The Apple of My Eye

Chapter 350 A Press Conference (Part Four)

"All distinguished guests..." Arthur cleared his throat and said to everyone in the audience. "I believe

everyone is here today to give our beloved Autumn a wonderful birthday celebration. And how can a

birthday be complete without a cake?"

Meanwhile, a hotel staff was wheeling in a huge cake with life sized and vivid figures of Autumn from RêAd lat𝙚St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

ages one to three years on one end and her present appearance on the other end. There was some

space in the middle that were left out intentionally to show the gap of years in between.

The birthday girl was overcome with mixed feeling at the sight of her birthday cake.

She recalled her impoverished family during her younger days when she could not take pictures at will

with a phone camera, and her father would take her to a photo studio instead. However Bowen later

plunged into illness with insufficient money to support her family. As a result, Autumn's long span of

growth did not have any single picture to show for it.

Autumn became uncontrollably emotional over her sad childhood at the sight of the birthday cake.

"Be calm, be happy and be free of sadness." Charles tried his best to console and soothe her with

comforting words, "Today is your birthday. You should be happy rather than sad."

Autumn quickly gathered herself and controlled her emotions.

Amy stood beside Arthur and waved to Autumn, "My beloved granddaughter, come here. It is time to

cut the birthday cake."

Meanwhile, those present began to suspect the unusual closeness that they had — a little too close,

sharing each other's happiness and sadness.

"Autumn, please forgive my absence from your childhood... And I could not figure out what you looked

like then." Amy spoke through her sobs, feeling guilty over Autumn's troubled childhood.

"Now I am living in peace and comfort. Let us not dwell in the past." Autumn replied gently and calmly.

Meanwhile, Arthur handed the knife over to Autumn and urged her, "Please do the honor of cutting the

cake."

Autumn gave the biggest share to Arthur and Amy in reverence. "My grandparents, please eat first."

"My good granddaughter." Amy could not control her tears.

Then, Amy was assisted off the platform and Emily tried to soothe her. "Amy, since Autumn has

reunited with you, it is worth celebrating!"

"I consider it a blessing to win back my granddaughter!" Amy was too emotional over her joyful reunion

mixed with pity over Autumn.

Autumn stood beside Emily and Amy, while Arthur made an official statement after Amy contained her

emotion. "Besides the celebration of Autumn's birthday, I have an important thing to proudly announce

in this press conference."

Everyone present were awaiting earnestly Arthur's statement.

Arthur looked at his granddaughter, then addressed the audience, "Let it be known to all our friends,

family, partners and acquaintances, that this beautiful lady here beside me, who goes by the name,

Autumn, is my verifiable granddaughter. From now on, she bears my surname, Zhao, to solemnize the

relationship."

"What a piece of shocking news!" The guests were astounded. But Arthur knew beforehand the

collective disbelief and doubt that would come after his announcement. He did not bother to stop the

sensation.

"What is the truth to Autumn's identity? Autumn, as we know, is the daughter of Wendy Ye!"

"The fact that Autumn edged her way into the Lu Family on behalf of Yvonne was already a sensation.

We never expected something like this would follow."

"Autumn was thought to be an unsuitable wife to Charles. Now it is surprising to learn that she actually

comes from a family of scholars and merchants enough to rival the Lu family."

"Autumn never fails to surprise us."

Arthur continued when the noise had died down. "Despite the apparent disbelief and doubt among you

all, I can make a guarantee that Autumn is my granddaughter. I am overcome with guilt for being

absent from her life when she needed family care badly."

Arthur sighed and continued, "I consider it a blessing to reunite with her and make up for all the lost

years. You are kindly requested to favor her with the same support and trust that you have always

given the Zhao family."

Rachel was nearly eaten up by her jealousy at the realization of Autumn's status being exponentially

elevated.

She was no longer comparable to Autumn now.

"Doctor Zhao, as far as I am concerned, your son died young. This so-called 'granddaughter' gives rise

to our prevailing doubts. Are we missing something?" Someone challenged Arthur with a question.

"My son, Bowen, died an untimely death. He had a daughter, this lady here, " Arthur gestured to

Autumn and continued, "who was brought up by a maidservant of my family. Before that, Bowen eloped

with a faithless woman. Luck had it that the maidservant, Emily, followed them to take care of Autumn

even after my son had passed away. My family.... owes much to Emily." Arthur, on behalf of the whole

family, remained grateful to Emily for raising Autumn up to make their reunion possible.

"Autumn is a good girl. Now I make her true identity known to all of you in hopes of sharing my

happiness to have won back my granddaughter." The Zhao family patriarch spoke with laughter and all

smiles.

"Doctor Zhao, what about Autumn's mother? She should have also come to celebrate Autumn's

birthday. Moreover, have you gotten Wendy Ye's approval in giving Miss Ye your surname?" A reporter

brought forth another issue.

Sensing Arthur's inability to respond to this question, Autumn strode on toward the platform and

addressed the reporter, "I am old and mature enough to make my own decision and bear the resulting

consequence. My late father's surname was Zhao and it is justifiable for me to adopt his surname."

Autumn continued after a pause, "My late father is my most revered man."

"In that case, you should not have adopted your mother's surname!"

"At that time, I was powerless to make this decision by myself." Autumn replied with great composure.

"Moreover, are you intent on severing the blood relation between you and your mother, as you keep

this important matter a secret to her?" The reporter bombarded Autumn with a more strategic question.

Autumn was about to defend herself, when the door was dramatically burst open. Naturally, everyone's

attention was drawn toward the large door.