In the lounge
Chu Hongyu stared into Ning Yuan's eyes: "Xiao Ning, are you really sure? Instructor Rong... you're just going to let it go like this?!"
Seeing Chu Hongyu's agitated state, Ning Yuan suddenly reached out and hugged her: "Sister Hongyu, don't worry, I know what I'm doing, I won't let myself suffer."
Chu Hongyu was originally full of questions—
About Rong Zhaonan, about Ning Bing'an, about the future...
But this sudden hug was like a wall, choking all her worries in her throat.
Yes, Xiaoning has always been very opinionated and stubborn; she must have her own reasons for making her decisions...
She could only helplessly hug Ning Yuan back: "As long as you've thought it through, I'll always support you. Whatever decision you make, as long as it's not murder or arson, I'll be on your side!"
Ning Yuan hugged her, her heart warming: "Sister Hongyu, don't worry, I'm not that 'naive' or 'kind' to sacrifice myself for others. Everything I've done is simply to maximize my own interests."
Chu Hongyu sighed: "Alright, later, you must go and have a good talk with the Second Madam. She loves you so much, she will definitely not stand by and watch you sacrifice your own happiness to pave the way for that bastard Ning Bingyu!"
Ning Yuan nodded.
The door to the lounge opened again.
"Have you reached an agreement?" Ning Bingyu raised an eyebrow, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible probing.
Ning Yuan smiled nonchalantly: "Of course, what can't Sister Hongyu and I talk about?"
Chu Hongyu gave Ning Bingyu a cold, expressionless glance, and remained silent.
Ning Bingyu gave her a deep look, said nothing more, and simply stood up: "Then let's go, the banquet is still going on."
---
Inside the banquet hall, the crystal chandeliers shone brightly, and the atmosphere was bustling with activity.
Chen Jingsong, arm in arm with his foreign wife, announced on stage with great pride that his goddaughter, Cha Meiling, and Zhou Yan had long been engaged in England.
The expressions of the people below varied.
Some offered their sincere congratulations, some speculated in secret, and many more were completely bewildered, whispering amongst themselves.
"Cha Meiling is really lucky. The Cha family has fallen so low, yet she still managed to climb such a high branch."
"That's right. She just broke up with the young master of the Ning family, and then hooked up with a rising political star. Her methods are quite impressive."
"I heard that this Superintendent Zhou is quite the womanizer. He was photographed going to a nightclub the day before his engagement. Tsk tsk."
"Hey, what's the big deal? What man doesn't have an affair? As long as he's secure his position as the wife, everything else is just a passing cloud. Annie is so lucky!"
Cha Meiling was not unaware of these discussions, but she simply ignored them.
Cha Meiling, arm in arm with Zhou Yan, wore an impeccable smile as she gracefully moved through the crowd.
She slightly raised her chin, accepting the genuine or feigned compliments from her former "good sisters."
A woman in a champagne-colored dress held up a wine glass and said meaningfully, "Annie, congratulations! You're so lucky!"
Cha Meiling parted her red lips slightly: "Thank you, we're all sisters, I hope you'll take care of me in the future."
Another socialite said sourly, "Meiling, you're really something, unlike us..."
Cha Meiling smiled modestly: "Not at all, it was just good luck."
Seeing the envious and jealous looks in her former "sisters'" eyes, she felt even more delighted.
After all, she is showing signs of regaining her throne as the queen of Hong Kong's social circles, which is enough!
But Zhou Yan remained expressionless, indifferent to everything around him, and it was unclear what he was thinking.
---
On the other hand, Ning Zhengkun had no interest in paying attention to other people's excitement.
Because Ning Yuan was standing in front of him, arm in arm with Ning Bing'an.
His sharp gaze swept back and forth between the two of them: "Bing'an, is it true that you and Ning Yuan are getting married?"
This question, seemingly directed at Ning Bing'an, was actually aimed at Ning Yuan in every word.
Ning Bing'an gently patted Ning Yuan's hand, a tender smile on his lips, and said, "Daddy, of course it's true. My little sister just accepted my proposal."
Ning Zhengkun turned his gaze to Ning Yuan and asked again, "Little sister, is it true?"
Ning Yuan remained calm as she met Ning Zhengkun's scrutinizing gaze.
She glanced at Madam Ning, whose face was not looking too good, and said calmly, "Uncle, it's true. Actually, I've always admired Bing'an's detached temperament. After going through so much, a woman always needs a harbor."
Hearing Ning Yuan's affirmative answer, Ning Zhengkun nodded in satisfaction, a subtle smile curving his lips.
He shifted his gaze to Madam Ning and the slightly stunned Ning Zhengrong, and smiled with satisfaction.
"My little sister has finally grown up and knows what it means to be sensible and consider the big picture. Second brother, second brother's wife, you have also raised a sensible and obedient child."
Madam Ning said coldly, "This is my younger sister's choice. As her mother, I can only support whatever she wants to do."
"Then we'll be even closer relatives!" Ning Zhengkun smiled nonchalantly.
His first wife was chosen by the old man, unlike his second wife, who was personally chosen by the old woman.
This sister-in-law is a few years older than her brother and is very capable; the younger brother is just a figurehead at home.
If she says it's no problem, then the marriage is fine.
Now that the second wife has learned her lesson and shown sincerity, he naturally has to make his own promises.
Ning Zhengkun smiled and looked at Ning Zhengrong, who was still in a daze: "Second son, you know I've always doted on A-Yu the most. Unlike you when you were young, he's not rebellious or immature; instead, he's like me and Grandpa were when we were young—capable, resourceful, and patient."
“My elder brother isn’t a narrow-minded person. Bingyu is like my son, so I will naturally raise him well. However, the second branch of the family also needs to show some sincerity and let the old man and my elder brother see that we will always be a family.”
Ning Zhengrong pushed up his glasses, opened his mouth as if to say something: "Big Brother..."
Ning Zhengrong had no intention of listening to his bookish principal brother's nonsense. He turned around and patted Ning Bing'an on the shoulder: "The wedding should be arranged as soon as possible. I will make the arrangements as soon as possible."
Ning Bing'an smiled and replied, "Thank you, Daddy."
Ning Zhengrong remained silent.
He doesn't have as much say in the family as his wife, who is the matriarch.
Ning Zhengkun was in a great mood and immediately tapped his cup with his spoon.
Two crisp "clangs" successfully drew everyone's attention.
He put one arm around Ning Bing'an's shoulder, pointed vaguely at Ning Yuan with the other, and said with a smile, "Everyone, please be quiet. I also have some good news to announce!"
The entire room fell silent instantly, and all eyes turned to them—
"My dear niece Ning Yuan and my adopted son Ning Bing'an have fallen in love and decided to get married. Please congratulate them!"
Ning Zhengkun's words were like a bomb, exploding in the crowd and sparking a flurry of discussion.
"What? Ning Yuan and Ning Bing'an? How is that possible?"
"Isn't Ning Bing'an Ning Zhengkun's adopted son? What... what is this?"
"Shh! This adopted son is even more favored than his biological daughter; this is practically an internal marriage within the Ning family!"
Cha Meiling was still immersed in the joy of being the center of attention, but at this moment she was suddenly stunned and subconsciously turned her head to look at Zhou Yan.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
