It was at this banquet that Zhou Ning, the second young lady of the Zhou family, was confirmed to have a depraved reputation as an illegitimate child who was not worthy of being discussed in public.

Zhou Yin stole Gong Ning's glorious future and rose rapidly to power.

The next day, the Gong family came to take Gong Ning back, but they were stunned and confused by Gong Ning's question, "Who are you?", which was still in a state of amnesia at the time.

At that time, the Gong family did not know that Gong Ning had lost her memory. They only thought that she was harboring resentment and was pretending not to recognize them.

Zhou Huaman, a seasoned businessman, was incredibly cunning. On the day he brought Gong Ning back, he noticed the Gong family jade pendant she carried and painstakingly investigated her identity, learning that she was a member of the Gong family. However, because he was unsure of the Gong family's attitude, he dared not make any rash moves.

The framing during the coming-of-age ceremony was partly for the sake of the daughter's future, and partly to test the attitude of the Gong family and estimate Gong Ning's usefulness.

From the day he brought Gong Ning back, Zhou Huaman ordered people to investigate the Gong clan, but to no avail.

Unexpectedly, at a high-profile business dinner, Zhou Huaman learned that the third young lady of the Gong family, named Gong Ning, was born rebellious and had a strained relationship with her family.

By combining the character "柠" (lemon) on the jade pendant, Zhou Huaman quickly figured out the whole story.

In the two years since he adopted Gong Ning, he has successfully established a business partnership with the Gong family by using the jade pendant that symbolizes Gong Ning's status. He has taken advantage of the family both openly and secretly, and there are even signs that he is gradually encroaching on their territory!

Therefore, the successful framing at the birthday coming-of-age banquet was an opportunity, an opportunity for Zhou Huaman to begin to set his sights on the Gong family, and an opportunity to truly begin to reveal his wolfish ambitions!

The Gong family, knowing full well that Zhou Hua's intentions were impure, repeatedly made concessions and indulged her in every way, ultimately leading to the tragic end of their family's destruction and the loss of their ancestral property.

Gong Ning lowered her eyes, her dark pupils revealing a hint of mockery and coldness. As the corners of her lips curved into a strange arc, this originally naive and inexperienced girl suddenly exuded a captivating aura, a composure beyond her years, and an unstoppable determination.

Zhou Huaman, you really think life is too easy? No matter what my relationship with my family is like, it is not an excuse or capital for you to satisfy your greed. Do you really think I, Gong Ning, am a soft persimmon that you can squeeze whenever you want?

A crisp "click!" immediately echoed throughout the washroom.

The toothbrush in her hand was snapped in two. Gong Ning scoffed, tossed it aside, and it landed squarely in the trash can before she went into the bathroom.

Ah Lin shuddered violently. Oh my god, His Highness is furious! The Zhou family is doomed this time!

Ah Lin wiggled her small waist, unable to contain her excitement. What to do? I can't wait!

Half an hour later, Gong Ning walked out of the bathroom wrapped in a bath towel. Her long, black hair, reaching her waist, was wet and cascading down her back. She gently dried herself with an absorbent towel and then went into the dressing room on the side.

The clothes were of all kinds and dazzling. Zhou Huaman never skimped on her clothing, food, or lodging, and he did an excellent job of putting on a good show.

Otherwise, how could he live up to his reputation as an old fox?

Before she traveled to the Valley Nether Dynasty, she had not yet regained her memories. At that time, she was deeply moved by Zhou Huaman's kindness to her. Now, thinking about it, how ironic!

"Bang bang bang, Zhou Ning, are you dead? You're making the whole family wait for you to eat, can't you hurry up!" The door was knocked on again, and the angry voice of the nominal older sister, Zhou Yin, pierced Gong Ning's ears.

Gong Ning calmly adjusted her clothes in front of the mirror, seemingly oblivious to the annoying noise around her.

Receiving no response, the person outside angrily kicked the door a few times, then ran downstairs and into the restaurant.

So what if he's the top scorer in the college entrance exam? What's there to be so proud of?

Zhou Huaman watched Zhou Yin come downstairs alone, put down his coffee cup, frowned, and asked Zhou Yin, "Where's your sister? Didn't I tell you to go and call her?"

Zhou Yin, feeling a surge of anger, sat down at the table and began eating. She replied in a harsh tone, "I called her, but she didn't answer. All she does is sleep in all day. So what if she got the top score in the exam? Let her be lazy to death!"

"Zhou Yin!" Zhou Hua stared at Zhou Yin with a stern face, his eyes filled with an undeniable authority.

Zhou Yin pushed away the milk cup beside her, feeling wronged, and pursed her lips without saying a word.

"Smash!" Chen Yi slammed down her water glass in displeasure. The sudden movement splashed water from the glass, wetting her carefully manicured nails that morning, which only fueled her anger.

“Zhou Huaman, that’s enough! I can tolerate you bringing home that illegitimate child from outside, not so you can use it as an excuse to wrong my daughter. It’s just a meal. Does she, a junior, need our whole family and two elders waiting for her? With this kind of upbringing, she really is a worthless person!”

"Chen Yi, how can you talk like that? You're still a child, and I'm your elder. Watch your manners in front of the children!"

Gong Ning stood by the handrail on the second-floor corridor, quietly watching the dramatic argument below, a slight smile playing on her lips.

As expected of Zhou Huaman, he had a clear understanding of the complexities in his mind. Knowing that his daughter was impatient, he didn't reveal anything about her.

People like that, tsk tsk.

Gong Ning tidied her hair, pursed her lips, and obediently went downstairs. The argument downstairs subsided for a moment because of her appearance.

The moment Zhou Huaman saw Gong Ning, his expression softened visibly. He beckoned to her with a loving look, "Little Ning, wake up! Come and have breakfast. You must be starving! I've asked the housekeeper to prepare your favorite Chinese food. Try it and see if it suits your taste!"

Chen Yi's face turned sour, her expression one of blatant disgust. Zhou Yin angrily took a big gulp of milk and fiercely bit into the toast in her mouth, but both of them dared not directly turn against Zhou Huaman because of her. They were both about to vomit.

Upon hearing this, Gong Ning put on a sweet and charming smile, obediently sat down next to Zhou Huaman, and picked up her utensils to eat.

Zhou Huaman seemed extremely satisfied with her obedient and compliant manner, and his mood improved. He began to eat, saying, "Xiao Ning, tonight is your and your sister's coming-of-age ceremony. Dad has decided to film a video of you two taking the college entrance exam as the opening of the ceremony. The film crew will be here soon, so you and your sister should get ready!"

"Fine!" Gong Ning smiled sweetly, but her lowered eyes were full of sneer. She knew it. Even if you forged a fake certificate to take an exam for someone else, you still need your own cooperation. With Zhou Huaman's cautious and meticulous personality, the face synthesized in the later stage could not meet his standards!

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yin finally couldn't hold back any longer, angrily smashed the tableware, and stomped upstairs.

Gong Ning looked at Zhou Huaman with a helpless expression, like a frightened little rabbit, blinking her eyes innocently a few times.