The banquet, as the Ming family members had expected, was filled with individuals they could not possibly associate with.
Consequently, after they entered, no one paid them any attention.
Not even a glance was cast their way, not even by those looking for entertainment.
This was even more difficult to accept than mockery.
It was as if… they simply did not register in the eyes of those people.
They were not worthy of eliciting any superfluous emotions from them.
In this opulent, extravagant banquet hall, the Ming family appeared utterly out of place.
In the past year and more, when had Father Ming ever endured such neglect?
He was accustomed to being high and mighty.
He was also accustomed to being flattered.
At this moment, his heart was brimming with pent-up rage, barely contained. Suddenly, his son behind him exclaimed in surprise, "Isn't that Ming Zheng over there?"
"Ming Zheng is here too?"
A glint of joy flickered in the eyes of Ming Huaizhi and Ming Weizhou. The two of them moved to greet Ming Zheng, but were abruptly pulled back by Father Ming.
Father Ming's somber gaze fixed coldly on the girl standing not far ahead, beside a table laden with delicacies.
The girl wore a gradient purple gown, its fitted design accentuating her impossibly perfect waistline.
The colors of the skirt, like a rippling starry sky, shimmered brilliantly under the dazzling crystal chandeliers.
They made her slender, fair feet, clad in matching high heels, appear even more translucent.
Her cascade of dark hair was slightly curled, styled in a simple, artlessly casual manner.
A dazzling necklace adorned her long, fair neck.
Her attire, compared to Ming Zhirou's, could be considered understated.
And her entire demeanor was one of relaxed ease.
Yet, it drew gazes towards her involuntarily.
It was an innate aura,
impossible to ignore.
She stood before the dining table.
The table was set with rows of relief-carved candelabra, their flickering flames complementing the exquisite food beside them.
The delicate, delicious dishes were numerous and exquisitely presented, immediately whetting the appetite.
Especially since these were delicacies that even their Ming family might not always have access to.
And at this moment, Ming Zheng stood beside them.
With one hand, she held a plate of food, and was eating heartily,
utterly unconcerned by the glances cast her way.
Yet, such a seemingly impolite action, performed by her, appeared perfectly normal and acceptable.
"An uncouth display," Father Ming muttered coldly, a hint of shame and irritation in his tone.
But Ming Zhirou seized the opportunity to chime in, "Father, please don't be angry with Sister. Sister grew up in the countryside, after all, so she wouldn't know the rules of a banquet. It's normal."
Generally speaking,
at such banquets,
the food on the tables was essentially for display.
Everyone's attention was primarily focused on social interactions.
After all, guests wore formal attire, such as elegant evening gowns.
Consuming food would detract from the beauty of their evening wear.
As soon as Ming Zhirou finished speaking,
Ming Yanlun's icy voice cut in, "Who says one cannot eat at a banquet? The food is placed there for people to eat, isn't it?"
Startled and stung, Ming Zhirou's eyes welled up slightly, and she looked at Ming Yanlun with a hint of grievance, "Fifth Brother, I… I didn't mean it that way…"
However, no one listened to her excuses.
Ming Huaizhi even added salt to the wound, "Ming Zhirou, we are very aware of your petty thoughts. You still want to bring Ming Zheng down to elevate yourself? Do you even think you're worthy?"
Ming Weizhou sneered, "Grew up in the countryside? What, do you look down on those who grew up in the countryside? Then, you who have consumed so many of the Ming family's resources to study music, are only at this level? While Ming Zheng has become an international music legend?"
Ming Yanlun's gaze fell on Ming Zhirou, "At least, Ming Zheng can stand here openly at a banquet that even the former Ming family might not have been able to access. That alone proves her capabilities. You, however, are only here by relying on Father. What right do you have to mock Ming Zheng?"
Ming Zhirou bit her lower lip, her fingers clenching tightly. She lowered her head, appearing utterly wronged, daring not to say another word.
But in her heart, she could not help but scoff coldly.
Did they not humiliate Ming Zheng in the same way themselves in the past?
Now they all stood up to speak for Ming Zheng, thinking they could attach themselves to her?
They could forget it!
"Enough!" Father Ming snapped irritably, "We are not here today to compete with Ming Zheng for superiority!"
Their target was only the eldest young master of the Shang family.
Before they could meet the eldest young master of the Shang family,
no conflicts that would affect them were allowed to arise.
He no longer wished to humble himself before Ming Zheng, begging her to save him.
He could not afford to lose that face.
Because the Ming family's reputation was now ruined, and no one took them seriously.
Especially since the invitation to this birthday banquet had been obtained through illicit means.
Their group could only shrink into a corner by themselves.
Even their seating arrangement at the banquet was designated at the very back corner.
It was a corner where even the light barely reached.
Father Ming's expression was grim as he watched the backs of the attendants who had led them to their seats depart. His hand, resting on the table, clenched into a fist.
He, the chairman of Ming Corporation,
was assigned such a position.
How much did they look down on him?
How much did they disdain him?
If this continued,
how would Ming Zhirou be noticed by the eldest young master Shang?
There were even people around them casting strange glances at them.
They would look once and then avert their gaze, feeling incredibly unlucky.
As if mocking them.
Father Ming grew even angrier.
"Father, it's alright. Once the eldest young master Shang arrives, we'll find a way," Ming Tingxu said in a low voice, appeasing his father.
Then, his gaze, cold and stern, shifted to Ming Zhirou, "Rourou, the survival of our Ming family rests in your hands. From now on… everything depends on you, understand?"
Ming Zhirou's eyes flickered, and she nodded obediently, "I understand, Big Brother."
She understood.
How selfish and self-serving the Ming family members were.
Therefore, once she met the eldest young master Shang,
she would make him her devoted follower!
Just thinking about how the eldest son of the wealthiest man in Xia Country used to follow her around the academy, fawning over her and trying to please her,
further boosted her confidence.
Just as Ming Zhirou's confidence soared,
she heard her brother sitting beside her suddenly stand up.
Everyone's eyes turned towards the distance ahead.
Ming Zhirou looked up.
She saw the girl in the gradient purple evening gown, holding a plate of pastries, walking beside someone and heading towards the banquet seating.