The Prince's Beloved Little Wife

Once all the carefully prepared dishes were neatly arranged on the table, an enticing aroma began to fill the air. The friends gathered around the dishes praised them, saying they must taste delicious.

Chen Mengyao calmly took out her phone and skillfully dialed Ouyang Han's number. Ouyang Han's voice came through the phone quickly, and Chen Mengyao said gently, "Yichen, please bring Mom and Dad to the dining room for dinner. Everyone is ready."

After hanging up with Ouyang Han, Chen Mengyao called her grandparents and maternal grandparents in turn. She said affectionately, "Grandpa, Grandma, Grandpa, Grandma, the food is ready. Please come down to the dining room for dinner." The four elderly people readily agreed on the other end of the phone.

Meanwhile, Chen Mengyao's other friends were having a great time in the hall. The enticing aroma of the food was like an invisible hand, drawing their sense of smell towards the dining room. One of the friends exclaimed with a smile, "Wow, it smells so good! My stomach is rumbling!" Another friend chimed in, "Yeah, it must be delicious. Let's go over there quickly!"

Meanwhile, some of the people watching movies and playing mahjong on the fourth floor, after receiving the notification, put down their activities and rushed towards the dining hall. One person joked as they walked, "After playing for so long, finally I can have a proper meal!"

As people gradually entered the dining hall, Chen Mengyao carefully arranged for everyone to find suitable seats and settle down. Soon after, Ouyang Han arrived with the Emperor Emeritus and his entourage. Chen Mengyao's grandparents and maternal grandparents also slowly descended the stairs.

Chen Mengyao stepped forward with a smile and warmly introduced everyone. Pointing to the Emperor Emeritus and his entourage, she said to her grandparents, "Grandpa and Grandma, maternal grandparents, these are Ouyang Han's parents and aunt, as well as my godparents. They just returned from a trip abroad today." Then, turning to the Emperor Emeritus, she introduced them, "These are my grandparents, and my maternal grandparents. They are all my closest family members." After the introductions, everyone took their seats.

Afterwards, the remaining friends also came down, and under Chen Mengyao's guidance, they found suitable seats.

Once everyone was seated, Chen Mengyao gently waved her hand, signaling the servants to begin. The servants, well-trained, methodically poured drinks or wine for everyone according to their preferences.

Then, Chen Mengyao raised her wine glass and stood up gracefully. She nodded slightly, a sweet smile on her face, and said simply and sincerely, "Dear friends, I am truly grateful for all the wonderful suggestions you have given me today regarding the opening of my art gallery and its business model. This meal is not only to thank you all for your previous help, but also to celebrate the arrival of my second brother, Chen Feiyang, and the return of my parents-in-law and godparents from their trip. I hope everyone enjoys this pleasant atmosphere! By the way, dozens of these dishes were made by me personally." After introducing each dish she had prepared, she slowly raised her glass to toast everyone.

Seeing this, everyone quickly stood up and clinked glasses with her. A friend said with a smile, "Mengyao, you're too kind! Thank you for preparing such a sumptuous meal!" Chen Feiyang also smiled and said, "Thank you for your hard work, little sister. This meal will definitely be very meaningful!"

After everyone had drunk their drinks and exchanged their blessings, Chen Mengyao slowly sat down to enjoy the delicious dinner.

Grandparents, maternal grandparents, and friends, who were tasting Chen Mengyao's cooking for the first time, were all full of praise for her culinary skills after just a few bites. Grandpa gave a thumbs up and exclaimed, "Wow, this girl's cooking is truly amazing! The taste is comparable to that of a five-star hotel chef!" Grandma nodded repeatedly, "That's right, the dishes are so exquisite, and the texture is exceptionally good." A friend also exclaimed, "Mengyao, you've been hiding your talent! Your cooking is simply incredible!"

Hearing everyone's praise, Chen Mengyao smiled a little shyly and said modestly, "Not at all, it's just that I like to study on my own. I used to live alone, so besides working hard to earn money, I devoted all my free time to studying cooking."

Hearing her words, Chen Mengyao's grandparents, maternal grandparents, and second brother, Chen Feiyang, were overwhelmed with emotion. They felt both heartache and gratitude, their hearts churning with complex feelings. They felt heartache because for so many years, she had been alone, facing life's hardships by herself. From a helpless little girl to the capable and independent woman she is today, the hardships she had endured were unimaginable. But what made them even more gratified and proud was that she had not only not been defeated by difficulties, but had become even more resilient, not only founding her own supermarket brand but also developing enviable culinary skills.

"This child..." Grandma said, her eyes already reddening, "is both heartbreaking and a source of pride."

"That's right," Grandpa said with emotion. "The road to entrepreneurship is not easy, especially for a girl. It's not easy to get to where she is today."

Her second brother, Chen Feiyang, couldn't help but step forward and gently pat her shoulder: "Yao'er, you've really grown up. We're all so proud of you. From now on, don't shoulder everything alone. We're here for you." Chen Mengyao nodded to indicate that she understood.

The other friends, whether they were old acquaintances or new friends meeting for the first time, all felt much closer after the meal. Everyone expressed their admiration for Chen Mengyao: her quick business acumen, her sincere and warm hospitality, and most importantly, her culinary skills, which were simply unforgettable.

"Sister Mengyao, it's a shame you're not opening a restaurant with such skills!" someone joked.

"Yes, yes, I want to eat your cooking again next time!"

Chen Mengyao smiled and replied, "As long as you don't mind, you are welcome to come to my house for a meal anytime. I will cook when I have time, but my maid's cooking is also quite good, I guarantee you will enjoy your meal."

The meal lasted for over an hour, the atmosphere relaxed and pleasant, filled with laughter. After the meal, Chen Mengyao thoughtfully arranged for tea and fruit to be prepared, allowing everyone to slowly digest and continue chatting in the lobby. She also specifically reminded those who had previously discussed the snack shop activity to remember to arrive on time the next day so they could discuss the specific implementation plan. Everyone readily agreed to attend.

After sitting for about half an hour, everyone got up one by one to say goodbye. Chen Mengyao personally escorted them to the front door, watching each car drive away until the last headlight disappeared into the night, before she slowly turned around and went back inside.

At this moment, only Chen Mengyao's grandparents, maternal grandparents, her second brother Chen Feiyang and his artist team, Ouyang Han's family, the Emperor Emeritus, the Empress Dowager, several imperial concubines, and the Grand Tutor and his wife remained in the hall. Chen Mengyao then arranged for servants to take the artists to their rooms to settle in and rest, leaving only the two in-laws to continue their conversation.

Old Master Chen spoke first, his tone sincere: "Your Majesty the Emperor Emeritus, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, and all the elders, you have truly worked hard. Over the years, Mengyao has received such care from you in Dongling Kingdom, and we, as elders, are eternally grateful."

The old lady nodded in agreement: "Yes, it's wonderful to finally meet you all. The wedding is just around the corner, and our whole family is so happy to see you at the most important moment in Mengyao's life."

Grandpa Situ smiled and said, "I heard you just got back from your trip? I heard you went to quite a few countries. You'll have to tell us tomorrow which place is the most worthwhile to visit."

The Emperor Emeritus laughed heartily: "Of course, we've traveled to many places this time and gained a lot. I'll definitely tell you all about it tomorrow, and I guarantee you'll all want to set off immediately after hearing it."

"Then we'll wait and hear the story," Grandma said with a smile.

Considering it was getting late and the Emperor Emeritus and his entourage were tired from their long journey, Chen Mengyao considerately suggested that everyone go back and rest, and they could discuss things in more detail the next day. "Father, Mother, tomorrow you can tell Grandpa, Grandma, and Grandpa and Grandma on your trip, and recommend some countries that would be suitable for them to travel abroad. They plan to travel abroad after my wedding."

"Alright!" the Emperor Emeritus said with great interest. "I've been wanting to share this experience with you all for a long time. Let's chat over tea tomorrow, and I guarantee you'll find it very interesting."

The group chatted for a while longer before returning to their rooms to rest. The hall gradually quieted down, the warm lights creating a cozy and peaceful atmosphere. The night deepened, and the air was filled with the faint fragrance of flowers, as if silently blessing this joyous reunion.