95 Night Of The Imperial Banquet - 30.3 (1/2)

”Are we running a bit late?”

”Not at all. We're just missing the extra time to socialize.” Fan Hui Zhong replied nonchalantly.

Hearing this, both Fan Zhu Xia and Fan Shi Hong's eyes met in mutual understanding.

”You just don't want to talk to others, that's why you told us not to hurry didn't you?” Fan Zhu Xia asked with a playful grin.

”Of course not! I just didn't want you two to feel pressured is all.”

With a resigned smile on his face, Fan Shi Hong opened his mouth and said, ”Father, you do know that it's just delaying the inevitable right?”

”Be that as it may, once the banquet starts, no one can just get up and bother you two and the least anyone could do will be to greet and acknowledge you two when they exchange pleasantries with me.”

”And after the banquet?” Shi Hong continued.

”Ahhh, well after then they will probably find ways to meet you two, especially your sister.”

”Sister? Why?” Fan Shi Hong asked, totally baffled which made Fan Zhu Xia giggle while Fan Hui Zhong chuckled at his son's simple-mindedness.

Seeing her little brother's aggrieved glare, Fan Zhu Xia stifled her laughter before clearing her throat.

”It's because I'm of marriageable age so of course a lot would be eyeing me as a means to get close to Father.”

”What?! But, but....”

Looking at Fan Shi Hong's indignant face, both Fan Zhu Xia and Fan Hui Zhong burst out into amused laughter.

”Why are you two laughing?! Aren't you worried?”

”Why should I be? It's not like anyone can force me to marry.” Fan Zhu Xia asked with a smile.

Seeing that Fan Shi Hong wanted to make a rebuttal, Fan Hui Zhong reached out and patted his shoulders comfortingly.

”Don't worry about your sister, Shi Hong. Father won't let anyone force her to do anything she doesn't want.”

”Yeah, Little Shi! Just trust Father, besides, it's not like I'm that easy to bully!”

”Oh, fine! Wasn't I just worried?” Fan Shi Hong grumbled under his breath which made Fan Zhu Xia smile and her heart warm at his concern so when Fan Shi Hong wasn't looking, she pounced on him and hugged him to her much to his embarrassment.

”Ugh, Elder Sister, let go!”