Watching them walk away, Li Yang’s expression softened slightly. He sat beside Su Wan, casting a critical glance but finding nothing to fault.

If anything bothered Li Yang, it was that tonight, Su Wan looked stunningly radiant.

He couldn’t hide it, couldn’t contain it; he could only watch as admiring gazes followed Su Wan wherever she went.

Li Yang frowned.

“What kind of outfit are you wearing tonight?”

Her pale back was boldly exposed, a striking expanse of white that even he couldn’t help but stare at for a couple of extra seconds.

Hearing this, Su Wan glanced at him.

“I didn’t realize a mere ex-husband still had the right to dictate my attire.”

At the mention of “ex-husband,” Li Yang’s expression turned even colder. Su Wan didn’t flinch at his look, rising to set her glass down on the table, intending to put some distance between them.

He instinctively moved to grab her arm.

Just then, a “coincidental” voice interrupted.

“Brother Li Yang!”

Su Qin walked over, lifting her dress’s hem. She was dressed sweetly, appearing pure and demure, though her gaze at Li Yang was anything but.

Su Wan calmly watched as Su Qin deliberately interrupted their conversation and inserted herself between them.

She smiled and said, “You two go ahead and chat; I’ll take my leave.”

Su Qin: “?”

Li Yang: “?”

There wasn’t a hint of jealousy on Su Wan’s face. She was like an accidental passerby, politely excusing herself and turning to leave.

Seeing this, the guests around them kept quiet outwardly but began whispering among themselves.

“Poor girl, that Su family daughter.”

“Isn’t it something? Now they don’t even bother to hide their affairs, and she’s always left out.”

“She used to fight it, but now it looks like she’s given up completely…”

Su Qin’s sharp ears caught fragments of their whispers, her delicate face blushing furiously.

In the past, people had always taken her side—Su Wan was disliked and had few allies. Whenever Su Wan “bullied” her, sympathy poured in, with some stepping in to defend her.

But today, Su Wan left on her own, making it seem like Su Qin was at fault.

Her eyes reddened, and her father, who had been looking for her, noticed, rushing over and angrily calling out to Su Wan. “Wan Wan, why are you bullying your sister again!”

Su Wan looked amused. “How did I bully her?”

“If you didn’t, then why would she be crying?” he barked, righteous as if he’d seen it firsthand. “At your age, don’t you know how to act? It’s your sister’s birthday; can’t you let her have the spotlight and show a little kindness?”

Li Yang watched this scene in silence.

He’d never been interested in Su family dynamics or which daughter Su Qin’s father favored or to what degree.

But today, he saw it clearly—

Su Qin’s father didn’t bother checking facts before reprimanding Su Wan. And Su Wan, the one being scolded, didn’t look sad or angry. She looked at her father with a calm gaze.

“So, teach me,” she said, “how should I let her?”

“Watch your tone!”

Su Qin’s father was visibly frustrated, suppressing his anger for the sake of appearances. “You should learn from Qin Qin; she’s so considerate!”

A younger guest couldn’t help but mutter under their breath in the crowd, “Learn what? How to steal a man?”

The room was quiet, and though the voice wasn’t loud, everyone heard. A few elders quickly scolded them.

Li Yang stayed silent.

Su Qin’s father was left speechless, visibly upset.

Worried they might start discussing this, Su Qin quickly said, “Sister, did you bring me a birthday gift? I’m looking forward to it!”

Every year, Su Wan would give her mocking gifts—cheap clothes, imitation jewelry. Su Wan wasn’t lacking in money, but she would use this as a way to show that Su Qin was the least valued in the Su family.

As Su Qin watched her reputation slip in front of everyone, she hoped to salvage it with this move.

Hearing her, Su Wan smiled brightly and nodded, “Of course. Twenty-four is no small age, so I’ve prepared a big gift.”

Her words sounded right, but something felt off.

Su Qin’s face froze; she couldn’t find anything specific to criticize but sensed Su Wan was plotting something.

She wanted to see just what tricks Su Wan would try next.