To outsiders, however, the third young lady of the Gong family was rebellious, unruly, and ill-mannered. She would stay out all night every few days, associating with low-class hooligans, secretly getting into fights, always returning home covered in injuries, and sometimes even resorting to violence. She had no manners or upbringing befitting a young lady from a prestigious family.
By the time Gong Ning had become almost numb to these behaviors, her family was still completely unaware of them, yet they continued to unconditionally tolerate her.
The love from her grandfather, parents, and brother was precious and beautiful, yet it could also easily evoke jealousy and resentment hidden deep within Gong Xiangru's heart, feelings she herself was unwilling to acknowledge.
As a child, Gong Ning racked her brains but could never understand why her once kind older sister had suddenly changed and become so repulsive.
This is also the root cause of Gong Ning's resentment towards Lu Weixi. She once couldn't understand why her mother had chosen to save her older sister, who was a devilish figure.
Later, she could only protect herself better by constantly pushing her family away.
After a car accident on her fifteenth birthday, she finally decided to run away, which led her to meet Yan Jingzhou at the airport...
My time at the Ling family's house was warm, relaxed, and carefree.
But that beautiful, idyllic home also fell apart; Ling's father and mother were gone, vanished from the world forever.
Now Gong Xiangru is trying to use the same old tricks to make her repeat the same mistake.
Gong Ning lowered her eyes, concealing the mockery within. No more. Such despicable behavior should end. Her life shouldn't be allowed to be interfered with and meddled in by Gong Xiangru.
She also wants the happiness that ordinary people have!
Since learning that Gong Ning had returned home, Grandpa Gong had been all smiles all day long.
Having lived to such an old age, how could he not see that Gong Ning had always harbored resentment towards this family and had no inclination to return home?
His sudden return felt like a dream.
The old man, sitting at the head of the table, was in a great mood and disregarded the usual rule of not speaking while eating. He cheerfully used serving chopsticks to put food on Gong Ning's plate, saying, "Ah Yun, eat more!"
Gong Ning picked up some food with her chopsticks, took a small bite, suppressed the tears welling up in her eyes, and smiled softly, "Delicious!"
Knowing that Gong Ning likes Chinese food, the dinner dishes tonight were all Chinese style. Gong Xiangru ate a few bites but lost her appetite. Watching the old man in the distance lovingly serving food to Gong Ning, she suddenly clenched her chopsticks, bit her lip, and didn't say anything.
Her face was somewhat pale; her gunshot wounds hadn't fully healed, and seeing this jarring sight made her feel a dull ache in her wounds again.
Gong Qiaoyu glanced at Gong Xiangru's face casually and asked, "Xiangru, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
She quickly snapped out of her daze, a standard smile instinctively appearing on her face. "No, it's just that seeing how thin A-Yun has become makes me feel a little sad..."
Gong Qiaoyu's eyes paused slightly. He turned his head to look at Gong Ning and sighed softly, "Little girl, you must have suffered a lot these years. Xiangru, spend more time with Ayun when you have free time. You are the older sister, so please pay more attention to things that we can't see. Ayun can be a little sensitive sometimes, so try to be understanding. It's a good thing that she's made up her mind to come home!"
Gong Xiangru's eyes stiffened slightly, then she smiled, her lips curving elegantly, "Yes, I would have paid attention to these things even if you hadn't said anything. A-Yun isn't just your sister!"
Gong Qiaoyu touched his nose, chuckled softly, and said nothing.
He turned around and playfully pinched Ji Qingmeng's face, earning a light glance from the aloof beauty. Upon being looked at like that, Gong Qiaoyu felt a certain part of his body ignite, and a sudden surge of irritation arose within him.
He immediately looked away awkwardly, picked up the red wine beside him and took a sip. The cool liquid slid down his throat, causing a slight tingling sensation.
Gong Qiaoyu couldn't help but glance at Ji Qingmeng again. The bright and warm light of the crystal chandelier gently shone on her face, and the fine downy hairs could be clearly seen. Her fair skin was tender and delicate, and with her cool and otherworldly temperament, she was like a piece of crystal clear jade.
His throat bobbed slightly as he couldn't take his eyes off her. To be honest, she was quite pretty.
**
After the meal, the group went to the living room for tea and snacks. Everyone chatted and laughed, but most people's curious eyes were on Gong Ning.
They didn't dare interrupt the old man during the meal, so they never had a chance to speak to Gong Ning.
Originally, these younger members of the Gong clan came to celebrate Gong Xiangru passing the preliminary round of the walnut carving competition. They happened to run into Gong Ning, who was returning home today, and, unable to resist their curiosity, decided to stay.
Most of the descendants of the Gong family are outstanding individuals with both talent and ability, and there are very few rebellious individuals like Gong Ning. Those who remain mostly adopt a "watching the show" attitude.
But when they saw her stunningly beautiful face, they suddenly suppressed their contempt and mockery. No one present was a fool. Her elegant and composed demeanor was enough to show that this third young lady was not as vulgar and uncouth as the rumors suggested.
Therefore, someone couldn't help but ask tentatively, "Third Miss, what have you been doing all these years?"
Gong Ning looked down at the chat interface with Yan Jingzhou on her phone and did not respond.
The scene fell silent for a moment before someone quickly stepped in to smooth things over, "Oh dear, Third Miss, it's such a coincidence that you're home today! We just got the news this morning that Second Miss passed the preliminary round of the World Literature Association's selection competition. I'm so envious that you have such an outstanding older sister!"
Gong Ning snapped out of her reverie, looked up as if waking from a dream, and glanced at the person who had spoken with a slightly bewildered expression.
The man noticed the confusion in Gong Ning's eyes and, thinking she hadn't understood, explained in more detail, "It just so happens that the Gong family is currently bidding on a project advocating for the protection of cultural heritage. I heard that this project is a joint initiative of the federal government and the royal family of Country F!"
Gong Ning listened quietly, said "Oh!" and then fell silent, continuing to look down at her still-quiet phone.
Having gotten no information and seeing no shock on Gong Ning's face, those who wanted to continue probing gave up.
Some people were curious about the topic the other person had just brought up, so they asked a few questions.
Someone offered an explanation: "The fact that the Second Miss passed the preliminary round has given the Gong family a significant advantage in the bidding!"
"The F country royal family also participated in this initiative?"
"You don't know this, do you? Queen Lancelot of France is a passionate enthusiast of miniature sculpture!"
"Second Miss, Her Majesty the Queen will be overjoyed to hear that you passed the preliminary round!"
Queen Lancelot is Lu Weixi's mother.
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