Granny Gu was so angry she nearly fainted. Zhou Hui Lan rushed over just in time, supporting her and saying, "Mom, I was only gone for a moment… What on earth is going on?"
She had been in the dining room with Ai Wenli, overseeing the food being served and the table being set. At the same time, she was apologetically explaining to Ai Wenli why what was supposed to be a private gathering for the two families had suddenly expanded to include outside guests. Apparently, Gu Qiyuan and his wife had returned to Beijing without notice. Tian Xueqin had originally intended to take the other two mother-daughter pairs out for lunch, but when she heard a meal was already being prepared at home, she decided on the spot to bring her guests here instead.
