Chapter 252

September 20, 1987, the eighteenth day of the eighth lunar month. At dawn, as the first rays of sunlight touched the Lidu Grand Hotel, the marquee was adorned with fresh seasonal flowers, and twenty hostesses in formal attire stood on either side of the red carpet that led to the entrance. Inside, a massive crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling, its radiance scattering like stars. Guan Xuan, a popular host and a local celebrity in Jingzhou, stood at the center of the banquet hall stage, making final preparations. As time passed, invited guests began to arrive with their invitations, each holding a thick envelope as they approached the reception desk. Ding Yizhen and Qian Cailiang were in charge of recording the gifts.