The guests knew they shouldn't be fantasizing about causing trouble at the old lady's 70th birthday celebration, but curiosity is human nature, and some couldn't control their burning desire for gossip.
Various gazes mingled, anticipating the show to come.
Don't underestimate what may seem like just a matter of who comes first and who goes last. In the eyes of these upper-class elites, it's not that simple. It represents the extent to which the Jiang family favors the real and fake young masters, and thus determines how they should treat Qin Ge and Jiang Xibai.
Jiang's younger sister has always preferred Jiang Xibai, who has artistic talent. She is not someone who cares about blood ties or background, but rather values a person's talent.
She knew that Jiang Xibai was raised to be the kindest and softest-hearted person, and she was worried that if Jiang Xibai was being modest now, Qin Ge would take advantage of him.
So, Jiang's aunt, who was sitting at the main table, took the initiative to break the short-lived awkward silence, saying affectionately, "Xixi, what are you standing there for? Aye has finished his birthday greetings, it's your turn now, hurry up and come over. Let your aunt see what nice things you brought for your grandma."
In the past, given Jiang Xibai's gentle and kind-hearted character, she would have definitely given this opportunity to Qin Ge.
He knew that if he backed down, his second brother Jiang Ye would definitely stand up for him and make sarcastic remarks about Qin Ge.
In this way, anyone with discerning eyes can see at a glance that his position in the Jiang family is absolutely unshakeable by Qin Ge.
But now, my second brother and mother have both changed. They're not exactly cold towards him, but they no longer show him the same affection as before...
Jiang Xibai did not want to be at a disadvantage and fall behind Qin Ge.
This arrogance stemmed from his years of being pampered and loved by the Jiang family.
He was not prominent in the past because no one had ever appeared who could threaten Jiang Xibai's position.
As long as he wants something, others will deliver it to him. Jiang Xibai can naturally maintain his perfect image and be a pure white lotus flower that doesn't compete or fight for anything.
However, Jiang Xibai is now beginning to feel a sense of crisis.
He was still hesitant about whether to be magnanimous in front of others, after all, his status was awkward and taking a step back seemed to be the best choice. However, when Jiang's aunt spoke, a certain string in Jiang Xibai's heart that was taut relaxed slightly, and he breathed a sigh of relief. He realized that he actually did not want to give in.
Jiang Xibai stood up, a pure and beautiful smile on her face, and said modestly, "Auntie, it's really nothing..."
The guests pondered to themselves:
It seems Jiang Xibai is still more favored.
That's true. Although the fake young master has no blood relation to the Jiang family, after raising him for more than ten years, even a dog would develop feelings for him. Moreover, Jiang Xibai is famously spoiled by the Jiang family, and even Jiang Ziwei, who married out of the family, likes him more.
However, at this moment, Madam Jiang spoke up, "Qin Ge and Xi Bai are about the same age, so there's no distinction between them in terms of age or seniority. Let them come together, so that Grandma can enjoy some fun."
On such a joyous day, Old Madam Jiang did not want to scold her daughter, embarrass her in front of everyone, or make Jiang Ziwei lose face. However, she could not stand by and watch her daughter play these petty tricks under her nose.
Old Madam Jiang glanced sideways at Jiang's youngest daughter, her gaze making the latter feel guilty, as if her little tricks had nowhere to hide.
Jiang's younger sister shut her mouth in embarrassment, not daring to say another word.
Upon seeing this, the guests' thoughts suddenly changed.
He thought to himself:
Jiang Xibai's stable position in the Jiang family does not necessarily mean that Qin Ge has fallen out of favor.
At least, Madam Jiang was fair and just.
This old lady was no ordinary old lady; she held a high position in the Jiang family and her words carried considerable weight.
…
Jiang Xibai stiffened slightly, as if he could feel some mocking gazes falling on him, as if to say that Jiang Xibai's so-called favor was nothing more than this.
As a child, he learned to paint under his grandmother's tutelage. His grandmother was always strict with him, and no matter how well he painted, he would only receive a "good enough" comment.
However, she was unexpectedly kind and approachable to Qin Ge.
Right now, for Qin Ge's sake, he's humiliating him in front of everyone, making himself a laughingstock...
Is it because he is not her biological grandson, while Qin Ge is related to her by blood?
Jiang Xibai felt indignant, but he didn't show any resentment towards Old Madam Jiang on his face. He stood up and stepped forward, smiling gently, "Grandma, I'm giving you a painting. I know you like it, so I'm giving you this. It's not as valuable as the gifts prepared by my eldest and second brothers, but it's also a token of my affection. I hope you like it."
After he finished speaking, the butler presented Jiang Xibai's gift.
His paintings were stored in a carved and openwork wooden box made of rosewood. Even the exterior of the box containing the paintings was very precious and exquisite.
Madam Jiang knew that any painting Jiang Xibai could produce must be of high quality. She was worried that Qin Ge's gift would be outshone and that the child would lose face in front of others, so she did not ask the housekeeper to open the painting immediately.
She smiled elegantly and said something to Jiang Xibai.
"I'm very happy that you have this intention."
Jiang Xibai pursed her lips and smiled shyly.
He waited for the old lady to open the painting he had given her, hoping to gain Madam Jiang's appreciation and the guests' approval.
However, Madam Jiang did not order the housekeeper to open the painting.
Under Jiang Xibai's expectant and bright gaze, Old Madam Jiang looked at Qin Ge with kindness and asked with a smile, "I wonder what gift Xiao Ge has given to Grandma?"
Jiang Xibai bit her lip.
He silently clenched his fist.
Hatred finally took root in his heart.
The young man, who completely outshone Jiang Xibai simply by standing next to him, wore a tailcoat with a vibrant rose on his collar, exuding elegance and nobility.
He smiled slightly, as if a thousand rays of light flowed around him, and said in a beautiful voice:
"Unfortunately, it's also a painting."
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