Before wearing them, everyone's dresses seemed similar, but once they were put on, the differences became immediately apparent. Everyone noticed that Lin Xiazhu's dress was particularly beautiful. At first glance, it was simple and elegant without anything special, but compared to others, it was exceptionally dazzling.
Lin Taozi was simple-minded and said what she thought directly, "Big sister, why do you think your dress is prettier than ours? It's strange, it looks quite simple, but it stands out a lot on you, I can't quite put my finger on it."
“…Yes, it’s so plain, without any extra accessories, but it looks like it was tailor-made for you, especially suitable. No, ours are also tailor-made, so why don’t they have the same effect?” Lin Xiaoxue frowned, a little doubtful.
Are they all less beautiful than the eldest sister? No, her features are more delicate than the eldest sister's, and Peach is taller than the eldest sister. Even if they aren't significantly more beautiful overall, they're not necessarily less attractive.
So the problem isn't with them, but with the person who commissioned the dress. It must have been Bai Ru'an who had this dress specially made; it's clear they're being treated differently.
Looking at herself in the mirror, Lin Xiazhu noticed the difference between her dress and others'. Gu Yan and Gu Qiao'er's dresses were adorned with rhinestones, and even their shoes were rhinestones, making them dazzlingly bright. But none of them looked as comfortable as her dress.
Peach's dress is also adorned with pearls, and her shoes are matched with pearls. Xiaoxue's dress is also decorated with tiny sapphires...
Even though their clothes look more expensive, they still look inferior when worn. What's the reason for this?
At this moment, Bai Ruan walked in. He kept his eyes fixed on Lin Xiazhu without looking to the side. When he saw her in her dress, a hint of amazement flashed in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it.
“This dress was specially commissioned by Alexander, the most famous dress designer in F country. I queued up to order it more than a month in advance, and it was finally finished before the banquet. It suits you very well. Do you like it?” Bai Ruan asked softly with warm eyes.
Lin Xiazhu overheard a bit and roughly understood that this so-called internationally renowned designer was very powerful. Even the most prominent Bai family in Beijing had to order a suit from him a month in advance, and the price was probably exorbitant.
"How much did it cost? It's too expensive to wear it just once." Lin Xiazhu felt a pang of heartache. She thought the money for the custom-made dress might as well have been transferred directly to her in the bank.
"It's not very expensive, less than a million." It's like a supermarket discount price, 999,999 yuan, really less than a million.
Lin Xiazhu: "..." It hurts. I'd rather use the money to buy a house.
"The shoes and jewelry you paired with it were also designed by that master. Together with the dress, they cost less than two million. You deserve the best." Bai Ru'an naturally curled the corners of her lips, looking pleased.
"...You have too much money, why are you spending it like this?" Lin Xiazhu pursed her lips and glared at the guy in front of her who was still laughing hysterically.
"Xiaozhu, I like you. I want to introduce you to everyone. Would you be my girlfriend? The kind of girlfriend who's aiming for marriage?" Bai Ruan's voice was gentle, clear, and pleasant, but she suddenly dropped a bombshell that left everyone dizzy.
Everyone: "..." What did they hear?
Lin Xiazhu: "..." Wasn't it agreed that things would develop slowly? Why the sudden rush?
"Mingxuan, are you serious?" Bai Zhengping happened to come over and heard his grandson's heartfelt confession, which really shocked him and made him very angry.
Even though the Lin family girl saved his grandson's life, the Lin family was too poor to be worthy of the Bai family. He only had this one precious grandson, so he would definitely choose a well-matched young lady as his wife. Lin Xiazhu did not meet the requirements in any way.
"Grandpa, you're here. Since you've heard everything, it's a good opportunity to get to know Xiaozhu again. From now on, she'll be my girlfriend, and we'll treat each other well." Bai Ru'an rarely showed a genuine smile.
Bai Zhengping was taken aback. This kid's attitude was just informing him, not seeking his opinion. He really couldn't control him at all, but even if he couldn't control him, he still had to try.
“Mingxuan, you should calm down and think about this for a while. Don’t rush to conclusions. You’re still young, and many things can be taken slowly.” Given time, he could change his grandson’s mind. He and Lin Xiazhu were really not a good match.
"No need. I've thought it through very clearly. It won't change now, and it won't change in the future. I only like Xiaozhu, and no one else will do." Bai Ruan's smile faded slightly, but her attitude became even more resolute.
Neither the grandfather nor the grandson was willing to compromise. They stared at each other from three meters away, their eyes locked in a battle of wills for about a minute, before Bai Zhengping broke the silence first. "I can give you some time to try getting along, but you have to agree to one condition."
"What?" Actually, Bai Ru'an had already guessed what he was going to say.
"You're not allowed to announce your relationship today. We can announce it later when you're sure." His grandson hadn't grown up by his side and didn't listen to him at all, so he could only use this roundabout method to stall for time.
"Okay, but please don't call me Mingxuan anymore. I'm not used to that name. Yan Yan, please don't call me Brother Mingxuan anymore. Just call me Bai Ru'an instead."
When he was a ghost, he was alone, and no one ever called his name. He had almost forgotten what his name was. Later, he met Xiaozhu, who wished him good fortune and peace. He liked the name Xiaozhu gave him.
Bai Zhengping's face darkened, and he said in a gruff voice, "Impossible. Mingxuan is the name your father gave you. You can't just not call him that. Your formal name has been changed, but don't even think about changing your nickname." After saying that, he stormed off, leaning on his cane.
A silence fell over the room. No one spoke first. Gu Yan clenched her fists tightly, her head bowed, lost in thought. Gu Qiao'er bit her lip, her eyes also lowered, her emotions complicated.
"Big sister, will Brother Xiao An be my brother-in-law in the future?" Lin Taozi asked hesitantly after regaining her composure.
"...Who said that? I haven't agreed to date him yet!" Lin Xiazhu scratched her head, very annoyed. She had seen Bai Zhengping's attitude; he didn't like her.
"In terms of family background, I am really not good enough for you, and in terms of other aspects, I don't seem to be good enough for you either. If you insist on dating me, you will be at a huge loss, and you may never be able to get rid of me in the future." These words were said to Bai Ru'an.
"Xiaozhu, I'm serious. I like you, and I've always liked you."
"Is it the kind of love you have for your mother, or the kind of love you have for your girlfriend? Don't get it mixed up, or I'll be very embarrassed." Lin Xiazhu suspected that this boy had an Oedipus complex, because she had raised him for so many years and he had mistaken dependence for love.
"I've thought about this seriously. I really like you and want to be with you. It has nothing to do with family. I'm very sure what I want. Xiaozhu, are you scared? Don't be afraid, I will protect you." Bai Ruan said these cheesy words as if no one else was around.
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