Gong Zhijing’s expression remained calm as she courteously invited the guests to be seated.
Her composed demeanor brought a sigh of relief to Xia Wanfu, who then walked over, linking arms with Han Wenjuan.
At this moment, Zhu Yunfei emerged from the kitchen, a polite smile gracing her lips, her tone exceptionally warm.
“Ah, you’re here. We were just waiting for you.”
She then turned her gaze to Han Wenjuan, her voice filled with gratitude.
“You’re the one who saved my old lady, right? Thank you so much. If it weren’t for you, my old lady…”
Zhu Yunfei’s voice choked up at the end. She lowered her head, wiping her eyes, and when she looked up again, her smile had returned.
“Please, sit down. We invited you here today specifically to thank you!”
Han Wenjuan felt incredibly flattered, and Zhu Yunfei’s warmth made her somewhat uneasy.
Rumors circulated that Gong Zhijing’s in-laws treated her like their own daughter.
She hadn't treated Gong Zhijing well in the past, so why was Gong Zhijing's mother-in-law being so nice to her?
She had seen all the online comments.
Were the Ling family members not as clever as those netizens?
That was impossible. If the Ling family had been cold towards her, she would have felt better. But this attitude made her shiver.
Before coming, she had confidently expected to receive a million yuan bounty. Now, she was afraid of being tricked by the Ling family.
It was said that none of the Ling family members were simple. She wasn't arrogant enough to believe she was smarter or more capable than them.
Zhu Yunfei didn't miss the nervousness and unease on Han Wenjuan’s face. A hint of something unreadable flashed in her eyes, but it was quickly masked by a smile.
“I’ll have someone bring out some fresh tea and snacks,” she said, turning to attend to other matters.
As soon as she left, the living room fell silent. No one spoke, and in this moment, everyone held their breath.
Sensing the subtle atmosphere, Han Wenjuan didn't dare to breathe too deeply. She now regretted coming here.
She didn't dare offend anyone present, not even Wen Xuanyuan, who was considered the least significant, was someone she could afford to provoke.
Even though she had saved someone, she still felt like nothing.
“Aunt Han, thank you for saving my grandmother.”
Gong Zhijing said this with utmost sincerity. She couldn't bring herself to call her 'Mom.'
But her gratitude at this moment was genuine.
She held grudges, but she also remembered kindness.
Han Wenjuan had indeed saved her grandmother, which in turn saved her.
If her grandmother had truly met with misfortune, she would never have been able to proceed with the wedding peacefully, and she would have lived with guilt forever.
Although Xia Linfeng and his wife hadn't treated her well since childhood, they hadn't abandoned her, starved her, or left her to endure the elements.
Even though everything the Xia family had was thanks to her father.
Life spans only a few decades. Aside from deep-seated hatred, there was no need to perpetually entangle oneself in grievances.
Everything had passed, and the lessons for past mistakes had been learned.
If possible, she still hoped to have no ill feelings between herself and Han Wenjuan.
Hearing Gong Zhijing’s voice, Han Wenjuan immediately looked up at her.
In fact, this was the first time she had spoken so calmly with Gong Zhijing after all that had happened.
Her heart felt like a jumble of emotions, incredibly complex.
Moreover, Gong Zhijing’s calm tone made her unaccustomed to the situation, and she didn’t know how to respond for a moment.
Seeing her dazed, Xia Wanfu nudged her arm, reminding her to snap out of it.
At this moment, everyone’s gaze was fixed on Han Wenjuan.
Han Wenjuan was slow to react, but she had to, so her expression was peculiar, neither crying nor smiling.
“You don’t need to thank me…”
Gong Zhijing maintained her smile. However, the sudden calm interaction made her feel unaccustomed.
Ever since she could remember, she and Han Wenjuan had never had a proper conversation. It was always a cold stare or an argument, a mutual dislike.
Unless Han Wenjuan had a purpose for seeking her out, she would change her demeanor; otherwise, it was mostly eye-rolls.
Neither of them was used to this way of interacting, so they both felt a bit awkward and unsure of what to say.
At this point, Han Wenjuan had no intention of resenting Gong Zhijing.
With so many influential figures sitting before her, it would be absurd for her to act presumptuous.
Just Ling Yuchen alone could scare her to death.
She no longer cared about the bounty; all she wanted was to leave the Ling family alive.
Both Zhu Yunfei and Gong Zhijing’s attitudes terrified her.
She had been too arrogant before coming. If they had treated her coldly, she would have found it normal.
But their warmth and politeness were so overwhelming they almost scared her to death, making her feel as though they were smiling with daggers hidden beneath.
Fortunately, this awkward silence didn't last long before Zhu Yunfei returned with several housekeepers.
The housekeepers brought in fresh tea and pastries. The tea was of the highest quality, indicating a reception for distinguished guests.
This treatment further flattered Han Wenjuan, making her feel overwhelmed.
Zhu Yunfei personally served a cup of hot tea to Han Wenjuan.
“Great kindness requires no words. This fine tea is perfect for our esteemed guest.”
Han Wenjuan dared not look at Zhu Yunfei. Although Zhu Yunfei was dressed simply, her years of experience in high society had endowed her with an extraordinary aura.
She exuded a natural nobility from within, possessing the demeanor of a true lady.
This was unlike herself, who relied on branded clothing to project an image, making her feel ashamed and lacking the courage to meet Zhu Yunfei’s gaze.
Now, with Zhu Yunfei personally serving her tea, she felt even more uneasy and afraid.
Overwhelmed, she stood up abruptly, her voice growing weaker.
“Thank you.”
After speaking, she accepted the teacup, her hands trembling.
Zhu Yunfei smiled even more warmly and said gently, “Please, sit down, sit down. Why are you standing? You are our most honored guest today!”
This action further bewildered Han Wenjuan.
Imagine someone who was practically an enemy suddenly adopting such a welcoming attitude, smiling warmly – wouldn’t that be unsettling?
Han Wenjuan’s composure was slowly shattering, but she couldn't erupt.
It felt like being swaddled in cotton; though surrounded, she was powerless. Her attempts to lash out were like striking cotton, ineffective and lacking force.
Xia Wanfu shared the same sentiment.
After all, Zhu Yunfei and Gong Zhijing were being too warm. Given the things her mother had done, being treated coldly would have been the appropriate response.
Even though she had saved someone, even Xia Wanfu could see an ulterior motive, so how could others not?
“This time, we are greatly indebted to you for saving my wife. Thank you.” Elder Master Ling said in a placid tone.
His heart was filled with conflicting emotions.
He acknowledged the debt of saving a life and felt he should be grateful, but it was impossible for him to completely overlook past grievances.
He hadn’t experienced the events before Gong Zhijing was with Ling Yuchen, but he had witnessed the online harassment firsthand.
His wife was very important, and his granddaughter-in-law was, naturally, also very important.