Zhu Jingwei straightened the hem of her shawl, stood tall, and exuded a powerful aura in front of the group of women.
"Speak!" she raised her voice, her tone authoritative without being angry. "I think I just heard... something about my nephew having a green meadow on his head? Ha, I'd like to ask, which eye of yours saw that?"
The wives all knew that Zhu Jingwei was not someone to be trifled with, so they smiled awkwardly and prepared to leave.
To everyone's surprise, Zhu Jingwei was not going to give up. She continued to raise her voice, and everyone around heard her and looked over. The atmosphere suddenly became tense and awkward.
"Why aren't you saying anything?" Zhu Jingwei sneered, glancing at Song Wan behind her. "This is my nephew's wife. Don't you recognize her?"
"We know each other, we know each other..." the women dared not speak loudly.
"Then why are you still talking about her?"
"Professor Zhu, you've misunderstood!" Mrs. Jin said with a forced smile. "We were just chatting, we..."
"Chatting? So idle that you're spreading rumors and causing trouble here?!"
Those watching the commotion dared not utter a sound, but they all understood—despite rumors that Zhu Jingwei was somewhat dissatisfied with Song Wan, she still stepped forward to protect her family at this crucial moment.
Someone tried to smooth things over, but Zhu Jingwei raised her hand and gave her a sharp look, forcing the peacemaker to back down.
"The He family is the host today, and I don't want to cause trouble on someone else's turf," Zhu Jingwei said firmly. "However, I'm not afraid of trouble either! I heard clearly all the vile things you all said! Miss Song's achievements are due to her talent and hard work. I've read her articles, and I admire them greatly! Her talent is not something you gossipy women can slander!"
"I advise you all to go back and take better care of your own men! There are indeed many minor celebrities who like to use men to climb the ladder. Since you can say things like that, it means you have personal experience with it, right?"
"you……"
"The men in your families are all loose-fitting! We're all in the same circle, and we all know what kind of people they are. Do I really need to spell it out?"
Low laughter rippled through the crowd, and the ladies' faces flushed red as they gasped for breath in anger.
"Professor Zhu!" Mrs. Jin exclaimed angrily, "We respect you as a university professor and a leading figure in the theater world, which is why we haven't talked back... But your words are far too rude! You are a scholar..."
"So what if we're scholars?" Zhu Jingwei glared, hands on her hips, exuding an imposing aura. "Scholars deserve to be bullied by a bunch of gossipy women? Let me tell you, our Zhu family not only produces scholars, but also military generals! If I ever hear you spouting nonsense and slandering my nephew and his wife again, I'll tear your mouths apart!"
These words exploded like depth charges in the crowd. Seeing this, the ladies were too ashamed to continue arguing and slunk away from the hall.
Zhu Jingwei slightly raised her chin, curled her lips, and looked at the departing figures with disdain.
The minor incident passed, the surrounding crowd gradually dispersed, and everything returned to normal.
Only then did Zhu Jingwei remember that Song Wan was behind her.
She turned to look at her, only to meet Song Wan's timid yet grateful gaze. Her heart tightened; that look seemed familiar.
Zhu Jingwei suppressed her anger, her face showing a calm expression.
"Professor Zhu," Song Wan said softly, "thank you so much for what you did earlier."
"No need to thank me." Zhu Jingwei's tone was cold. "Since you've made up your mind to follow Zhao Jiang, you should keep your distance from other men, regardless of age. Do you understand?"
Song Wan's eyes darkened. "Professor Zhu, do you also misunderstand me like this?"
"I'm not misunderstanding you, I'm just giving you a heads-up!" Zhu Jingwei didn't even look at her. "That He family is no good, you'd better stay away! Also, everything I did was for my nephew, it has nothing to do with you, so don't flatter yourself!"
Song Wan lowered her head and gently bit her lip.
At this moment, Lin Zhaojiang walked over.
He had just heard the commotion and asked with some concern, "Auntie, what happened?"
Zhu Jingwei did not answer and turned to leave.
Lin Zhaojiang gently put his arm around Song Wan's shoulder and pulled her into his embrace.
Did your aunt embarrass you?
"No!" Song Wan hurriedly said, "Someone was saying bad things about me just now, and Professor Zhu helped me out of that situation."
"Um?"
"I think... I wasn't just being presumptuous." Song Wan smiled shyly, "I think Professor Zhu likes me quite a bit..."
"That's exactly right!"
Lin Zhaojiang and Song Wan smiled at each other, the burden in their hearts like the dark clouds gradually dissipating, and they were about to see the dawn.
Several of the Huo family's sons also attended the banquet, but Jiang Mianmian did not come because she was heavily pregnant.
Huo Junyu held Huo Jiayuan's hand the whole time, displaying his love for his daughter to everyone without reservation.
Huo Junyang remained as sociable as ever, able to get along with anyone. Wherever he was, laughter and cheerful voices could be heard from time to time.
But today was a little different; he had an extra burden to bear—
He Nianhui always followed him silently. Whenever he saw those women, whether charming or innocent, approach Huo Junyang, he would immediately stand between them, separating Huo Junyang from those women.
And with his cold gaze, he drove those women away!
Many socialites could only dream of Huo Junyang.
"Young Master Huo finally made the trip, but we couldn't even exchange a single word with him..."
"Young Master He and he are getting too close, aren't they?"
"We can't count on the eldest son of the Huo family. Does that mean we can't handle either the second son or the young master He?"
However, gradually, the complaints turned into another kind of voice:
"Hey, look at them, one sunny and the other feminine, and they're both so handsome, they look like a perfect match standing together!"
"Haha, yeah! It's always more pleasing to the eye when handsome guys stand together!"
Huo Junyang was completely bewildered and stared at He Nianhui, shouting, "Little He! What are you doing?"
"I should be asking you, what are you trying to do!" He Nianhui crossed his arms. "Why are you chatting and laughing with them? Don't you know what they're thinking about you?"
"you……"
"You're engaged!" He Nianhui said, enunciating each word clearly. "Don't forget, someone is waiting for you in Yangcheng!"
Huo Junyang scratched his head, "I was just socializing normally, I didn't do anything out of line! You're making a mountain out of a molehill."
He Nianhui smiled.
He didn't care; he was going all out for Huo Junyang and Bai Zhijin today! He wouldn't allow any other woman to covet them.
"Hey, why are you so nosy about me?" Huo Junyang casually put his arm around his neck and grinned. "You're more like my wife than a brother!"
He Nianhui was stunned, her face turned red to the roots of her ears, and she pushed him away forcefully.
"What nonsense are you spouting!"
"I was just joking with you, why are you getting so worked up?"
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