Chapter 29
Besides, the house was in a mess right now. It was fine to let him to go out for a walk.
Xu Haocheng usually liked to stay at his buddies' or friends' houses, and Xu Anguo assumed this time would be the same.
…
While Lu Bei was helping out, Tang Yao wasn't idle either.
Her method was even simpler and more direct.
She directly posted a paternity test result for herself, Xu Anguo, and Sun Yulan.
This was the paternity test she had done with the Xu Family before returning home. She took the photo then as a memento, never expecting it would be useful here.
"I don't know why President Xu couple would describe me as an adopted daughter. Is it because I was switched at birth and didn't grow up with you? Not from a prestigious family? I was really looking forward to meeting you, but it doesn't matter anymore. I hope your family continues to live happily ever after."
The paternity test results were stamped with an official seal, impossible to forge that easily. Coupled with this text, a pitiful image of a child not recognized by her biological parents was instantly established.
This twist was unexpected to everyone.
Everyone was momentarily at a loss for words. Thinking about it carefully, it seemed Tang Yao was always the innocent victim.
Shortly after the message was sent out, Xu Anguo and Sun Yulan began taking turns calling Tang Yao.
But Tang Yao didn't answer any of them.
In the end, Xu Anguo sent a message: "You're a member of the Xu Family. You should understand the principle of shared prosperity and shared loss. There's no need to make this situation so tense. Delete the message first, come home for dinner tomorrow, and Dad will have a proper talk with you."
Immediately after, Sun Yulan also sent a message: "Do you really want to disrupt our family's peace? Which parent doesn't love an obedient and sensible child? The more you cause trouble, the less love you'll get."
Sun Yulan's tone remained condescending, as if she was certain Tang Yao would compromise to return to the family.
Perhaps the Tang Yao of the past life would have, but the current Tang Yao didn't care at all.
At this point, netizens felt completely manipulated and their anger rose. The official Weibo account of the Xu Group and the personal accounts of the Xu Family members were flooded with questions from netizens.
"You guys are really something, making your own biological daughter appear as an adopted daughter."
"And you're deceiving netizens, creating such a good image for yourselves. You're really capable."
"From now on, boycott everything from the Xu Group!"
"Being your daughter is so unlucky. Not only was she switched at birth, but a fake heiress has also taken her place."
"What's worse, you're actually protecting the fake heiress? Is there something wrong with your brains?"
"The rumors about Tang Yao being an illegitimate child were actually spread by the Xu Family, right? It's disgusting, constantly throwing dirty water."
"So Tang Yao was kicked out? And then Xu Wan pretended to beg her to come home?"
"It's terrifying to think about. Life in a wealthy family is definitely not for ordinary people like us."
"Support Tang Yao, don't acknowledge them anymore. It's good enough for her to be free and independent."
Many people also went to Xu Wan's Weibo to hurl insults.
The official Xu Group Weibo account and Xu Wan's personal account had to temporarily disable comments.
The Xu Family villa was brightly lit all night.
Unlike them, Tang Yao slept soundly that night, even dreaming of her long-deceived adoptive parents, who stood smiling at her in front of a small courtyard filled with flowers.
The next morning, Tang Yao woke up refreshed. The sun was shining brightly outside. It was a rare beautiful day.
Just as she finished washing up, someone knocked on the door.
Tang Yao opened the door with a puzzled look, only to find a few women carrying makeup cases standing outside.
"Hello, Miss Tang, we are the makeup artists Mr. Lu specially invited to do your makeup. May we come in now? If you are not ready yet, we can wait at the door," the woman in the lead said gently.
Tang Yao was taken aback for a moment. Then she nodded and made way for them. "Okay, thank you."
The makeup artists' movements were very gentle, making Tang Yao feel perfectly comfortable.
After the makeup was done and the clothes were changed, Tang Yao looked like a princess who had stepped out of a castle.
Even the makeup artists were amazed by Tang Yao's natural beauty. As Tang Yao stepped off the elevator, she saw Lu Bei, who had been waiting for her for some time. He was dressed in a suit and tie. His bangs neatly combed back, looking both aloof and handsome.
However, the next second, the man pulled a sandwich and a bottle of milk from somewhere and handed them to Tang Yao.
“You probably haven’t had breakfast yet. You can eat this on the way,” Lu Bei said.
“Thank you,” Tang Yao said. Her face unusually flushed, as she accepted the sandwich and milk.
“You’re welcome. It’s only right that I take care of you as a friend since you’re in the capital,” Noticing Tang Yao’s slight discomfort, Lu Bei eased the awkward atmosphere between them.
Although Tang Yao had experienced so many small worlds, she had never been in a relationship. She was already exhausted from completing her missions every day, so she wasn’t used to such direct advances.
Lu Bei opened the car door, let Tang Yao get in, and then got into the driver’s seat from the other side.
The car slowly started and drove towards the Ji Family villa. Meanwhile, Xu Anguo, along with Sun Yulan and Xu Wan, were on their way to the Ji Family villa.
Compared to Tang Yao's exquisite beauty, the three of them looked noticeably less vibrant.
They didn't seem to have rested well. Thick layers of powder barely concealed the dark circles under their eyes.
"Put everything else aside for now. Elder Ji's birthday banquet is very important. I spent a fortune to get this ticket, so don't let me down. If we're connected with the Ji Family, the company will be saved."
Because of yesterday's revelations, Xu Group's stock had been greatly affected, causing internal turmoil within the company. Xu Anguo had barely slept a wink.
He probably hadn't expected his decision to have such a significant impact.
Xu Wan remained silent. Ever since Xu Anguo slapped her, she was different from how she used to be at home.
Her face lacked its usual feigned gentleness. It was replaced by a blank expression.
The car was stopped at the gate by the security guard, who told them to walk up.
Just then, another car drove straight past them, and the gatekeeper didn't stop them.
"Why can they go up?" Xu Anguo complained.
"They're homeowners here. Of course they can go up," the security guard replied.
Xu Anguo was silent for a moment. Although the Xu Family also lived in a villa, it was worlds apart from the villas here. Not only did they need money, but they also needed strong connections.
Unbeknownst to them, Xu Anguo's abandoned biological daughter, Tang Yao had entered in this very car.
Tang Yao had been chatting with Lu Bei and hadn't seen Xu Anguo and his two companions standing at the gate.
"That's the one, my own house," Lu Bei said, pointing to the nearby villa as he drove. "But I usually stay at my elder brother's, so this one's been sitting vacant."
Tang Yao asked, "Is your elder brother coming today too?"
Lu Bei nodded. "He should arrive a little later than me."
The car quickly reached the top of the hill, where several cars were already parked.
Tang Yao stepped out of the car and was greeted by a spacious garden. In the center stood a five-story villa, surrounded by a few lower houses.
As they walked, Tang Yao noticed that the villas were all decorated in different styles. Elder Ji clearly preferred a Chinese style, as evidenced by the garden's pavilions, terraces, and flowing water.
She lifted her skirt and walked in with Lu Bei.
From the wrought-iron gate to the villa's entrance, people dressed in traditional clothing were there to greet and guide them.
The villa's gate was open, and voices could be heard from inside.
Tang Yao noticed that quite a few people had already arrived, standing together, raising their glasses and exchanging greetings.
Their appearance attracted considerable attention.
However, Tang Yao disliked being in the spotlight, so she found a corner to stay in.
Lu Bei didn't participate in the socializing but instead stood with her in the corner.
"Don't you need to go over?" Tang Yao had attended similar banquets in the small world before and knew this was a good opportunity to expand one’s network. “Leave the socializing to my elder brother,” Lu Bei said. Besides, with his current status in the entertainment industry, he didn't need to deliberately cultivate relationships. “Are you thirsty? Shall I get you a glass of juice?”
Tang Yao was about to say no, but then realized her skirt was indeed restrictive.
“Okay, thank you.”
Just as Lu Bei left, the Xu Family finally arrived.
Xu Wan was exhausted and could barely maintain her composure, especially since the last stretch was uphill and she was wearing high heels.
However, she still spotted Tang Yao in the corner.
“Mom and Dad, it’s Yao Yao,” Xu Wan said.
Xu Anguo’s gaze swept over, his brow furrowing slightly. Tang Yao was alone, standing on the edge, looking as if she were isolated.
“What’s she doing here? What bad luck,” Sun Yulan frowned.
“Perhaps she came in with someone,” Xu Wan deliberately obscured her words.
Just then, a bald, pot-bellied man spoke to Tang Yao, and the three of them immediately misunderstood.
"Sorry, I didn't see her. Ask someone else," Tang Yao waved her hands to the man in front of her.
The man had come with his young daughter, but she had disappeared in the blink of an eye. He had anxiously asked around and finally came to Tang Yao.
After seeing the man off, Tang Yao looked up and saw Xu Anguo and the other two walking towards her.
Tang Yao's eyes instantly turned cold.
"What are you doing here?" Sun Yulan's tone was sharp from the start.
Xu Anguo glared at Sun Yulan and she softened her tone somewhat.
At this moment, Xu Anguo was still concerned about his reputation. Subconsciously, he already believed that Tang Yao had climbed the social ladder by clinging to some older man to get in. His family's recent troubles had been significant and he couldn't afford to add another stain to their record because of Tang Yao.
"This isn't a place for you. Go back first. I'll give you an explanation," Xu Anguo said softly, as if his own daughter were something shameful.
Xu Wan, on the other hand, looked at Tang Yao's dress with a hint of jealousy. She had seen it in a magazine. This dress was one of a kind in the whole country, a custom-made, fully-diamond princess dress from Country Y.
It seemed that man was quite willing to spend money on her. She wondered if his wife at home knew, Xu Wan thought maliciously.
"If you can all come, why can't I?" Tang Yao initially didn't want to acknowledge them, but their dismissive tone stirred up long-dormant emotions.
"Yao Yao, this banquet is very important to our family. Elder Ji and his wife have been loving their whole lives and wouldn't like to see such frivolous matters," Xu Wan said with self proclaimed consideration.
Upon hearing her words, Tang Yao instantly realized that the three of them had seen her talking to that gentleman and misunderstood.
"I've discovered you're really good at framing me. First you said I stole your bracelet, then you said online I’m an illegitimate child, and now, based solely on that one scene, you're concluding I'm someone's mistress? It really proves the old saying: what you have in your own head determines what you see in others," Tang Yao said.
"No, Yao Yao. I just wanted to remind you. You've misunderstood me," Xu Wan's eyes reddened again.
She always used this tactic. While she was never tired of it, everyone else was.
Just as she was about to speak, another voice rang out.
“Wanwan, you’re all here.” It was Chen Yuxuan’s mother, with Chen Yuxuan and his father beside her.
Because Huang Hui’s company was part of her dowry from her maternal family and hadn’t been publicized, the Chen Family didn’t know that Huang Hui was the real big boss of H Clothing. They had only managed to get into this banquet through connections.
Chen Yuxuan’s gaze first fell on Tang Yao and amazement flashed in his eyes.
In just a few months, this true heiress from the countryside had blossomed into such a beautiful young woman.
“And this is?” Mother Chen’s gaze swept over Tang Yao.
“This is also my daughter, Tang Yao,” Xu Anguo said bluntly. After all, everyone knew about their family now, so there was no need to hide anything.
“We were just about to let her go. She’s young and inexperienced and came in with someone else,” Sun Yulan said, holding Xu Wan’s hand beside her, as if to tell the Chen Family that their family valued Xu Wan more.
They had overheard part of the conversation between the three. Now, Mother Chen looked at Tang Yao with disdain: "It’s not my opinion, but in-law, you really need to teach your girls properly. Even if not well-mannered as Wanwan, she should at least know how to be reserved and know her place."
Although she wasn't entirely satisfied with Xu Wan as her daughter-in-law, she disliked Tang Yao, who came from the countryside, even more.
"Is that so? So daughters raised by families like yours are like you, gossiping?" Tang Yao retorted without flinching. She was willing to eat anything, but not disadvantage.
"You!" Mother Chen was furious, but Father Chen pulled her back. After all, this was Elder Ji's birthday banquet.
Xu Anguo's expression was not good. He turned to Tang Yao: "You'd better leave now while there are fewer people."
"What right do you have to drive away the guests here?" At this moment, Lu Bei walked over from the side with a drink.
He placed the juice in Tang Yao's hand before looking at the group of people in front of him with a slightly grim expression.
Xu Wan's nails dug into her flesh. Why was the person who brought Tang Yao in Movie Emperor Lu?! This was completely different from what she had imagined!
"This is our own family matter," Xu Anguo said, his brows slightly furrowed.
He didn't know the person in front of him was Lu Nan's younger brother. He only felt the man looked somewhat familiar, but didn't pay much attention.
"Family matter? Yao Yao, are these people your family?"
"No, I don't know them," Tang Yao shrugged, cooperating perfectly with Lu Bei.
Xu Anguo was furious, feeling that Tang Yao was completely unyielding.
At this time, Huang Hui and Ji Mingquan arrived.
Xu Anguo was both surprised and delighted, taking a few steps forward, but Huang Hui and Ji Mingquan bypassed them and walked towards Tang Yao.
"Why didn't you come over when you arrived?"
The Xu and Chen families watched as Huang Hui took Tang Yao's hand, asking in a familiar tone.
“I originally sent a car to pick you up, but Xiao Bei called and said he was going the same way and would give you a ride.” Huang Hui glanced at Lu Bei, a smile in her eyes.
“Boss Tang, it’s been a long time.” Though Ji Mingquan was talking to Tang Yao, his eyes were drawn to the flowers wrapped in plastic film beside her.
“Elder Ji, thank you for the invitation. Happy birthday. This is a gift for you.”
Tang Yao tore open the film, revealing the pure white flowers.
Ji Mingquan was instantly captivated. He knew what kind of flower it was. Tang Yao had truly touched his heart. His hand, holding the flowers, was trembling with excitement.
“This… isn’t it too precious?” Those around Ji Mingquan were surprised by his words. Just how precious was it?
Ji Mingquan’s friends also gathered around. Even without Ji Mingquan’s introduction, everyone knew that Tang Yao was the one who had sold him the Ghost Orchid.
Everyone was eager to seize the opportunity, crowding around Tang Yao and shoving business cards into her hand.
“Girl, Old Ji and I have been friends for years.”
“Yes, we’re both plant lovers too. Where is your garden located? When can we come and take a look?”
“Go away, go away! Making demands right off the bat, do you think she’ll agree? Child, my family is in real estate and we’ve done quite well in this industry. Do you have any properties you like?”
Xu Anguo’s mouth hung open for a long time. Not only Ji Mingquan and Huang Hui, but also all these people surrounding Tang Yao, were tycoons in their respective fields, far more powerful than the Xu and Chen families.
In that instant, both Xu Anguo and Father Chen had the same thought: they’d made the wrong bet.
Meanwhile, those who had just been talking to Huang Hui and Ji Mingquan noticed them, the two apologizing and hurriedly headed towards the gate.
Most assumed it was because of Lu Bei. After all, Lu Nan held a high position in the business world and the two families were old acquaintances.
But when they got closer, they discovered that Huang Hui and Ji Mingquan were both talking to the woman next to Lu Bei.
Seeing Xu Anguo and the Chen Family nearby, they roughly guessed Tang Yao's identity.
Everyone's eyes held a meaningful glint. After all, losing the big picture for a small gain would probably make Xu Anguo regret it deeply.
Xu Anguo put on a smiling face again and approached, "What do you gentlemen want? I'll have my Yao Yao personally deliver it. I'm Yao Yao's father, my surname is Xu."
The previously amiable elders now had cold faces. Everyone knew that Xu Anguo's actions were unethical.
"Now you know she's your daughter? You should protect your adopted daughter instead. A perfect match, like snakes and rats."
"That's right, how can you be so shameless?"
Besides, the house was in a mess right now. It was fine to let him to go out for a walk.
Xu Haocheng usually liked to stay at his buddies' or friends' houses, and Xu Anguo assumed this time would be the same.
…
While Lu Bei was helping out, Tang Yao wasn't idle either.
Her method was even simpler and more direct.
She directly posted a paternity test result for herself, Xu Anguo, and Sun Yulan.
This was the paternity test she had done with the Xu Family before returning home. She took the photo then as a memento, never expecting it would be useful here.
"I don't know why President Xu couple would describe me as an adopted daughter. Is it because I was switched at birth and didn't grow up with you? Not from a prestigious family? I was really looking forward to meeting you, but it doesn't matter anymore. I hope your family continues to live happily ever after."
The paternity test results were stamped with an official seal, impossible to forge that easily. Coupled with this text, a pitiful image of a child not recognized by her biological parents was instantly established.
This twist was unexpected to everyone.
Everyone was momentarily at a loss for words. Thinking about it carefully, it seemed Tang Yao was always the innocent victim.
Shortly after the message was sent out, Xu Anguo and Sun Yulan began taking turns calling Tang Yao.
But Tang Yao didn't answer any of them.
In the end, Xu Anguo sent a message: "You're a member of the Xu Family. You should understand the principle of shared prosperity and shared loss. There's no need to make this situation so tense. Delete the message first, come home for dinner tomorrow, and Dad will have a proper talk with you."
Immediately after, Sun Yulan also sent a message: "Do you really want to disrupt our family's peace? Which parent doesn't love an obedient and sensible child? The more you cause trouble, the less love you'll get."
Sun Yulan's tone remained condescending, as if she was certain Tang Yao would compromise to return to the family.
Perhaps the Tang Yao of the past life would have, but the current Tang Yao didn't care at all.
At this point, netizens felt completely manipulated and their anger rose. The official Weibo account of the Xu Group and the personal accounts of the Xu Family members were flooded with questions from netizens.
"You guys are really something, making your own biological daughter appear as an adopted daughter."
"And you're deceiving netizens, creating such a good image for yourselves. You're really capable."
"From now on, boycott everything from the Xu Group!"
"Being your daughter is so unlucky. Not only was she switched at birth, but a fake heiress has also taken her place."
"What's worse, you're actually protecting the fake heiress? Is there something wrong with your brains?"
"The rumors about Tang Yao being an illegitimate child were actually spread by the Xu Family, right? It's disgusting, constantly throwing dirty water."
"So Tang Yao was kicked out? And then Xu Wan pretended to beg her to come home?"
"It's terrifying to think about. Life in a wealthy family is definitely not for ordinary people like us."
"Support Tang Yao, don't acknowledge them anymore. It's good enough for her to be free and independent."
Many people also went to Xu Wan's Weibo to hurl insults.
The official Xu Group Weibo account and Xu Wan's personal account had to temporarily disable comments.
The Xu Family villa was brightly lit all night.
Unlike them, Tang Yao slept soundly that night, even dreaming of her long-deceived adoptive parents, who stood smiling at her in front of a small courtyard filled with flowers.
The next morning, Tang Yao woke up refreshed. The sun was shining brightly outside. It was a rare beautiful day.
Just as she finished washing up, someone knocked on the door.
Tang Yao opened the door with a puzzled look, only to find a few women carrying makeup cases standing outside.
"Hello, Miss Tang, we are the makeup artists Mr. Lu specially invited to do your makeup. May we come in now? If you are not ready yet, we can wait at the door," the woman in the lead said gently.
Tang Yao was taken aback for a moment. Then she nodded and made way for them. "Okay, thank you."
The makeup artists' movements were very gentle, making Tang Yao feel perfectly comfortable.
After the makeup was done and the clothes were changed, Tang Yao looked like a princess who had stepped out of a castle.
Even the makeup artists were amazed by Tang Yao's natural beauty. As Tang Yao stepped off the elevator, she saw Lu Bei, who had been waiting for her for some time. He was dressed in a suit and tie. His bangs neatly combed back, looking both aloof and handsome.
However, the next second, the man pulled a sandwich and a bottle of milk from somewhere and handed them to Tang Yao.
“You probably haven’t had breakfast yet. You can eat this on the way,” Lu Bei said.
“Thank you,” Tang Yao said. Her face unusually flushed, as she accepted the sandwich and milk.
“You’re welcome. It’s only right that I take care of you as a friend since you’re in the capital,” Noticing Tang Yao’s slight discomfort, Lu Bei eased the awkward atmosphere between them.
Although Tang Yao had experienced so many small worlds, she had never been in a relationship. She was already exhausted from completing her missions every day, so she wasn’t used to such direct advances.
Lu Bei opened the car door, let Tang Yao get in, and then got into the driver’s seat from the other side.
The car slowly started and drove towards the Ji Family villa. Meanwhile, Xu Anguo, along with Sun Yulan and Xu Wan, were on their way to the Ji Family villa.
Compared to Tang Yao's exquisite beauty, the three of them looked noticeably less vibrant.
They didn't seem to have rested well. Thick layers of powder barely concealed the dark circles under their eyes.
"Put everything else aside for now. Elder Ji's birthday banquet is very important. I spent a fortune to get this ticket, so don't let me down. If we're connected with the Ji Family, the company will be saved."
Because of yesterday's revelations, Xu Group's stock had been greatly affected, causing internal turmoil within the company. Xu Anguo had barely slept a wink.
He probably hadn't expected his decision to have such a significant impact.
Xu Wan remained silent. Ever since Xu Anguo slapped her, she was different from how she used to be at home.
Her face lacked its usual feigned gentleness. It was replaced by a blank expression.
The car was stopped at the gate by the security guard, who told them to walk up.
Just then, another car drove straight past them, and the gatekeeper didn't stop them.
"Why can they go up?" Xu Anguo complained.
"They're homeowners here. Of course they can go up," the security guard replied.
Xu Anguo was silent for a moment. Although the Xu Family also lived in a villa, it was worlds apart from the villas here. Not only did they need money, but they also needed strong connections.
Unbeknownst to them, Xu Anguo's abandoned biological daughter, Tang Yao had entered in this very car.
Tang Yao had been chatting with Lu Bei and hadn't seen Xu Anguo and his two companions standing at the gate.
"That's the one, my own house," Lu Bei said, pointing to the nearby villa as he drove. "But I usually stay at my elder brother's, so this one's been sitting vacant."
Tang Yao asked, "Is your elder brother coming today too?"
Lu Bei nodded. "He should arrive a little later than me."
The car quickly reached the top of the hill, where several cars were already parked.
Tang Yao stepped out of the car and was greeted by a spacious garden. In the center stood a five-story villa, surrounded by a few lower houses.
As they walked, Tang Yao noticed that the villas were all decorated in different styles. Elder Ji clearly preferred a Chinese style, as evidenced by the garden's pavilions, terraces, and flowing water.
She lifted her skirt and walked in with Lu Bei.
From the wrought-iron gate to the villa's entrance, people dressed in traditional clothing were there to greet and guide them.
The villa's gate was open, and voices could be heard from inside.
Tang Yao noticed that quite a few people had already arrived, standing together, raising their glasses and exchanging greetings.
Their appearance attracted considerable attention.
However, Tang Yao disliked being in the spotlight, so she found a corner to stay in.
Lu Bei didn't participate in the socializing but instead stood with her in the corner.
"Don't you need to go over?" Tang Yao had attended similar banquets in the small world before and knew this was a good opportunity to expand one’s network. “Leave the socializing to my elder brother,” Lu Bei said. Besides, with his current status in the entertainment industry, he didn't need to deliberately cultivate relationships. “Are you thirsty? Shall I get you a glass of juice?”
Tang Yao was about to say no, but then realized her skirt was indeed restrictive.
“Okay, thank you.”
Just as Lu Bei left, the Xu Family finally arrived.
Xu Wan was exhausted and could barely maintain her composure, especially since the last stretch was uphill and she was wearing high heels.
However, she still spotted Tang Yao in the corner.
“Mom and Dad, it’s Yao Yao,” Xu Wan said.
Xu Anguo’s gaze swept over, his brow furrowing slightly. Tang Yao was alone, standing on the edge, looking as if she were isolated.
“What’s she doing here? What bad luck,” Sun Yulan frowned.
“Perhaps she came in with someone,” Xu Wan deliberately obscured her words.
Just then, a bald, pot-bellied man spoke to Tang Yao, and the three of them immediately misunderstood.
"Sorry, I didn't see her. Ask someone else," Tang Yao waved her hands to the man in front of her.
The man had come with his young daughter, but she had disappeared in the blink of an eye. He had anxiously asked around and finally came to Tang Yao.
After seeing the man off, Tang Yao looked up and saw Xu Anguo and the other two walking towards her.
Tang Yao's eyes instantly turned cold.
"What are you doing here?" Sun Yulan's tone was sharp from the start.
Xu Anguo glared at Sun Yulan and she softened her tone somewhat.
At this moment, Xu Anguo was still concerned about his reputation. Subconsciously, he already believed that Tang Yao had climbed the social ladder by clinging to some older man to get in. His family's recent troubles had been significant and he couldn't afford to add another stain to their record because of Tang Yao.
"This isn't a place for you. Go back first. I'll give you an explanation," Xu Anguo said softly, as if his own daughter were something shameful.
Xu Wan, on the other hand, looked at Tang Yao's dress with a hint of jealousy. She had seen it in a magazine. This dress was one of a kind in the whole country, a custom-made, fully-diamond princess dress from Country Y.
It seemed that man was quite willing to spend money on her. She wondered if his wife at home knew, Xu Wan thought maliciously.
"If you can all come, why can't I?" Tang Yao initially didn't want to acknowledge them, but their dismissive tone stirred up long-dormant emotions.
"Yao Yao, this banquet is very important to our family. Elder Ji and his wife have been loving their whole lives and wouldn't like to see such frivolous matters," Xu Wan said with self proclaimed consideration.
Upon hearing her words, Tang Yao instantly realized that the three of them had seen her talking to that gentleman and misunderstood.
"I've discovered you're really good at framing me. First you said I stole your bracelet, then you said online I’m an illegitimate child, and now, based solely on that one scene, you're concluding I'm someone's mistress? It really proves the old saying: what you have in your own head determines what you see in others," Tang Yao said.
"No, Yao Yao. I just wanted to remind you. You've misunderstood me," Xu Wan's eyes reddened again.
She always used this tactic. While she was never tired of it, everyone else was.
Just as she was about to speak, another voice rang out.
“Wanwan, you’re all here.” It was Chen Yuxuan’s mother, with Chen Yuxuan and his father beside her.
Because Huang Hui’s company was part of her dowry from her maternal family and hadn’t been publicized, the Chen Family didn’t know that Huang Hui was the real big boss of H Clothing. They had only managed to get into this banquet through connections.
Chen Yuxuan’s gaze first fell on Tang Yao and amazement flashed in his eyes.
In just a few months, this true heiress from the countryside had blossomed into such a beautiful young woman.
“And this is?” Mother Chen’s gaze swept over Tang Yao.
“This is also my daughter, Tang Yao,” Xu Anguo said bluntly. After all, everyone knew about their family now, so there was no need to hide anything.
“We were just about to let her go. She’s young and inexperienced and came in with someone else,” Sun Yulan said, holding Xu Wan’s hand beside her, as if to tell the Chen Family that their family valued Xu Wan more.
They had overheard part of the conversation between the three. Now, Mother Chen looked at Tang Yao with disdain: "It’s not my opinion, but in-law, you really need to teach your girls properly. Even if not well-mannered as Wanwan, she should at least know how to be reserved and know her place."
Although she wasn't entirely satisfied with Xu Wan as her daughter-in-law, she disliked Tang Yao, who came from the countryside, even more.
"Is that so? So daughters raised by families like yours are like you, gossiping?" Tang Yao retorted without flinching. She was willing to eat anything, but not disadvantage.
"You!" Mother Chen was furious, but Father Chen pulled her back. After all, this was Elder Ji's birthday banquet.
Xu Anguo's expression was not good. He turned to Tang Yao: "You'd better leave now while there are fewer people."
"What right do you have to drive away the guests here?" At this moment, Lu Bei walked over from the side with a drink.
He placed the juice in Tang Yao's hand before looking at the group of people in front of him with a slightly grim expression.
Xu Wan's nails dug into her flesh. Why was the person who brought Tang Yao in Movie Emperor Lu?! This was completely different from what she had imagined!
"This is our own family matter," Xu Anguo said, his brows slightly furrowed.
He didn't know the person in front of him was Lu Nan's younger brother. He only felt the man looked somewhat familiar, but didn't pay much attention.
"Family matter? Yao Yao, are these people your family?"
"No, I don't know them," Tang Yao shrugged, cooperating perfectly with Lu Bei.
Xu Anguo was furious, feeling that Tang Yao was completely unyielding.
At this time, Huang Hui and Ji Mingquan arrived.
Xu Anguo was both surprised and delighted, taking a few steps forward, but Huang Hui and Ji Mingquan bypassed them and walked towards Tang Yao.
"Why didn't you come over when you arrived?"
The Xu and Chen families watched as Huang Hui took Tang Yao's hand, asking in a familiar tone.
“I originally sent a car to pick you up, but Xiao Bei called and said he was going the same way and would give you a ride.” Huang Hui glanced at Lu Bei, a smile in her eyes.
“Boss Tang, it’s been a long time.” Though Ji Mingquan was talking to Tang Yao, his eyes were drawn to the flowers wrapped in plastic film beside her.
“Elder Ji, thank you for the invitation. Happy birthday. This is a gift for you.”
Tang Yao tore open the film, revealing the pure white flowers.
Ji Mingquan was instantly captivated. He knew what kind of flower it was. Tang Yao had truly touched his heart. His hand, holding the flowers, was trembling with excitement.
“This… isn’t it too precious?” Those around Ji Mingquan were surprised by his words. Just how precious was it?
Ji Mingquan’s friends also gathered around. Even without Ji Mingquan’s introduction, everyone knew that Tang Yao was the one who had sold him the Ghost Orchid.
Everyone was eager to seize the opportunity, crowding around Tang Yao and shoving business cards into her hand.
“Girl, Old Ji and I have been friends for years.”
“Yes, we’re both plant lovers too. Where is your garden located? When can we come and take a look?”
“Go away, go away! Making demands right off the bat, do you think she’ll agree? Child, my family is in real estate and we’ve done quite well in this industry. Do you have any properties you like?”
Xu Anguo’s mouth hung open for a long time. Not only Ji Mingquan and Huang Hui, but also all these people surrounding Tang Yao, were tycoons in their respective fields, far more powerful than the Xu and Chen families.
In that instant, both Xu Anguo and Father Chen had the same thought: they’d made the wrong bet.
Meanwhile, those who had just been talking to Huang Hui and Ji Mingquan noticed them, the two apologizing and hurriedly headed towards the gate.
Most assumed it was because of Lu Bei. After all, Lu Nan held a high position in the business world and the two families were old acquaintances.
But when they got closer, they discovered that Huang Hui and Ji Mingquan were both talking to the woman next to Lu Bei.
Seeing Xu Anguo and the Chen Family nearby, they roughly guessed Tang Yao's identity.
Everyone's eyes held a meaningful glint. After all, losing the big picture for a small gain would probably make Xu Anguo regret it deeply.
Xu Anguo put on a smiling face again and approached, "What do you gentlemen want? I'll have my Yao Yao personally deliver it. I'm Yao Yao's father, my surname is Xu."
The previously amiable elders now had cold faces. Everyone knew that Xu Anguo's actions were unethical.
"Now you know she's your daughter? You should protect your adopted daughter instead. A perfect match, like snakes and rats."
"That's right, how can you be so shameless?"
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