Saturday, the weather was clear.
It had rained for two consecutive days earlier, and the drizzle had washed away all the dust and sand from Beijing’s heat.
After the rain stopped, the air in Beijing was noticeably fresher.
Today was an imnsely important day for Celine Tucker and Caryn Zachmann.
They had been out of luck for so long, finally welcoming a day to hold their heads high.
Both got up early, went to a specialized beauty salon for skincare, and called in a professional styling team to style them.
Neither wanted to make a mistake on such an occasion today.
Ten o’clock.
Celine Tucker and Caryn Zachmann finished styling and, dressed elegantly, drove to the Imperial Hotel on Penny Parkway.
They arrived early.
But soone arrived even earlier than them.
"You’re here?"
Leonardy Zachmann had specifically cleared his schedule today, wearing a well-tailored black suit that made him look mature and energetic.
He seed to be in a good mood. Seeing Celine Tucker and Caryn, he smiled slightly and said to Celine, "Caryn’s godmother hasn’t arrived yet. I just asked her, and she’s on her way, confird to arrive before noon."
Today, Celine Tucker was wearing a Tang costu, in a rose-red color that wouldn’t suit just anyone. She wore a string of verdant green agate necklace around her neck, paired with a set of quite expensive jewelry, managing to subdue the color that could easily co across as vulgar.
At this mont, her well-maintained face showed a smile. Leaning against Leonardy, she said gently, "It’s alright if the Countess arrives a little late. After all, Caryn’s recognition ceremony doesn’t officially start until noon."
She thought for a mont and asked, "By the way, Leonardy, which relatives have arrived now?"
"Only Grandma and her family arrived first, along with a few other family relatives, though they’re all not too close,"
When Leonardy ntioned the guests who had already arrived, his smile noticeably faded, his brows furrowed, and his tone was somber.
"Half an hour ago, I called Dad again. He insists on not coming."
Today was Caryn Zachmann’s recognition celebration.
Even though Leonardy wanted to invite his big brother and niece to join the feast, respecting the wishes of his wife and daughter, he ultimately only inford Mr. Zachmann.
But Mr. Zachmann was resolute and insisted on not coming.
Yesterday, he took the ti to personally visit the nursing ho, and the old man’s attitude was unyielding, showing no signs of softening.
Not coming ant not coming.
He made a special trip to deliver the invitation card.
The old man maintained the sa stance, not coming!
Leonardy Zachmann didn’t want the family to end up like this.
But things had developed to this point; if the old man won’t co, he was determined to help Caryn successfully complete this recognition ceremony.
"If Dad won’t co, then so be it." Celine Tucker’s gaze flickered for a mont, a hint of chill passing through her eyes.
She handled face-saving well, placing a hand on the man’s shoulder to silently comfort him: "Dad is getting older, his body isn’t what it used to be. If he doesn’t want to make the trip, it’s okay. Elders are always our elders. I think Caryn wouldn’t be upset with Grandpa over this."
She turned her head, signaling Caryn Zachmann with her eyes: "Caryn, don’t you think?"
Caryn Zachmann’s bright oval face showed a fleeting look of disdain, her eyelashes lowered, exhibiting the deanor of a genteel lady, nodding: "Yes."
Celine Tucker imdiately smiled, and said to Leonardy, "See? Caryn said so; you can be assured now."
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