side for a job.
Unlike everyone else, the expression on the Lu family turned cold and murderous at the stupid man's words. Grandfather Ji is a man who sees everyone as equal beings despite their background.
So, how is it that Ji Shao An is from the same bloodline, but he is so stupid.
The middle-aged man frowns at how he was put in an awkward situation. However, when he looked around the ballroom, he could see the weird and disgusted looks of the guests.
As if it was not already enough, Ji Shao An's words continue to add more fuel.
"Uncle, I know you are always kind to everyone, but we cannot have people like them here. It'll only ruin the joyful atmosphere we were just having."
"Shut up!"
Ji Jingxu roars at the stupid man. He didn't care about being respectful towards his elders anymore.
Ji Shao An has crossed the line. Did he not think before he spoke his words? There are also families from lower backgrounds who were invited here. Does he not understand that his words are directed at the two new people but also at the families with lower background?
He glares viciously at Ji Chu Hua and gritted his teeth.
"Cousin, I suggest you calm your father before he makes a fool out of himself."
Hearing him call her cousin, Ji Chu Hua pout her lip disapprovingly.
"Jingxu, you are 'adopted' and still young. You should stay out of this. It is a matter between 'family' only."
The tone of her voice was calm and like an older sister trying to watch out for her younger brother. However , she made sure to emphasize the words 'adopted' and 'family'.
All the guests who heard Ji Chu Hua's words shook their heads in pity for the young Ji Jingxu.
He is an adopted grandson, but it is exactly like Ji Chu Hua said, this is a matter between the Ji family. He may have the surname Ji but he is still an outsider.
Listening to the show that is taking place, Lu Tian felt like leaving. He did not come here to watch a live drama. His wife is probably at home waiting for his return.
Lu Han leaned against the table and held his chin with both hands under. His eyes and head darts back and forth between the people. He knows that it is wrong, but he can't help but like to watch a good show.
Old Lu and Madam Lu could only sigh inside and remain quiet. They may be close to Grandfather Ji, but they are still considered outsiders. As much as they want to say something, it is the old man who has the final say.
Seeing the two poorly guests have not move, Ji Shao An's nostrils flare and turns to a servant.
"Get the guards in here. Toss these two commoners out. They are spreading their stitch in here. Any longer and they are going to wreak havoc to my Uncle's birthday."
*SLAM—!!
A loud bang echoes inside the ballroom as everyone's face pale. No one dared to move or say a word. Only Lu Tian remained unmoved by the sudden sound.
Grandfather Ji who had tolerated enough of Ji Shao An's words was now standing up. His left palm was on the table as his breathing turned heavy and his nostrils flared widely.
His eyes that were gentle moments ago had turned cold.
He was no longer the sweet Grandfather Ji or Chairman Ji. He had changed his aura to the almighty and merciless General Ji that everyone feared.
"You dare to so such thing in front of me?!"
His thunderous voice penetrates the soul of all the guests as every cower in fear. They had only heard stories about his wrath. Now they can witness it for themselves.
Lu Tian tilt his head at the old man. He arch a brow and thought inside, 'Not bad old man. Seems like you still have it in you.'
Ji Shao An's throat turned dry as he try to gulp with difficulty. His mouth open and closed to say something, but it was like all the words he knew had vanished.
He knows his uncle is someone who appears kind at times, but when angry, he is like the devil. However, he thought that since there were many people around, his uncle will not lash at him.
Noticing her father's paled expression, Ji Chu Hua decides to intervene. She looks at Grandfather Ji with a sweet smile and tries to calm him down.
"Grandfather, my father wouldn't do such thing in front of you. He just wanted you to enjoy your birthday. There is no harm done here."
Hearing her words, the teenage boy looks at Ji Chu Hua then to Ji Shao An. He cross his arms over his chest and slightly tilt his head with narrow eyes.
'Ah, so this father and daughter duo are the ones always giving Jingxu a hard time.'