Next, many younger members of prominent families presented their own prepared performances to Grandpa Yan.
The scene was lively at first, but gradually, everyone's attention and gaze were unconsciously drawn to Gong Xiangru, who had remained silent throughout.
Most of the people present were curious about Gong Xiangru, a rare socialite from a prominent family. It seemed that they would feel it was unfair to let her spend the banquet in silence and indifferently.
So the conversation gradually turned to Gong Xiangru.
Feng Qing, who had changed into an evening gown, suddenly appeared in the banquet hall and glanced at Gong Ning, who was affectionately leaning against Yan Jingzhou.
His eyes trembled subconsciously for a few moments, but then, as if to cover it up, he suddenly gave her a cold snort and walked away.
A hint of resentment welled up in her eyes. Gong Ning, I will not let you off easily.
Feng Qing suppressed her resentment and walked to Gong Xiangru's side, speaking in a lively tone, "Sister Xiangru, do you remember me? I'm Feng Qing. We participated in the International Youth Piano Competition together before. I was very nervous then, and you encouraged me very patiently..."
Gong Xiangru had a faint, gentle smile on her lips, her eyes were tender, and her expression was exceptionally serious and focused as she listened.
Not only Feng Qing sensed it, but even the shrewd celebrities and dignitaries present could perceive that Gong Xiangru was showing great respect to someone through this attentive listening.
Without uttering a single word, just an expression, a glance, was enough to convey a level of respect that was truly overwhelming.
Respecting others is a basic quality, but if you make the other person feel flattered by your respect, then it is more than just a sign of good manners.
This is a skill, a skill that brings out the demeanor and poise that are ingrained in one's very being.
A sense of admiration and appreciation arose in the hearts of everyone present; such a young age and such character and demeanor.
No wonder Grandpa Yan specifically instructed that a separate invitation be sent to her.
Gong Xiangru deserves it.
Gong Xiangru spoke softly with a smile, "Yes, I know you. Back then, although you were a little timid, you were very cute and talented..."
Feng Qing was stunned for a moment, then her eyes suddenly lit up with surprise. "Sister Xiangru, I really didn't expect you to still remember me. I only mentioned it briefly, I didn't expect you to really remember me!"
Gong Xiangru smiled gently, her fair fingers stroking the strands of Feng Qing's hair that had fallen beside her ear with a hint of helplessness.
She didn't say anything, but Feng Qing deeply felt her kindness.
This is where Gong Xiangru's skill in interpersonal communication lies.
Use a sincerity that can deceive everyone's eyes to win people's hearts.
Clearly, she did a great job.
Before anyone knew it, Gong Ning had raised her head, her gaze fixed on the kind and gentle smile on Gong Xiangru's face.
A sudden, crazy impulse surged within me.
She wanted to tear off Gong Xiangru's hypocritical mask.
She wanted to tear away the ugliness and filth that belonged to Gong Xiangru from her flawless appearance.
What gives her the right to act so nonchalantly and calmly after doing all those heinous things?
How could she still live a carefree life after kicking her sister off a plane back then?
What gives her the right to enjoy all of this so comfortably, using everything that Gong Ning had paid a heavy price to protect and preserve back then?
Gong Ning's eyes were still clear and bright, but deep within them was a stillness and indifference as barren as a cold pool. Her small hand, gripping Yan Jingzhou's slender fingers, tightened desperately, turning a pale and desolate color.
This series of impulsive and intensely fluctuating inner emotions urgently needed an outlet.
Perhaps the most precious thing Gong Ning gained or learned over the years in the Valley of the Netherworld was the carefree and willful spirit of not caring about anything.
She can do whatever she wants, and no one can force her to do what she doesn't want to do.
This seemingly insane way of venting, in the eyes of outsiders, became the reason why Gong Ning did not let her mind and soul perish when she was enduring immense pain.
So, she really needs an outlet...
However, finding an outlet for her emotions requires her to have enough courage...
Yan Jingzhou didn't speak, but his hand around her waist made him deeply feel the girl's thin body trembling violently.
This was the first time in two years that he had noticed a girl so deeply immersed in such intense emotions.
She gradually overlapped with the girl who hid in the wine cellar, trembling, two years ago.
Her past was like a boil growing deep in her heart, something that couldn't be touched or mentioned.
She was afraid of the pain, and also afraid that the abscess, which had been covered with so much pus, would be punctured. If it were punctured, it would be an unbearable pain and sorrow for her...
The man moved his fingers slightly, wanting to envelop the girl's cool little hand in his warm palm, but this slight movement only caused the girl to tremble more violently and clench her fingers even tighter...
A hint of heartache suddenly surfaced in Yan Jingzhou's dark eyes. He pursed his lips and tightened his grip on the girl's waist.
He pulled the girl onto his lap, his large hands gripping the back of her head. He leaned down slightly and gently kissed her fair brow, which was now damp with cold sweat.
Then his thin lips moved down slightly, placing a kiss on the tip of her jade-colored nose, finally resting on the girl's slightly pale, delicate lips. After a pause, he covered them with affection and tenderness.
All the lively, flattering, and curious discussions about Gong Xiangru at the scene came to an abrupt halt.
The once lavish and bustling banquet hall fell into a deathly silence, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on Yan Jingzhou and Gong Ning.
The girl's fair face showed a hint of tension and fear as the man held her in his arms, gently coaxing her.
A range of emotions—envy, jealousy, shock—were subtly and tactfully directed at Li Gongning.
With Yan Jingzhou present, they dared not be too direct in their gazes...
Unbeknownst to her, Gong Xiangru was no longer the shining center of the banquet hall.
The banquet hall became Gong Ning's domain.
This is Yan Jingzhou's protection and pampering of her...
His girl, Yan Jingzhou's woman, has no reason to be a mere foil in other people's eyes!
Her girl should be proud and arrogant, and should have the confidence and resources that no one else has to do what she wants!
Gong Xiangru calmly picked up a glass of red wine and took a small, elegant sip.
However, the wine upon tasting... was not as mellow and flavorful as before.
It was the same glass of wine as before, yet for no apparent reason, it tasted bland and tasteless, causing her beautifully groomed eyebrows to furrow slightly.
Gong Xiangru's eyes flickered slightly, her tranquil gaze lingering for a few seconds on the girl sitting in the man's lap opposite her. The corners of her lips, hidden by the wine glass, gradually turned cold.
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