The suspicion in Chapter 2 is indeed quite jarring.
"Junjun, what's wrong?"
Ling Xinyao noticed that something was wrong with Sheng Zhujun, so she turned to the side and spoke with concern in her sweet voice.
Sheng Zhujun looked away, and asked in a daze, "...Didn't you hear anything just now?"
The woman's voice came suddenly and disappeared just as quickly, leaving no trace. She even wondered if she had hallucinated.
Ling Xinyao shook her head: "I didn't hear anything."
Sheng Zhujun raised her hand and touched her cheek.
The skin beneath her fingertips felt smooth and delicate, like warm, lustrous jade. She must have put in countless hours of effort to maintain such beautiful skin.
Such a beautiful face... how could it be disfigured because of Ling Xinyao?
No, impossible!
They grew up together and were so close that they could talk about anything. Even though Ling Xinyao was recently revealed to be not the biological daughter of the Ling family, it did not affect their friendship.
Those words she just said were probably just her imagination.
It must be!
-
Carrying a plate piled high with desserts, Ling Shu quietly slipped into the most inconspicuous corner of the banquet hall, sat at a small round table where no one was around, and quietly enjoyed the food.
Even though she hadn't tasted such delicious food for three years, her movements remained unhurried and without the slightest impatience.
Amidst the clinking of glasses and the glittering of elegant ladies at the banquet, nothing concerned her; she focused solely on guarding this small corner.
Watching this scene from across the crowd, Butler Wang felt a strange pang of sadness in his heart.
He could tell that, for Ling Shu, the plate of food in front of her was probably more meaningful than everyone else at the banquet.
From the moment Ling Shu entered the banquet hall, he had been secretly observing her, watching her walk past Ling Xinyao without showing any intention of paying any attention to her.
It's completely different from the rumors.
The phone vibrated in his pocket. Butler Wang took it out and saw that it was a call from Madam Qin Hong. He quickly answered, "Madam."
Qin Hong asked, "How did Ling Shu perform?"
He paused, unsure how to begin.
Qin Hong pressed further: "And what?"
Butler Wang sighed: "Moreover, despite the guests' deliberate coldness and disregard, she did not show any sadness or unease; her emotions remained very stable."
As a professional butler, he noticed the expectant expressions on the faces of the guests who were waiting to see a good show.
Even if he was just observing, he couldn't help but feel a little unhappy.
Unexpectedly, Ling Shu remained calm throughout.
Qin Hong was silent for a few seconds on the other end of the phone, then her tone became more approving: "Being able to keep your composure is a good thing."
Butler Wang agreed: "I also think Miss Ling is quite nice."
So good it's almost heartbreaking.
Qin Hong's tone softened considerably: "Old Wang, you rarely say anything good about others."
It seems that Ling Shu's performance was indeed very good, so she can rest assured.
After hanging up the phone, Qin Hong's phone rang; it was a photo sent by Butler Wang.
In the photo, Ling Shu sits alone in a corner, facing a plate of desserts, with a smile on her face, looking happy and content.
Qin Hong felt a pang in her heart and suddenly felt very uncomfortable.
Before Ling Shu married into the family, she had read Ling Shu's information and knew that the girl had suffered a lot.
Ling Shu was taken away by a heartless nanny shortly after birth and abandoned at the gate of an orphanage in the countryside. The orphanage was poorly maintained, and Ling Shu suffered from hunger and thirst from a young age, even almost dropping out of school.
Even after being recognized and returned to the Ling family, Ling Shu failed to gain the affection of her parents. Instead, she frequently clashed with the fake heiress Ling Xinyao, earning a reputation for being irritable and easily angered, and becoming a laughingstock in the elite circles of Beijing.
He's such a sensible child...
Qin Hong frowned slightly.
...Speaking of which, wasn't her attitude towards Ling Shu a bit too harsh just now?
If she had known Ling Shu was such a good girl, she shouldn't have spoken so coldly.
But once the words are spoken, they are like water spilled; they cannot be taken back.
After thinking for a moment, Qin Hong simply picked up her phone and transferred another 500,000 yuan to Ling Shu's card.
No language is as tangible as money.
At the banquet, Ling Shu wiped her mouth with a napkin; the plate in front of her was already empty.
Her mission of "showing her face" was successfully completed. The banquet hall was a bit noisy, so she decided to leave and wander around to observe the layout of the Sheng family's residence.
Just as I was about to get up, my phone, which was in my pocket, suddenly vibrated.
Ling Shu took it out and saw that it was a text message indicating that 500,000 yuan had been deposited into her account.
It was forwarded by Qin Hong.
"Ms. Qin Hong transferred 500,000 yuan to your bank card ending in 8888. The transfer note read: 'Have something nice to eat.'"
Ling Shu slowly typed out a question mark.
No, are all rich people this capricious? Transferring 500,000 just like that?
And this note, "Let's eat something good," doesn't sound quite right.
She pondered for a few seconds, but couldn't figure out Qin Hong's intention in transferring the money, so she simply stopped thinking about it.
Putting her phone away, Ling Shu continued walking forward, passing by Ling Xinyao and Sheng Zhujun again.
Ling Xinyao continued to whine, "Junjun, the handbag you're carrying is so unique. Is it a limited edition from H brand this year? I also saw this bag when I traveled to France before, but unfortunately it wasn't in stock at the store, and I was so disappointed."
It seems she has her eye on Sheng Zhujun's handbag again.
Sheng Zhujun picked up the handbag and shook it: "This bag was a gift from my mom. Do you think it's nice? How about I talk to the salesperson at H store and ask her to reserve one for you? We can pick it up together when it arrives."
Ling Xinyao's eyes flickered, and she lowered her voice, "But, but I've run out of my allowance recently..."
Without thinking much, Sheng Zhujun smiled and replied, "Then I'll buy it and give it to you."
Ling Xinyao was both surprised and delighted: "Really?! That's wonderful, Yunyun, you're truly my best friend!"
Ling Shu was amazed: "..."
According to the original owner's memories, this was not the first time Sheng Zhujun had given Ling Xinyao something.
The latest haute couture, new bags, custom-made jewelry... Sheng Zhujun would never refuse Ling Xinyao if she asked for them.
In psychological terms, Sheng Zhujun is a typical "giving personality," habitually maintaining close relationships through giving. However, Ling Xinyao enjoys Sheng Zhujun's generosity but has never truly given back in kind, at most uttering a few high-sounding, pretty words.
This was Sheng Zhujun's own choice. Ling Shu, being new to the area, only wanted to keep a low profile and did not intend to interfere.
She didn't stop walking, but Ling Shu couldn't help but silently complain to herself.
Then, the woman's voice rang in Sheng Zhujun's ears again.
Oh, by the way, after you were disfigured, she hooked up with your boyfriend. Your boyfriend secretly brought her supplies every day, and he didn't complain at all about being her backup plan.
Sheng Zhujun's expression changed completely, and she exclaimed, "Impossible!"
Who seduced her boyfriend?!
Ling Xinyao?
He is tall and handsome, with a calm personality and excellent work ability. He has now worked his way up to the management level and can be said to have a bright future.
Moreover, he treats Sheng Zhujun very well, is gentle and considerate, and cares for her in every way. He is publicly recognized as one of the top ten best boyfriends in the elite circles of Beijing.
When Sheng Zhujun heard that Jian Yicheng and Ling Xinyao were having an affair, she simply refused to believe it.
What on earth was that voice that suddenly popped into her head?
Sheng Zhujun bit her lower lip, raised her hand to her chest, and felt the chaotic heartbeat under her palm.
Ling Xinyao didn't notice her unusual behavior. Her gaze lingered on her earrings, and her tone was filled with undisguised envy: "Junjun, your earrings are so pretty. Are they a limited edition from J.I.com? I heard there are only three pairs in China. I didn't expect you to get one of them."
This time, Sheng Zhujun hesitated and did not respond immediately.
"Yunyun?"
Seeing that she didn't respond, Ling Xinyao pouted, feeling a little aggrieved: "Why aren't you saying anything? I... I just complimented your earrings, that's all, please don't overthink it."
As she spoke, a hint of sorrow flickered in Ling Xinyao's eyes.
She looked pitiful.
If Sheng Zhujun had seen Ling Xinyao like this before, she would have given up long ago.
But for some reason, ever since she heard that strange female voice today, Sheng Zhujun felt something was off. It was as if a huge sledgehammer had suddenly hit her on the head, shoving the water out of her brain, and making her see the world much clearer.
Sheng Zhujun began to find Ling Xinyao's words a bit harsh.
What do you mean by "no other meaning"? Don't overthink it.
Was Ling Xinyao subtly implying that she was stingy?
But she had just given Ling Xinyao several haute couture clothes and bags without the slightest hesitation.
She pursed her lips and explained, "These earrings were a gift from my second brother, Xinyao. You know, my second brother is usually very busy, so it's rare for him to give me anything."
She could give all her other belongings to Ling Xinyao.
The only exception was these earrings, a gift from her second brother, Sheng Yun Shen, some time ago. Now that Sheng Yun Shen is in a vegetative state, these earrings... are very likely the last gift he ever gave her.
She cherished it greatly and kept it carefully. If it weren't for Sheng Yun Shen's "wedding" today, she wouldn't have worn it out.
"oh……"
Ling Xinyao still looked aggrieved and didn't ask for it again, but her gaze remained fixed on her earrings.
Just as Sheng Zhujun was about to say something to change the subject, a gentle male voice suddenly sounded behind her: "Xinyao likes these earrings? Junjun, you have plenty of jewelry, you won't miss this pair, why don't you give them to Xinyao?"
“You two are best friends, it’s normal to share things with each other. I’ll buy you a new pair later, I guarantee they’ll be bigger and shinier than this one.”
That beautiful voice belonged to her boyfriend, Jian Yicheng.
Jian Yicheng's voice was pleasant, but his words made Sheng Zhujun feel somewhat unhappy.
She shook her head again in refusal: "I'm sorry, this was a gift from my second brother, I can't give it away."
"So it was a gift from President Sheng."
Jian Yicheng suddenly realized and turned to look at Ling Xinyao. "Xinyao, since that's the case, then Junjun can't bear to part with it. How about this, Junjun and I will buy you a similar pair, so you and Junjun can wear them together when you go out."
Ling Xinyao smiled and nodded: "Thank you, Brother Yicheng. You're so kind, just like Junjun."
After they finished speaking, they looked at each other.
Jian Yicheng's gaze was calm and gentle, while Ling Xinyao's eyes were veiled in a misty haze, as if she wanted to say something but couldn't.
Sheng Zhujun's gaze swept back and forth between their faces, and her sixth sense instantly sounded an alarm.
The words of that woman's voice echoed in her mind.
Disfigurement, betrayal...
No.
Something's not right.
Just now, Jian Yicheng was clearly dozens of meters away, drinking and chatting with several business partners, completely absorbed, and didn't even look this way.
Why did he appear so soon after she rejected Ling Xinyao's request?
On the surface, he was speaking up for her.
But in reality, without consulting her, he made a promise to buy Ling Xinyao a similar pair of earrings.
Whom is she, Ling Xinyao, and Jian Yicheng really helping?
As a daughter of the Sheng family, Sheng Zhujun was not the kind of fool who would only make unreasonable demands.
Despite the turmoil of doubt churning within her, she showed no sign of it on her face and remained calm.
She took a step back and carefully observed the two people in front of her.
It is said that a person's body language best reveals their subconscious. Jian Yicheng is clearly her boyfriend, but when the three of them stood together, he was closer to Ling Xinyao, and his toes were pointing in Ling Xinyao's direction, as if he was about to rush over to her at any moment.
Once doubts arise in your mind, everything becomes suspicious.
Sheng Zhujun lowered her gaze, concealing her emotions, and said softly, "...I'm going to the restroom, please excuse me for a moment."
She turned and slowly walked down the corridor.
Her steps were a little unsteady at first, and the nine-centimeter high heels wobbled slightly, as if she was about to fall to the ground at any moment.
Sheng Zhujun clenched her fists tightly and straightened her back with all her might.
Gradually, her steps became more and more firm.
Reaching a corner of the corridor, Sheng Zhujun stopped, slowly turning back to look at the men and women in the banquet hall. The upturned eaves of the corridor blocked the warm light from the overhead chandeliers, also concealing the cold expression on her face.
Jian Yicheng and Ling Xinyao did not notice her turning around.
The two of them stood close together, both with relaxed smiles on their lips.
It's unclear what amusing topic they were discussing, but Ling Xinyao covered her mouth and chuckled while playfully punching Jian Yicheng's shoulder twice in a natural and affectionate manner.
Jian Yicheng raised his hand naturally and brushed it through Ling Xinyao's temples, tidying up her stray hairs.
Sheng Zhujun looked away abruptly, as if she had been stung.
Previously, Jian Yicheng and Ling Xinyao had a good relationship. But at that time, she never thought much about it, only assuming that they got along so well because of her.
Now it seems...
It was indeed quite dazzling.
Could it be that she was caught up in the situation and therefore failed to see the truth?
After thinking for a moment, Sheng Zhujun took out her phone and called Butler Wang: "Uncle Wang, do me a favor and check Jian Yicheng and Ling Xinyao's schedule and call records for the past month to see if they have met in private."
If her good boyfriend and best friend really have some problems, with Butler Wang's abilities, he will definitely be able to find out.
A note from the author:
[Starry-eyed]
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