Xu Keke truly witnessed what it meant to be selective in order to actually buy goods.

While giving her a disdainful look, Old Madam Sun turned to the young woman sitting next to her and said, "Although she grew up in the countryside and doesn't know much, she is indeed quite quiet and has a good appearance."

"you do not say,"

Seeing that Old Madam Sun had relented, the young woman gave Lin Meijuan a wink, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. Old Madam Sun, however, was focused on Xu Keke and didn't notice.

Xu Keke stood obediently in front of them, seeing everything clearly.

Lin Meijuan no longer needed the second concubine and personally went to the front to pour tea for Old Madam Sun. Her waist seemed to have thinned considerably in just a short time, and she looked so light that she could almost sway.

The young woman moved closer to Old Madam Sun, still flattering her, "To be honest, your judgment is always right. Look how fair-skinned this child is, and how well-behaved he is. You know how to train people..."

Xu Keke laughed. She had never experienced being so openly judged before. Leaving aside the original owner's background, which was far from warranting this, she herself wouldn't allow herself to suffer such humiliation for some so-called mission.

Xu Keke lifted her foot slightly, causing Lin Meijuan, who was carrying a teacup and walking back, to stumble. Lin Meijuan stopped in her tracks.

"Madam!" Xu Keke exclaimed in surprise from the side, pretending to reach out to help her, but instead forcefully pushed her forward, and Lin Meijuan, along with the teacup, fell straight out.

The cup of tea, thankfully prepared for these elderly women, wasn't too hot. Not a drop was wasted; it was all poured over Old Madam Sun.

"Madam, are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?" Xu Keke kindly helped the dazed Lin Meijuan up.

Lin Meijuan, who had been pulled back, was now oblivious to the pain in her leg. She just wanted to check on Old Madam Sun as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, she missed the best opportunity; the people around her gathered to help, keeping them outside.

Lin Meijuan flung Xu Keke's hand away and snapped, "Get away from me!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Keke quickly lowered her head and hurried out, shutting out the chaos inside the room.

When others saw it, they all assumed she felt wronged, since she tried to help but failed, which wasn't her fault. Yet, her stepmother reprimanded her mercilessly in front of so many people.

Some people here already disliked Lin Meijuan's obsequious manner, but since she was flattering Old Madam Sun, they couldn't say it too openly. Now, with this incident, everyone has plenty to talk about regarding her character.

Standing in the corridor, Xu Keke couldn't help but laugh again when she thought of the two tea leaves hanging under Madam Sun's eye bags.

Just then, a waiter happened to pass by, and Xu Keke stopped him.

Knowing she needed to use the restroom, the waiter glanced at the VIP room and, understanding her intention, led her to a small private room at the very back.

The carved white wooden door had no markings. Xu Keke hesitated for a moment, and only went inside after confirming that the waiter seemed to understand the situation.

Upon entering, Xu Keke was astonished; the bathrooms in hotels during the Republic of China era were so luxurious!

This wasn't a restroom at all; it was clearly a small rest area. The decor was a mix of Chinese and European styles, except the incense used was old-fashioned coil incense, the scent of which made Xu Keke frown slightly.

She had just finished tidying up and was about to leave when the young woman who had been beside Madam Sun walked in.

She paused for a moment, about to speak, when she suddenly pushed Xu Keke aside, rushed to the celadon washbasin with a British dragoon design, and began to vomit violently.

Xu Keke certainly wouldn't presume to think that she was the one who made her vomit. The smell here was indeed a bit peculiar, but for someone to vomit like this was rather frightening.

"Madam, would you like me to call a waiter for you?" Xu Keke asked softly, looking at the woman in the restroom from outside. It was a rare moment of kindness on her part.

The young woman, leaning against the sink, finally managed to lift her head, panting slightly. Her eyes were red from vomiting, and she snapped at Xu Keke irritably, "It's none of your business, get out!"

The spotlight overhead shone directly onto her face through the mirror. She was already beautiful, and a few wisps of hair fell across her forehead, becoming slightly disheveled as she trembled slightly. Paired with her bright red lipstick, she possessed a delicate and pitiful vulnerability.

Her face was contorted with discomfort. Clenching her fists and leaning against the sink, she looked like a balloon, as if she would collapse at the slightest touch.

Xu Keke didn't consider herself a kind person who repays evil with kindness, so she glanced at her and turned to leave.

As soon as she stepped out of the room, she encountered a man in a suit. He was burly, and it looked like he could pop open his shirt buttons with a single breath. He seemed a little taken aback when he looked at Xu Keke. He glanced inside instinctively, then, as if remembering something, continued walking.

Xu Keke mimicked him, turning around to peek inside. This man must have been going in, but upon seeing her, he pretended to be passing by. Only the woman was inside, and recalling the woman's expression when she saw her, it was clear the two had arranged to meet here.

As Xu Keke walked through the corridor and re-entered the banquet hall, Du Jue saw her from afar and waved for her to come over.

Xu Keke smiled, sensing that he had been paying attention to her.

A group of stylish young men and women were surrounding a young man in a brown striped suit and round glasses. He was standing in the middle, talking loudly about the situation between the North and the South.

Xu Keke glanced at Du Yuan in the crowd, and seeing that Du Yuan didn't seem inclined to pay attention to her, she looked away, pretending not to see Li Dakang standing next to her.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!