Shen Jing looked embarrassed. Thinking about the situation of this second young lady of the Meng family, she also sided with her sister.

This was Meng Jiuyi's first time attending such a banquet. The young ladies who didn't know her were all listening intently to others whispering about each other's backgrounds. If it were any other occasion, Meng Yintong would have just been gloating, hoping they would make fun of Meng Jiuyi a few more times to vent their anger.

However, Shen Yuan had just given her the cold shoulder, and now she was doing this, clearly showing that she looked down on the Meng family.

Meng Yintong was about to explode: "You—"

Before she could finish speaking, Meng Jiuyi stopped her, deftly saying, "Miss Shen is right. When I run into Tan Ni later, I'll pass on your doubts and ask her if this dress is a high-quality replica."

Shen Yuan and Shen Jing were instantly petrified.

The other young ladies exchanged bewildered glances. This dress was a gift from Vivian; they must be crazy to be discussing such things.

“You didn’t see Shen Yuan’s face just now; it was almost greener than the jade on my neck.”

After everyone left, Meng Yintong said sarcastically, "Meng Jiuyi, your ability to infuriate people isn't entirely useless, is it?"

"I learned it from my older sister."

Meng Jiuyi had just finished arguing with her when he noticed a man in a suit looking at her from across the street. He was shaking hands and chatting with others, but his eyes were fixed on her.

She turned her face away, but he walked towards them.

“Yin Tong”.

Meng Yintong asked in surprise, "Cousin, when did you get back?"

"Yesterday, I didn't have time to visit my aunt and uncle at the Meng family's house."

Tan Sheng looked at Meng Jiuyi next to her, "And who is this?"

He had been sent abroad by Feng Lan since he was a child, and only knew the general outline of the Meng family's affairs; he had never actually met Meng Jiuyi. Suddenly seeing her at the banquet, he couldn't take his eyes off her.

Seeing his expression, Meng Yintong couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"...my younger sister at home."

So you're considered my sister too?

Tan Sheng extended his hand to Meng Jiuyi, "Hello, my name is Tan Sheng."

Meng Jiuyi looked away slightly and said softly, "Meng Jiuyi."

A handshake marks the beginning of a formal acquaintance, but before they could even shake hands, Feng Lan came over and sent Tan Sheng and Meng Yintong away.

After everyone left, Feng Lan said to Meng Jiuyi, "The worst thing a person can do is covet what doesn't belong to them, Jiuyi, don't you think?"

Meng Jiuyi knew that Feng Lan was giving her a warning, and smiled as she said, "Auntie, you should really say this to Brother Tan Sheng."

She deliberately spoke the words "Brother Tan Sheng" in a soft, low voice, which caused Feng Lan's expression to change slightly.

"You have such a clever tongue."

Feng Lan smiled and said, "I've heard about Chen Xiaoran's situation. You two aren't meant to be. Your aunt will help you find someone more suitable later."

"So you're going to threaten her with marriage again?" Meng Jiuyi said meaningfully. "Okay, I like someone like Brother Tan Sheng. I'll have to trouble you, Auntie."

She kept talking about promotion, which infuriated Feng Lan.

On a balcony on the second floor of the main house, a group of well-dressed young men sat on a sofa chatting. Their attire and manner of speaking alone revealed their distinguished status.

From this superb vantage point, one can see figures moving about in the back garden, the continuous pond bathed in lamplight, and the blooming roses of the season hidden in darkness, making even the people strolling through the garden seem almost invisible.

Pointing with one hand at someone at the banquet, someone asked with interest, "Who's that?"

The others followed suit, and Cen Dong laughed, "Even if you don't know her, you know to pick the prettiest one, right? Go ask Tan Yuchen, his sister."

Tan Yuchen leaned back in the black leather chair next to him, lowered his eyes and lit a cigarette. The metal lighter spun between his fingers and then went back into place with a swishing sound.

Upon hearing this, he lazily raised his eyes and glanced in the direction of their gaze.

There was no need to confirm; she stood out immediately in the crowd.

Wrapped in a golden fishtail skirt, her skin was crystal clear, so much so that it could be mistaken for lychee flesh. It was moist and glistening under the light, making one wonder what kind of sweetness it would contain once peeled open.

The PR sent the lookbook of the latest dresses for the season to the Tan family mansion. Since it was Tan Ni who gave the invitation, it had to be comprehensive. She couldn't confirm anything no matter how many times she flipped through it, so she asked Tan Yuchen, who was scrolling through his phone next to her.

"Brother, which one do you think I should choose to give to Jiu Yi?"

Tan Yuchen glanced at it and raised his chin.

"That one, please."

I just pointed casually at the time.

The dazzling light from the crystal chandelier was like strong liquor, bathing her face in a hazy, intoxicating glow, making her nose and cheeks flushed.

She didn't know what Feng Lan was talking about with her, but her stubbornness was naturally revealed. Even though she tried her best to hide it with her expression, her fluttering eyelashes looked like a butterfly ready to flap its wings and fight at any moment.

The smoke spread freely, and even Tan Yuchen himself didn't notice that his gaze lingered on her face for a long time.

After a while, the person asking the questions had confirmed Meng Jiuyi's identity as the illegitimate daughter of the Meng family, which made things even simpler. So they sat down next to Tan Yuchen.

“Since she’s your sister, why don’t you, as her older brother, make a decision for her?”

Tan Yuchen glanced at him sideways, his tone nonchalant.

"You want to marry her?"

"Forget about marrying me. You know I don't get to decide my own marriage."

Xie Youze shrugged and said, "But I guarantee she'll be better off with me than with the Meng family."

The implication is that he wants to have some fun.

Tan Yuchen slowly extinguished his cigarette and removed his arm.

"I'm sorry, my sister is proud and wouldn't do that."