The lunch banquet was held at Qin Gang's Jufuzhuang Restaurant.

Xia Enruo led Mao Xiangling into the private room early and sat down to wait for everyone.

When Ge Qiuqin heard that Mao Xiangling had returned from Beijing, she called Zhao Mingyan over.

The two drove out of the company early and headed over.

Since both Yuan Qiang and Gu Shaoxuan are in the military, the gathering at noon today was filled with beautiful women.

Ge Qiuqin wore high heels, and her ankle-length garden-style dress accentuated her fuller figure.

She walked into the house wearing a white mohair shawl and with her long, flowing hair tucked in.

Because she and Qin Gang became lovers, everyone in Jufuzhuang knew about it, so when they saw her, they all called her sister-in-law.

Every time Ge Qiuqin comes to the restaurant, the waiters are incredibly enthusiastic and provide impeccable service.

"Xiangling is back? What a rare sight."

When Enruo called to tell me, I hurriedly brought Mingyan over.

It's been so long! I really miss you!

Mao Xiangling noticed that Ge Qiuqin had become increasingly feminine, almost unrecognizable from the first time she met her—a world of difference.

Ge Qiuqin likes to wear red lipstick because she thinks it makes her complexion look better and makes her look more energetic.

She sat in the chair, her Burberry handbag placed to the side, looking every bit the successful woman.

"Sister Qiuqin is getting more and more extravagant. If you wear sunglasses on the street, girls won't even recognize you."

You look so beautiful! Seeing how confident and poised you are now makes me so happy for you.

It seems our alumni relationship wasn't in vain.

"That's right. When I was in night school, I couldn't even understand the questions at first, so I asked you to teach me every day."

So many years have passed in the blink of an eye. Thanks to the night school at medical university, I haven't suffered from a lack of education.

Zhao Mingyan followed behind Ge Qiuqin and sat down next to her.

"Sister Xiangling, you're starting to look more and more like someone from the capital. You have such a great presence."

Zhao Mingyan had cut her hair short, and two large pearl earrings shimmered with a milky white velvet sheen in the sunlight.

A white shirt paired with a black pencil skirt makes her look like one of the hottest Hong Kong models right now.

"Mingyan, you've really changed a lot, you're becoming more and more fashionable."

It seems our company's feng shui is very nurturing; you all have blossomed into beauties that could rival the most beautiful women in the world.

Ge Qiuqin turned her head and praised as well:

"That's right, Mingyan is now a stunning beauty."

She even teaches me how to dress from time to time; I must say, this girl has great taste.

Every time I dress up according to her methods, it always looks particularly harmonious.

Even my husband, Lao Qin, said it looks good!

"Wait, Lao Qin? Have I missed something good while I've been gone so long?"

Mao Xiangling interrupted Ge Qiuqin and asked.

"Hey girl, I forgot to tell you. I'm dating your brother Qin Gang."

I didn't call you while you were in Beijing, thinking I'd let you know when we got married.

"Hey! Qiuqin, you're moving fast! When are you having the wedding?"

"Was it supposed to be early next year? Are you sure you can come back?"

"I have to come back to attend Sister Qiuqin's wedding no matter how busy I am."

I want to witness your happy moment with my own eyes!

Ge Qiuqin was delighted to hear this.

"As expected, my sister knows how to care for people."

Mao Xiangling's eyes lit up when she saw Ge Qiuqin talking so eloquently.

Her manner of speaking and her decisive and efficient manner are almost unrecognizable from how she used to live in the compound.

"Sister Qiuqin, look at you like this."

She's like a female gang leader, as if she has dozens of tough-guy henchmen under her command.

"Hey! Don't tease me, sis. I'm out doing business every day now, so I've been practicing a lot more."

The waiter brought the dishes to the table.

The four of them poured half a glass of red wine, raised their glasses, and drank it all in one gulp.

"Xiangling, it's been half a year since the four of us had a meal together. Since you went to Beijing, it's been really hard to see you."

"I mentioned you when Shaoying got married last time. Yuan Qiang looked rather disappointed; I guess he was heartbroken seeing the wedding."

Xia Enruo placed a shrimp ball in Mao Xiangling's bowl and said.

"That makes sense, I held him back! If he hadn't been with me, he'd probably be a father by now!"

Ge Qiuqin raised her glass and clinked it against Mao Xiangling's, offering words of comfort:

"I'm telling you, stop overthinking. I've known Yuan Qiang for a long time; he's a loyal and righteous man."

The fact that he's been talking to you for so many years shows that he genuinely likes you and isn't just joking around.

So you should cherish this relationship. If all else fails, just do what I said before and make it a fait accompli.

Your mom has no choice but to agree, even if she doesn't. She'll probably be angry for a few days, but she'll accept it after a while.

"Once the baby is born, I don't believe your mother won't adore her little grandson!"

"Sister Qiuqin, really, you're still thinking about this trick now? How long has it been?"

Xia Enruo wanted to laugh. This Ge Qiuqin was a real character, always coming up with surprising remarks.

"One trick is all you need to get by! That old saying is absolutely true!"

The four of them clinked glasses a few more times.

Zhao Mingyan, unable to hold her liquor, was the first to blush.

"Sister Xiangling, I think Sister Qiuqin is right. You can't give up so easily. I see that Brother Yuanqiang only has eyes for you."

His eyes dimmed when you weren't around!

Mao Xiangling, now intoxicated, nodded and said:

"That's true, I know that. In the end, I'm the one who let him down."

Ultimately, I love him too, and I can't bear to let go.

By the way, Mingyan, are you still single?

It's time to settle down and start a family!

Xia Enruo, standing to the side, also said:

"That's right, I've never heard you say that before."

If you find someone you like, tell me, and I'll be your matchmaker.

"Or we could tell Sister Qiuqin and have her act as a go-between."

"Hey, tell me, and I promise I can complete the task."

Ge Qiuqin replied with a smile.

Fueled by alcohol, Zhao Mingyan became bolder.

"My three sisters. Actually, I have someone I like, but I'm afraid they won't like me."

After all, I have no parents, and only my older brother and I depend on each other for survival.

"My family is so prestigious that few people would even consider us good enough."

"Bullshit! Who said your family is bad? You earn more money now than the factory director of a state-owned factory."

Who would dare to look down on you? Besides, so what if you don't have parents? You still live your life together!

Ge Qiuqin never expected that Zhao Mingyan would feel inferior because of her family background, even though she usually seemed quite cheerful.

"That's right, Sister Qiuqin is right, it's not a problem. As long as you have money and your economic situation improves..."

None of what you've mentioned are flaws. Just tell me who you've got your eye on? I'll help you decide.

Mao Xiangling was also curious; this was the first time she had heard Zhao Mingyan say she had someone she liked.

"Mingyan, tell me quickly, I can't wait to hear it!! This is the first time I've heard you say you have a crush on a guy!"

Zhao Mingyan chuckled for a while, and finally spoke up after being urged by the three of them.

"It's Brother Ding. I fell in love with him the first time I saw him!"