Since her trip to the hot spring resort, Ms. Yan's life has become even busier. If she used to see Ms. Yan occasionally in the mornings and evenings, now it might be ten days or half a month before she sees her again. Even the part-time cleaning lady knows that from now on, she only needs to cook one serving of dinner.

If it weren't for her underage daughter, Ms. Yan would probably have moved in with her boyfriend long ago.

And then came the news of Shi Hai's marriage. Before the new year, he finally married the mother of his son. That day, Shi Jing went to school and was only picked up by a car in the evening for a dinner party.

This dinner was less of a wedding banquet and more of a networking event.

Although Shi Jing was not as highly regarded as Shi Hai's son, Shi Hai still introduced her to some people.

After meeting some elders with Shi Hai, he went to get some food. While he was eating, Qiu Tongyao, oblivious to his surroundings, came to provoke him. It was unclear whether she thought her position was secure, but she couldn't wait to put on airs in front of Shi Jing.

"Xiao Jing, it's been so long since I've seen you. Your dad works very hard every day, you should come back and visit him more often when you have time."

Looking at the imperious bride in front of him, Shi Jing couldn't help but sneer: "Aunt Qiu, you'd better take good care of my dad while you're still young. Also, if you want a proper wedding, don't try to provoke me. You don't really think I have a good temper, do you?"

"Xiao Jing, how can you talk to your elders like that? I'm just concerned about you and your father..." Qiu Tongyao pretended to be aggrieved.

"Thank you." Shi Jing smiled and grabbed Qiu Tongyao's arm. "Since you care so much about us, I have to express my gratitude for you."

The couple getting married is Shi Hai and Qiu Tongyao; she's not afraid of losing face.

The guests were clinking glasses and chatting, creating a lively atmosphere. Shi Hai was having a lively conversation with his business partner.

Shi Jing pulled Qiu Tongyao over, and when she saw that things were not going well, she tried to break free from Shi Jing's hand. However, Shi Jing would not let her go, and the struggle attracted the attention of others.

Shi Hai noticed the commotion and his expression darkened. He stepped forward and said casually, "You two can play around at home. There are guests around right now, so don't disturb them."

When Shi Jing saw him coming over, he let go of Qiu Tongyao's hand: "Dad, I'm thanking Aunt Qiu."

"What are you thanking me for?" Shi Hai asked, somewhat surprised.

“Aunt Qiu said I can’t come back to visit you often, and she’s the one taking care of you. Of course I have to thank her for 'fulfilling my filial duty' to you on behalf of my daughter,” Shi Jing said with a smile.

After saying that, seeing that Shi Hai's expression was not right, she pretended to be teasing and said, "Oh, Dad, I used the wrong word. I'm not good at Chinese. I'm sorry."

Shi Jing's apology sounded rather strange to those who heard it.

There are older men and younger women in the entertainment industry, but they are rarely discussed openly.

Shi Hai glared at Qiu Tongyao. He knew his daughter's temper and scolded Shi Jing, "Alright, if you don't know how to use words, then don't say anything. Go play by yourself."

After saying that, he glanced at Qiu Tongyao and said, "Since you feel tired, why don't you go upstairs and rest for a while?"

The old lady, who had been the center of attention of all the ladies since the banquet began, also came forward. She glanced at Qiu Tongyao with an unpleasant expression, a look filled with contempt and displeasure.

Shi Jing observed that the old lady's dislike for Qiu Tongyao was now clearly visible.

Of course, the old lady didn't necessarily like Shi Jing that much; it was just a matter of comparing her to Qiu Tongyao.

Shi Jing didn't get involved either. She figured she wouldn't attend many more of the Shi family's banquets in the future, so there was no need to worry about it.

It was quite late when the banquet ended, and Shi Jing stayed at the Shi family home that night. After the guests left, Shi Hai looked displeased. He was always concerned about his image, and with so many business partners present, how could he save face when his new wife and daughter were having a conflict?

“I don’t care if you have conflicts in private, but don’t bring them out in public,” Shi Hai said.

This was the first time Shi Hai had brought up the matter publicly.

Shi Jing laughed: "Dad, you know me. Although I have a bad temper, I've always been too lazy to cause trouble."

"Honey, I didn't..."

"Shut up!" Shi Hai snapped at Qiu Tongyao. He had lived with Qiu Tongyao for so long, it was impossible that he hadn't noticed her true personality at all.

“Aunt Qiu, I’m not unaware of your little tricks. I also know why the teachers at school targeted me before.” Shi Jing said, glancing at Shi Hai.

Shi Jing knew perfectly well who was behind the cheating allegations.

When Shi Jing mentioned it, Shi Hai was clearly reminded of that incident, and his expression turned ugly.

Shi Jing chuckled, "Now that I'm with my mother, your son is the real golden nugget of the Shi family. Stop focusing your attention on me. Why don't you use that energy to properly raise my younger brother? The child is still young. Don't keep showing him these low-class tricks."

Grandma Shi was hearing about this for the first time, and she immediately slammed her hand on the table: "No matter what, Xiao Jing is still our Shi family's granddaughter. How dare you, someone who can't even stand on ceremony, point fingers at her."

After saying that, the old lady looked at Shi Hai and said, "You always say that it's safest for a mother to take care of her child herself. Look at her like this, aren't you afraid that she'll spoil our precious grandson!"

Shi Jing sneered inwardly. In the old lady's heart, nothing could compare to her son and grandson.

Shi Hai sighed and said to Qiu Tongyao, "From now on, you should stay home and go out less."

After saying that, she looked at Grandma Shi and said, "Mom, I'll listen to you. We should hire a nanny if necessary. You've been so kind to us, so please take care of things more often."

"husband……"

"It's my own grandson, I'm happy to be a little tired," Grandma Shi interrupted Qiu Tongyao.

After speaking with the two men, Shi Hai looked at Shi Jing and said earnestly, "Xiao Jing, you're a young lady now, you should try to control your temper."

Shi Jing smiled and said, "Dad, don't worry. As long as Aunt Qiu doesn't bother me, I'll be very well-behaved."

Shi Hai sighed. He had spoiled his daughter for over a decade, and he hadn't expected her to change her temperament so easily. At least she hadn't caused a major scene, and he was already quite satisfied.

"I won't forget what's due to you. I'll transfer it to you when you're an adult. Your Aunt Qiu is a petty person, so don't hold it against her."

Shi Jing just smiled when she heard this. She took the nice words to heart, but didn't take them to heart at all.