First, then, love.

The word "Dad" was uttered naturally and smoothly, without the slightest hint of strain.

He's father was filled with rage.

My enthusiasm was largely extinguished by that soft, sweet "Dad".

He sighed, looking at Shu Yao with an apologetic expression.

"Yaoyao, I'm sorry for making you suffer, but the situation at home..."

"I know."

Shu Yao interrupted him with a smile, her eyes sincere.

She put down the purple clay teapot in her hand, picked up another clean white porcelain cup, poured a cup of hot tea, and carried it over with both hands to Shen Minghua's side.

"Mom, have some water too, to soothe your throat."

Shen Minghua took the teacup, looked at Shu Yao with her brows still furrowed, and felt indignant on her behalf.

"Yaoyao, don't worry about it. Mom will definitely stand up for you and make sure you don't suffer any injustice."

Shu Yao walked back to her seat and sat down.

With his hands folded and placed on his knees, his back straight and his posture impeccable.

She glanced at He Zheng, who was diagonally opposite her.

He Zheng was leaning back in his chair, his dark eyes fixed on her, a hint of amusement and inquiry in them.

They seemed to want to see how she would break this deadlock of two titans.

Shu Yao withdrew her gaze, her eyes sweeping steadily over the two elders.

"Dad, Mom, you both have a point."

Shu Yao's voice was steady and her pronunciation was clear.

They have an extremely strong ability to control the situation.

"Dad is thinking about the big picture and the red line of discipline, which absolutely cannot be crossed. Comrade Shu Jianguo usually doesn't even dare to accept a pack of cigarettes from others during holidays. If we really have to charter a plane to go to the island, he'll probably have to write his resignation letter at home overnight."

Father He nodded repeatedly, deeply agreeing.

"However," Shu Yao changed her tone, looking at Shen Minghua with a gentle gaze.

"What Mom is considering is the reputation of our He family and Shen family's century-old foundation, and it is also a sign of her high regard and favoritism towards me, her newlywed daughter-in-law. I understand this perfectly well and am very touched."

She held the bowl of water perfectly still, elevating both sides to a high level, providing ample opportunities for advancement.

Shen Minghua's expression softened considerably, and his gaze towards Shu Yao became gentler.

The anger dissipated by more than half.

"So, I just came up with a compromise idea." Shu Yao interlaced her fingers and gently placed them on the mahogany table.

"We won't lease any islands or go abroad; we'll just stay in the city and operate there."

Shen Minghua was about to open his mouth to refute.

Shu Yao's eyes narrowed, her imposing manner subsided slightly, and she immediately continued speaking.

The rhythm was perfectly timed.

"But we won't make a big show of it, we won't invite unrelated business partners, and we won't notify distant relatives who are just trying to build connections and join in the fun."

"Let's have an absolutely private dinner party."

The private room fell silent.

Several pairs of eyes were fixed on her alone.

Shu Yao spoke clearly and logically, as if she were giving a perfect business proposal.

"We'll scale the event down to the bare minimum, inviting only the closest immediate family members and true friends. At most, we'll keep the number of people under twenty tables."

"It's a small-scale gathering, essentially a purely family-oriented meal. Neither my dad's side nor his workplace or the disciplinary committee can find fault with it. We'll stick to the rules to the letter and never give anyone a handle to use against us."

Mr. He's eyes lit up instantly. "This is a great idea! An internal family banquet! It's perfectly in line with organizational rules!"

Shen Minghua was displeased and frowned.

"Twenty tables? That's incredibly shabby! If word gets out, how will I ever face anyone again!"

"Mom, please let me finish."

Shu Yao raised the corner of her eye slightly, revealing a confident and composed smile.

"The scale has shrunk, but we've maximized the quality."

She parted her red lips slightly and uttered four words, each one resounding and powerful.

"Understated yet luxurious."

"We'll find the city's most exclusive private garden hotel, book the most central and scenic courtyard directly, and ensure that no unauthorized personnel are allowed in. We'll implement the strictest security measures so that not even a fly can get in to take photos."

"We'll have a Michelin three-star chef team come to our home to cook on-site, use the finest limited-edition wines, and arrange the venue with the industry's top florists. We don't want those tacky, mass-produced flower displays; we want exquisite details in every corner."

"The tableware, tables and chairs, and even the gifts for guests are all custom-made by the top international brands."

"I'll still fly to Paris to order the wedding dress, and wear all the jewelry you provided. Let's hold a top-tier private banquet in this secluded garden, behind closed doors, where only those who truly understand the world can discern our status."

She looked at Shen Minghua with a determined gaze, and then unleashed her final trump card.

"To outsiders, this is called a simple family dinner, low-key and reserved, which is in line with Dad's political identity."

"Internally, those qualified to attend are all people in the core circle. What grand occasions haven't they seen? But as soon as they see the quality and details of the event, they will naturally know how much real money you have spent on this wedding, and how much you love your daughter-in-law."

The words fell.

The private room was completely silent.

Father He was holding a purple clay teacup, but he forgot to drink the tea.

He stared in shock at his daughter-in-law, who had only been with the family for less than a day.

This keen political awareness, this meticulous overall perspective.

That's really good.

He Zheng sat down next to him, leaning back lazily in his chair, but raised an eyebrow.

He knew she was difficult and demanding.

But he really didn't expect it.

This seemingly delicate woman is actually quite quick-witted and has high emotional intelligence.

A few words, spoken lightly.

They resolved a tense and potentially deadlocked situation that could have escalated into a family feud beautifully.

It preserved the old man's official position and bottom line, satisfied his mother's face and desire to show off her wealth, and also gave himself the best possible status and comfort.

That's awesome, fucking awesome.

Looking at her bright and confident profile, He Zheng's Adam's apple bobbed, and he felt his throat go dry.

Shen Minghua sat in the rosewood chair, stunned for a full half minute.

I pondered Shu Yao's words for a moment.

Yup!

The higher up in the social circle, the more they value this kind of understated luxury that doesn't attract attention or make a fuss.

Booking an entire island for a lavish celebration is something only nouveau riche and unsophisticated business owners do.

The real top stars operate on privacy, and on the high barriers to entry and established reputation.

This daughter-in-law is simply a genius.

That touched her heart.

Shen Minghua slammed his hand on the table and stood up abruptly.

"good!"

She shouted, walked around the huge mahogany round table, and in her high heels, went to Shu Yao's side and put her arm around her shoulder.

"That's it! Listen to Yao Yao! Keep the scale firmly under twenty tables! But the budget for each table... I'll astronomically increase it!"

Shen Minghua looked at Shu Yao and became more and more satisfied, finding her increasingly pleasing to the eye.

She is beautiful, articulate, and knows how to conduct herself appropriately.

This brain of hers is a hundred times more useful than those executives in her real estate company who earn millions a year.

"Yaoyao, Mom has really seen something amazing today. He Zheng, that stubborn, unromantic mule, has hit the jackpot in his life!"

With a wave of her hand, Shen Minghua acted swiftly and decisively, regaining the spirit of a female entrepreneur.

"Alright! Let's have a private banquet!"

The decision was made on the spot.