Chapter 33: Midnight Banquet (1)

At twelve noon, the banquet commenced. Having risen to prominence through military and political means, the Ji family now had the second son, Ji Cheng, who had ventured into business and become a titan in the industry. The surface pretense of the banquet was to celebrate a birthday, but behind the scenes, it was all about profit.

The matriarch of the Ji family preferred tranquillity and often recited Buddhist scriptures. Yet, the banquet was a Western-style affair, held in the small garden of the Ji residence, symbolizing a retreat into calm amidst the noise. The garden was enclosed and warm like spring throughout the year.

Ji Yun stood in the center of the garden, adorned in a pale-yellow gown, surrounded by several sisters laughing and chatting with her.

As Ji Yun glanced around, her gaze abruptly caught a glimpse of a white figure in the corner of the garden, causing her expression to freeze momentarily.

Su Nianmei wore a white strapless gown draped with a delicate white lace shawl accentuating her long neck.

Gu Xiaobao donned a little black suit, holding a tray filled with delicacies.

After sampling the food, Gu Xiaobao found it delicious and decided to take another portion, waddling over to Su Nianmei with little steps and lifting the tray to present it to her, exclaiming, “Mom!”

Ji Yun snickered inwardly, thinking: ‘What a pitiful sight of someone so inexperienced in the world; even the child raised by her is just as unsophisticated. If that child had followed me, he would undoubtedly be an elegant prince! No, he would be even more refined than a prince!’

Glancing at the two individuals beside her, her expression stiffened, and a shadow of gloom settled over her face.

Xin Qing and Zhong Qian noticed their dear friend’s sorrow and thought she must have been reminded of that camp leader from the Northwest, causing her heartache once more.

It was truly pitiful for this foolish younger sister, who had devoted her youth to a man unworthy of her love. However, Ji Yun had also returned from that chapter of her life.

They had thought she had put the past behind her, yet here she was, suddenly feeling sorrowful again.

Xin Qing hurriedly comforted her, saying, “What’s wrong? Why do you look so upset all of a sudden?”

Ji Yun lowered her gaze, her voice laced with tears as she replied, “I’m… I’m fine.”

Zhong Qian was the only daughter of the Zhong family. Having grown up accustomed to being willful and domineering, her words often carried a rough edge. With her straightforward nature, she wrapped her arms around Ji Yun and said, “Come on, tell me what’s going on. I’ll back you up!”

Only then did Ji Yun point at Su Nianmei and recount the events that had transpired.

The more Zhong Qian and her friends listened, the angrier they became.

Their dear friend’s situation was truly pitiful. For the sake of a man she had fallen for at first sight, she had spent years in the desolate Northwest. To make matters worse, that man had been snatched away by a wild woman, who then flaunted their relationship right in front of their good friend.

This same woman appeared at the Ji family’s gathering, looking like a lamb delivered to the wolves. Seeing their friend’s sorrowful expression, they felt compelled to help Ji Yun take her revenge.

Su Nianmei was happily playing with Gu Xiaobao when she suddenly felt a jolt against her shoulder.

At first, Su Nianmei didn’t pay much attention to it and continued playing with the child.

Then, a sharp, biting voice exploded in her ear, “Oh, my bad! Just a little slip of the hand.”

Before she could react, her left shoulder got splashed, red wine staining her dress.

Su Nianmei lifted her head to look at the person, not wanting to lose her temper in front of Gu Xiaobao. Her voice turned icy as she demanded, “Apologize!”

Xin Qing felt a jolt of surprise.

The woman before her had a petite, oval face with eyes like blooming peach blossoms, reminiscent of a fawn in the forest. Her dark hair was styled up, and her fair skin only accentuated the vibrant red stain on her shoulder, adding a touch of allure.

Xin Qing pinched her palm, thinking to herself how no wonder that man was captivated by this woman.

With a smirk, Xin Qing said, “Oh, I’m so sorry! It was truly just a slip of the hand, ruining your dress. Would you like me to compensate you? After all, this dress looks cheap. It’s quite amusing—this is the Ji family, and we actually get to see someone so lowly at such a banquet.”

Su Nianmei remained silent, realizing that the newcomer had ill intentions.

Before she could respond, Huo Chengchuan approached. “Are you blind?!”

He felt embarrassed; since Brother Gu was occupied and had entrusted his sister-in-law to him, he had gone to the restroom. Now he returned to find someone bullying her.

Huo Chengchuan stood at nearly 1.9 meters tall, exuding an aura of intimidation.

Xin Qing had never seen this person before, but she automatically imagined him as the man Su Nianmei was flirting with. “Being poor is one thing, but to be poor while lacking dignity is another. Su Nianmei, why can’t you just be a good person? Why do you have to learn from others and act like a shameless little person?”

Huo Chengchuan rubbed his ear and casually covered Gu Xiaobao’s ears, saying, “What nonsense are you talking about?”

Xin Qing’s face paled at the sight of such a crude man. “You’re vulgar and crude!”

Su Nianmei’s expression darkened. “This young lady seems quite interesting. I have never met you before. How do you know my name? And why do you insist on calling me poor and wretched? What about your own knowledge and character?”

“Scholars of ancient times lived in humble abodes yet remained content, eating from simple bowls without losing their joy. So what if I’m poor? Am I eating your family’s rice?” Su Nianmei stood up, towering over Xin Qing in her high heels, and leaned in closer to whisper, “Moreover, who told you I’m poor?”

The words “good” were echoed back from the crowd.

Immediately, they attracted the attention of everyone present.

Huo Chengchuan may not have had a deep education; having served in the military and transitioned to business, he greatly respected cultured individuals. He found his sister-in-law’s eloquence quite impressive and couldn’t help but exclaim, “Good!”

Gao Qiusheng, a renowned teacher in the capital invited to the Ji family’s banquet, initially sighed upon hearing someone constantly disparaging others as “poor and wretched,” lamenting the decline of societal morals.

However, upon hearing someone call out his beloved “smart egg” (a term of endearment), his mood lifted. He looked up to see the child speaking so articulately and also called out, “Good!”

If only his beloved “smart egg” would study a bit more of the language arts.

He believed that his clever little bun would become even more cultured in arguing with others!

Huo Chengchuan’s gaze met Gao Qiusheng’s, and they shared a mutual sense of respect as if they were two heroes recognizing each other.

Huo Chengchuan raised an eyebrow and said, “My sister-in-law is right; character is a good thing. It’s a pity you lack it. Not only do you lack culture, but do you think this brain of yours is just for show?”

He shot a glance at Xin Qing before continuing, “Oh, you not only lack a brain, but you also seem to have no eyes or ears. This dress is a creation of French designer Stan Locke.”

Those with discernment knew it was priceless, available only on the market for a premium.

Huo Chengchuan casually remarked, “You should be the one to pay for it.”

Zhong Qian pulled Ji Yun forward, unable to hold back any longer. She had wanted to step in earlier, but Ji Yun had insisted on stopping her.

Zhong Qian declared, “I’ll pay for it! But do you think you have a leg to stand on here? Stealing someone else’s man and bringing your lover to the gathering to make a scene—Su Nianmei, do you have any shame?”

Ji Yun stood timidly behind Zhong Qian, tugging at her clothes. “It’s okay, it’s my fault. It has nothing to do with Nianmei.”

Zhong Qian replied, “Yun Yun, you’re just too kind-hearted, which is why others take advantage of you.”

“Someone like Su Nianmei, who keeps stealing men one after another…” Zhong Qian’s words were abruptly cut off.

“Zhong Qian, say another word!”

Zhong Qian looked up to see Zhong Yi supporting the Ji family matriarch as they stepped outside.

Zhong Qian shouted, “Brother, who are you protecting?”

Zhong Yi raised an eyebrow. “Of course, I’m protecting my sister!”

Zhong Qian’s face lit up with joy. “That’s more like it.”

Then Zhong Yi lifted his hand and pointed at Su Nianmei. “This is my sister.”

Su Nianmei blinked in confusion, “???”.

Ji Yun stepped forward to assist the matriarch.

The Ji family matriarch stared at Su Nianmei, momentarily frozen, pointing at her and stammering, “You… you… you…”