"Can you two not be so loud? It's embarrassing!" El Padre, who has seen the world, spat out.

Fatty and Chatty "...."

"We are just excited!"

"They are young, let them be. Don't be too grouchy!" El Capitan, standing by El Padre, said. "Don't let them discover you're old!" He jokingly added.

"Who dares to say I'm old!" El Padre sneered.

Chatty, eager to react, was held back just in time by Fatty. However, this did not escape El Padre's notice.

"Whoever dares will answer to my gun!" El Padre said with a snort before heading back inside the castle.

Chatty "!!!!"

"Quan Ye, good thing you stopped me!" Chatty said as he patted his chest in relief.

"You need to learn how to control your chatterbox mouth!" Fatty said and followed the rest to go back in.

Inside, the celebration flourished, swelling with life and energy.

The kitchen staff, already flushed from the earlier feast, sprang back into action once more. Pots clanged rhythmically as steam billowed like a dance in the air. The rich, savory aroma of garlic rice mingled with the tantalizing scent of caramelized soy. Trays of freshly grilled inasal glistened, basted with vibrant annatto oil, while golden lechon kawali crackled enticingly in deep fryers. Pancit canton was tossed with precision, its noodles shimmering with calamansi and succulent shrimp. Kakanin — colorful sapin-sapin, sweet biko, and shiny palitaw — were arranged like precious jewels, while halo-halo stations brimmed with mountains of shaved ice and an explosion of rainbow toppings. The unmistakable scents of adobo, laing, and sinigang na baboy wafted through the halls, wrapping the festive atmosphere in warmth and nostalgia.

Kim Kim and Chin Chin twirled through the corridors, bursting into cheerful jingles that celebrated Lily's golden achievement and the growing "mountain of gifts." Pharsa floated through the crowd with grace, her arms filled with red packets, her eyes scanning the sea of arriving guests.

Shun and Ren meticulously organized the gift tables, categorizing treasures into opulent luxury, heartfelt sentimentality, delectable edibles, and miscellaneous-but-expensive curios.

Mushu, with surprising flair despite his usual stoicism, set up a photo booth adorned with a backdrop capturing Lily's winning pose, complete with props and a grand victory banner.

Shi Min, a pillar of pride, stood near the entrance, greeting each guest with a firm handshake, whispering a sincere "Thank you for coming" to everyone who crossed the threshold.

Coach Carlos, still clad in his training jacket, found himself cornered by three eager executives clamoring for autographs and selfies. He indulged them, smiling faintly, yet his gaze remained anchored on Lily, a protective watchfulness evident in his demeanor.

And at the heart of this jubilant whirlwind, Lily stood in her celebration dress, cheeks flushed with excitement, eyes bright with disbelief, enveloped in laughter, love, and a mountain of gifts she had never anticipated.

Turning to her mother, who had finally descended the steps with an effortless grace, she asked, half-laughing, "Is this normal?"

Ling Li brushed a stray strand of hair from her daughter's face, her own smile radiating warmth. "For you? This is just the beginning."

The Arrival: A Presidential Gesture

The celebration at Peonies Castle bloomed vibrantly, with laughter cascading through the sun-drenched courtyards and mingling with music that floated gracefully over the shimmering koi ponds. The fragrant aroma of lechon, pancit, and roasted garlic swirled around like a fragrant blessing, wrapping everyone in a warm embrace.

Then, breaking the joyous reverie, came the unmistakable sound of tires crunching against gravel.

Another convoy.

But this one carried an air of distinction.

The sleek, black vehicles glimmered in the twilight, adorned with discreet diplomatic insignias that whispered of importance. Security personnel poured out efficiently, their eyes sharp and scanning the surroundings with a practiced intensity. The lively chatter faded, and in an instant, an electrifying tension rippled through the gathered crowd. Even the twins, caught mid-song, stilled as they sensed the palpable change in atmosphere.

From the lead car emerged a tall, impeccably dressed man swathed in a tailored charcoal suit, his stance radiating authority, his expression an unmoving mask of composure. This was the Chinese Presidential Assistant, hailing from the bustling heart of Shanghai. His arrival was more than a mere protocol; it was a ceremonial act laden with significance.

With purpose, he strode into the central courtyard, flanked by aides who bore a beautifully lacquered chest, wrapped in luxurious silk and sealed with the regal presidential crest, as if presenting a treasure from a distant realm.

Ling Li and Four Eyes stepped forward, their vibrant attire catching the lantern light in a soft play of colors, their presence equally serene and majestic.

The assistant bowed deeply, then straightened with an expression of profound reverence. "Master. Madam. The President of the People's Republic sends his personal congratulations to Lily Li for her extraordinary victory at the Olympic Games."

He paused, allowing the weight of the moment to settle, before adding with solemn pride, "He asked me to deliver this gift on his behalf."

A graceful motion of his hand signaled his aides to step forward, revealing the chest's delicate contents. As it opened with the utmost care, a rare jade phoenix sculpture emerged, its wings unfurled majestically, its body carved masterfully from a single piece of imperial green stone, glowing softly with an otherworldly aura of protective qi. Next to it lay a scroll of silk, the President's message elegantly inscribed in flowing calligraphy.

Ling Li's gaze softened, the warmth in her eyes contrasting with her regal posture. "We are honored," she said, her voice unwavering and rich with gratitude.

Four Eyes nodded in affirmation, his sharp eyes drifting toward the sculpture. "This gesture will be etched in memory."

The assistant bowed again, his voice imbued with reverence. "The President believes Lily's triumph transcends borders, symbolizing unity and excellence that bind us all."

From his hidden perch behind a grand pillar, Fatty whispered to Chatty, "Did the President really just send a phoenix?"

Chatty gasped in awe. "I think I might faint. Again."

Shi Min stepped forward, his hands steady as he carefully placed the precious gift among the others, his expression one of deep respect. Shun and Ren hurried to adjust the display table, making room for the majestic sculpture at its center.

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