C21 Madam General

In the morning, following breakfast, Pei Qiuyu drove her family to the hotel.

The entrance of the Royal Victoria Hotel was swarming with people. The International United Nations had dispatched guards who stood in two impressive rows at the door, clad in striking red uniforms that exuded authority and grandeur.

The plaza was a showcase of opulence, filled with luxury cars each worth over a million dollars, a testament to the high status of the attendees.

Many were eager to catch a glimpse of the Nine-star General's poise, but the majority were barred entry by the guards, their phone-based identity verification deeming them ineligible.

After disembarking from their car, Lee Moxiang expressed her concern, "If these bigwigs can't get in, what makes us think we're eligible?"

Lin Xuan reassured her with a smile, "Mom, relax. Today, we're the guests of honor. Of course, we'll be let in."

"Pfft!" Lee Moxiang retorted, "The real VIPs today are Pei Qiusha's family. We're just along for the ride."

"Maybe we should wait," suggested the ever-cautious Pei Qiang.

Just then, a flashy Pagani pulled up abruptly before them.

Lee Moxiang gasped and stepped back, startled by the sudden stop.

The car window lowered, revealing a figure donning sunglasses. "Well, well, what brings your family here?" It was none other than Pei Jinzheng behind the wheel.

At that moment, Sun Lanping and his wife emerged from the vehicle, accompanied by Pei Qiusha, who was dressed to the nines, her makeup bold and her presence undeniable.

With a sneer, Pei Qiusha said, "Seems like everyone wants a piece of my spotlight. But what good does your presence do if you don't have the credentials to get inside?"

Lee Moxiang, eager to ingratiate herself, beamed at Qiusha, "Shasha, you look absolutely stunning today. The jewelry the Nine-star General gifted you looks like it was made just for you—so regal and dignified. You truly are the golden phoenix of the Pei family!"

"Do I need you to state the obvious?" Pei Qiusha replied with a cold huff. "And what did you just call me? Isn't it time you addressed me properly as the General's wife?"

"Oh, of course, my apologies! What a slip of the tongue," Lee Moxiang chided herself, giving her cheek a light tap. "Madam General."

"Our whole family needs to ride your coattails to get in," Lee Moxiang remarked.

Just then, a swarm of business tycoons swarmed around, lavishing praise and fawning over her. They elbowed Lee Moxiang's family aside. As Pei Qiusha basked in the adulation, a jarring voice cut through, "A crow, no matter how splendidly adorned, will never become a phoenix."

Pei Qiusha's ears perked up. "Who just said that? Show yourself!"

Lin Xuan enunciated each word deliberately, "I said, a crow will never become a golden phoenix!"

"You!" Pei Qiusha was livid, her face turning a shade of green as her chest heaved with barely contained fury. She barked, "You and your family are nothing but hangers-on, and yet you dare to insult me. Get out, now!"

"Who do they think they are?"

"Exactly, didn't you hear the general's wife? Scram!"

"Get out, I said! Move it!"

The business magnates all pointed and hurled insults at Pei Qiuyu's family.

Lee Moxiang was mortified and turned on Lin Xuan, "What did I tell you in the car? Don't cross Qiusha! Are you trying to ruin us all?"

Fuming, Lee Moxiang yanked Lin Xuan aside. "Just stop talking, will you? If you've upset Qiusha, we're all shut out."

"You're definitely not getting in now! Hmph! Once I see my husband, the Nine-star General, I'll have him concoct some charge to lock your whole family up!"

Lin Xuan regarded her with a look that suggested she was being utterly ridiculous, thinking to himself, Let's see how powerful you really are. Soon enough, I'll have you all behind bars, pedaling sewing machines to your heart's content.

After Pei Qiusha's declaration, she was escorted by A City's elite onto the central red carpet at the entrance, flanked by a breathtaking array of flowers on either side.

Pei Jinzheng and his family followed closely behind Pei Qiusha, strutting confidently.

Sun Lanping glanced back at Lee Moxiang and taunted, "Hey, don't even think about following us! We're not sharing our spotlight with you!"

"It's all because of you!" Lee Moxiang fumed at Lin Xuan. "Now we're completely shut out!"

Just then, Old Lady Pei stepped out of the car.

Lee Moxiang sidestepped Lin Xuan and hurried over to assist her.

"Mom, it was all Qiuyu's fault yesterday. I've brought her to apologize to you."

"Hmph!" Old Lady Pei snorted, barely giving her a glance.

"Grandma, let me help you."

Pei Jinzheng quickly approached to support Old Lady Pei, the picture of a dutiful grandson.

"Move!" Pei Jinzheng nearly sent Lee Moxiang flying with a kick.

"We're doomed now!" Lee Moxiang fretted, practically hopping with anxiety.

Lin Xuan interjected, "I'm well aware of who has the right to enter. Those lacking self-awareness only humiliate themselves."

"Just be quiet!" Lee Moxiang shot Lin Xuan a furious look.

"Without you, we could've slipped in behind someone. Now, nobody's getting through."

"Why sneak in?" Lin Xuan countered. "We're not only going to enter, but we'll do so through the VIP entrance."

"Enough with the tall tales, will you?" Lee Moxiang couldn't even bear to give him another glance.

Pei Qiusha and her family, flanked by a host of influential figures, made their way to the hotel's entrance.

"Please present your phone for identity verification," the guard instructed.

With an air of haughtiness, Pei Qiusha gestured to herself and retorted, "Take a good look at who I am! Do I really need to be verified?"

"We verify credentials, not faces. Once more, please present your identification."

The guard's words were punctuated by the lifting of his gun.

The business magnates jumped, startled by the sight of a loaded weapon.

Given that the Nine-star General was in attendance, the stringent security was understandable.

Pei Qiusha brandished her phone, declaring, "Pay attention, lest the brilliance blinds you!"

"When I see my husband, the Nine-star General, inside, I'll make sure you're all stripped of your duties!"

"Beep!"

The phone emitted an alarm as it passed over the verification device.

One of the tycoons exclaimed with a mix of surprise and delight, "See, our verification was silent, clearly indicating passage!"

Pei Qiusha's face was a portrait of smug triumph. "Of course, I can enter. I'm the star of the show today."

Upon hearing the commotion, a group of armed guards quickly swarmed in, encircling Pei Qiusha.

Startled, Pei Qiusha demanded, "What is this about?"

A guard, gun aimed at her, commanded sharply, "You've been blacklisted. Leave at once!"

"That's absurd! Your system must be malfunctioning! I couldn't possibly be on the blacklist!"

"Do you realize my husband is a Nine-star General, and I'm Pei Qiusha? Today's century wedding is in my honor!"

"Leave now, or we'll be forced to take severe action!"

The sound of guns being cocked filled the air.

Sun Lanping's face drained of color from fear.

"Shasha, what's happening here?"

Fuming, Pei Qiusha lashed out, "You ingrates! How dare you treat me this way? Just wait until my husband arrives—he'll have you all shot!"

Pei Jinzheng, desperate, insisted, "The machine... it's definitely broken. Replace it now!"

Just then, Lin Xuan arrived, hand in hand with Pei Qiuyu.

"Excuse us, we need to get through. We're on a tight schedule."

Pei Qiusha gave him a scornful look. "Who the hell do you think you are? If I can't get in, what makes you think you can? Beat it, and stop making a fool of yourself..."

"Beep!"

"Identity verified. Please proceed through the VIP entrance."

"Right this way," the guards said, holstering their weapons and standing respectfully at attention.

Pei Qiusha's face contorted with disbelief. "How is it possible they're allowed in?!"

"Back off now! Or do you want to get shot?"

The soldiers, losing their patience, aimed their guns directly at Pei Qiusha.