Chapter 129: Hand Over the Red Envelope!

The others all looked at Shi Qingqing and her mother with undisguised contempt.

Shi Yufen felt disheartened, but Shi Qingqing remained indifferent. She had grown accustomed to it over the years.

Just then, Grandmother Mei’s phone rang. Upon seeing the caller ID, her face lit up with joy. "It’s Zhimuo."

"Pick it up quickly! Zhimuo is such a filial child, thinking of your birthday even while abroad."

Grandmother Mei happily answered the call, intentionally switching it to speakerphone so everyone could hear. A deep, gentle, and melodic voice drifted from the phone, like a clear mountain spring—it was incredibly pleasant to the ear. Even Shi Qingqing pricked up her ears, a smile blooming on her face. *Brother Zhimuo… he’s amazing!* she thought. *Oh, I miss him so much.*

After wishing Grandmother Mei a happy birthday, Shi Zhimuo went on to greet everyone else present one by one.

Even Shi Qingqing and her mother were not left out, which finally lifted Shi Qingqing’s mood a little.

Once the call ended, Shi Huihui presented the gift she had prepared: a piece of calligraphy she had written herself.

"Grandmother, I wish you a happy birthday, may your life be as enduring as the Southern Mountains and your fortune as vast as the Eastern Sea."

As she unfurled the scroll, a chorus of praise erupted from the crowd.

"Wow, Huihui’s calligraphy is getting more and more exquisite!"

"Indeed. Our Huihui has been practicing since she was a child. Let me tell you all, with the new library at Qingming High School recently completed, they are collecting calligraphy from all the students and staff. I’m certain our Huihui will make it into the top ten!" Shi Yuzhen boasted smugly.

Even Shi Weifang nodded in agreement. "I’ve heard about that as well. It’s said that the top ten will receive their awards directly from Young Master Zhan."

"Exactly! If she makes the top ten, she’ll be someone who has actually spoken with Young Master Zhan."

"Then you must write well!" Shi Weifang encouraged her.

Shi Yuzhen pulled out her phone and addressed the group again. "Huihui has already finished her piece and uploaded it. Everyone, please go and vote for her. Each person gets one vote per day! Come, take a look at the link, and don’t forget to vote... The final ranking will be determined by the number of votes."

Shi Weifang took the phone and checked. "Hmm, this is well-written. There are still two weeks left until the deadline. Good, we must all vote for this. Everyone is required to vote."

The phone was passed around the dining table, with everyone admiring the work and offering endless praise. Shi Huihui preened with pride, like a peacock spreading its tail feathers.

When the phone reached Shi Qingqing, she was in the middle of peeling a crawfish and did not take it.

Shi Yuzhen said bluntly, "Eat, eat, that’s all you ever think about! You should vote for your cousin, too. If she wins, it’ll bring honor to you as well, won't it?"

Shi Qingqing replied calmly, "The honor of the Shi family is..." *hard to come by*, she thought, though she didn't finish her sentence.

Shi Yufen quickly interrupted her daughter. She took the phone, praised Shi Huihui once more, and promised, "Of course, we will both vote when we get home. Don't you worry, Second Sister."

Grandmother Mei was beaming. "Good, our Huihui is both filial and talented. Come, Grandmother has a big red envelope for you."

Shi Xiaoxiao, not wanting to be outdone, chimed in, "Grandmother, Grandmother, I also wish you endless joy and a long life to ninety-nine..."

Grandmother Mei handed her a large red envelope as well.

The adults nearby began to tease jokingly, "Mother, we wish you happiness and health, and that you stay full of energy—now, hand over our red envelopes!"

Grandmother Mei laughed heartily. "You bunch of troublemakers, acting like children wanting red envelopes. Come, come, there is one for everyone..."