For a moment, an awkward silence fell upon the main table.
The guests all knew that the most unsuccessful among the Shao family was the second son, Shao Zhenggang, who not only had nothing now but had also become a cripple.
Just now, a guest had presented a gift and unintentionally mentioned the second son, Shao Zhenggang.
The old madam's face changed instantly, as if a shameful matter had been brought up. Her previously cheerful face turned serious.
Afterward, when people praised the old madam, they only said, "Your eldest and third sons are doing well." No one mentioned the second son again.
Therefore, everyone present could vaguely sense the old madam's attitude.
However, since her second son had personally come with his daughter to celebrate her birthday, as a mother, she couldn't embarrass her own son in front of so many people.
Thus, everyone looked at the old madam, guessing her reaction.
The old madam, sitting at the main table at this moment, frowned deeply upon hearing that Shao Zhenggang had arrived, feeling displeased.
Why had this second son come?
Didn't he feel ashamed of his current state? From his former excellence and prominence to his current destitution, people would surely mock their family.
Truly thoughtless! If he had to come, why be so ostentatious? Did he want the entire Shao family to lose face completely?
"Qingqing, go invite them over."
Although she was displeased with her second son, the old madam, in front of everyone, couldn't completely shut them out.
Shao Qingqing was stunned for a moment, then nodded, and got up to go.
After walking a few steps, she saw Shao Zhenggang's figure in the wheelchair across the banquet hall and couldn't help but feel a bit resentful.
"Eldest brother, second brother." Shao Qingqing walked over and greeted them.
The eldest son, Shao Zhengchang, smiled and nodded, "Did Mom call us over?"
Shao Qingqing hummed in response, her gaze falling on Shao Zhenggang, her eyes showing undisguised disdain.
This Shao Qingqing was the youngest daughter of the old Shao madam. She was only two years older than Su Ding. When Su Ding had come to borrow money, she wasn't at home but was studying elsewhere.
Later, she heard about these matters. Although she felt her family had gone a bit too far, she didn't think much of it.
After all, it hadn't happened to her.
"Shao Xu, it's been a long time." Shao Qingqing also greeted Su Ding.
Su Ding nodded and called out, "Little Aunt."
The group then walked towards the main table. Soon, they arrived. At the main table, Shao Jun said something to the old madam, making the old woman laugh heartily.
The laughter stopped abruptly with the arrival of Shao Zhenggang and his party.
Su Ding pushed Shao Zhenggang and stopped at a position close to the old madam. Shao Zhenggang looked at his mother and smiled, "Mom, I've come to wish you a happy birthday. I wish you many happy returns of the day."
The old madam's face didn't show much joy. She simply nodded faintly.
Then she turned to her eldest son, Shao Zhengchang, "Where is the third one? He's usually the most active. Why hasn't he come today? Didn't he say he had a new daughter-in-law he wanted us to meet?"
Shao Zhenggang and Su Ding were left standing there, feeling quite awkward.
The guests watching couldn't help but sigh. A few years ago, the second son of the Shao family was the most promising. How different things were today.
The eldest son, Shao Zhengchang, also frowned. "I don't know. He should have been here by now. I'll call him to hurry him along. Mom, don't worry."
The old Shao madam waved her hand, signaling him to go quickly. Then, she cast her gaze back at the neglected Shao Zhenggang and his daughter.
"Second son, why didn't you say anything in advance about coming? You're over forty years old, and you're still so rash in your actions."
She immediately started lecturing Shao Zhenggang. That's right; seeing him in the wheelchair, looking so down and out, she felt he was disgracing her Shao family.
Shao Zhenggang's smile froze on his face, and a bitterness he couldn't articulate welled up in his heart.
He said hoarsely, "Mom, I know today is your birthday. How could I not come?"