Reborn in the 80s: The Smart Wife with a Secret Space Chapter 1118: Banquet

Upon hearing the voice, Xinyan intentionally glanced over her shoulder.

Her eyes locked precisely with Gu Yingying's stare.

Gu Yingying lifted her chin arrogantly toward Xinyan for no apparent reason.

She then quickened her pace on purpose to reach Xinyan and the group: "Han Xinyan, Jiang Peiqin, I'm throwing a party at my house next weekend—want to come and enjoy yourselves?"

Xinyan caught the underlying meaning right away from those words.

Her father had called her the day before, mentioning that her grandparents were back in the Capital for some time now and felt ready to show up publicly.

The Gu Family's old residence was fully renovated, leading them to organize a grand banquet there.

According to her father, Gu Hongrui was put in charge of the event; after years overseas, it looked like he'd mixed in some Western touches.

Why else would Gu Yingying bring up a party?

Xinyan gave a faint smile: "Sorry, I've got family matters next weekend, so I can't join. Have a great time, everyone."

The girl beside Gu Yingying sneered mockingly, "What rotten luck—Yingying graciously offers to expand your worldview, and you spit out that pathetic excuse."

Xinyan shot her a look: "Gu Yingying hasn't uttered a word, so why are you complaining? Outsiders might assume it's your family's bash."

With that, she grabbed Jiang Peiqin's arm and headed for the teaching building.

No point arguing with such mindless fools.

Just days earlier, she'd aced every third- and fourth-year exam at medical school, leaving professors stunned and all fighting to take her under their wing.

They settled it with a lottery draw. Xinyan would rotate studying under each one, settling the rivalry.

Yet, she hadn't chosen this setup; they simply informed her, leaving her no say.

Once afternoon classes wrapped up, Xinyan led Jiang Peiqin to the closest department store.

She made a beeline for the camera area: "Peiqin, remember I told you, for your wedding, I'd gift you a camera. It's for you, so choose the one that catches your eye."

Jiang Peiqin figured Xinyan was kidding, yet she meant every bit of it.

She adored mechanical designs and had sketched one before. Back then, she'd quipped, "A camera would be perfect for sharper reference shots if I could tour those massive factories again."

Xinyan had agreed lightly, never dreaming she'd follow through for real.

But eyeing the steep prices on those cameras, she felt genuinely awkward: "Yanyan, never mind—I was only chatting idly."

Xinyan promptly told the sales clerk to pull out a few models from the display case: "No way, with our friendship, how could I break my promise?"

She leaned in to whisper to Jiang Peiqin, "Go ahead, select your favorite. Opportunities like this don't repeat."

Jiang Peiqin felt deeply moved. It wasn't about affording one—her family owned a camera already. No real need for extras, except it wasn't personal; she always had to borrow from her aunt.

Plus, whenever she required it, others in the house did too, turning it into an annoying tussle.

Jiang Peiqin embraced Xinyan's kindness, chose her preferred model, and started pondering a return gift for Xinyan's future wedding.

The weekend arrived in a flash.

Xinyan learned from Han Jingchen that the Zeng Family got an invite, so she skipped asking Jiang Peiqin personally, sure she'd attend alongside her relatives.

After all, a solo invite could strain things with her dorm friends.

Still, she'd already promised her dorm mates a visit to her home next weekend for a meal, intending to bring them along to the Gu Family's old house.

This would help them relax more upon arrival.

A few days prior, Gu Wanqing with her husband and son had escorted the Gu elders back to the family’s old residence.

Xinyan, tied up with hospital internship on Saturday, headed from the small courtyard to Gu Mansion that morning.

When she reached the Gu Family’s old house, a crowd of guests had already gathered.

Mr. Gu, or Gu Yiwen, spotted his granddaughter's arrival, beamed widely, and beckoned her: "Yanyan, over here."