She walked out of the room, gently closing the door. Turning her head, she saw Father Shen looking at her with a smile and gentle eyes.
Even after so many years together, Mother Shen couldn't help but blush. "What are you doing? Why aren't you going in?"
Father Shen chuckled, "You and your daughter were having a private chat, why would I go in?"
She felt a sweetness bloom in her heart from his consistent thoughtfulness over the years. Walking over, she linked her arm with his. "Darling, thank you for throwing such a grand birthday banquet for me."
"Wife, you've been married into our Shen family for so many years, diligently managing the household without complaint. You rarely go out and have fun. Taking advantage of this opportunity, I want others to see what a virtuous wife I've married." His words were filled with pride; being able to marry her was his fortune.
The two walked downstairs hand in hand. "Let me check again to see if anything is missing?"
Father Shen stopped her, pressing his hand down. "Don't bother, I've already checked everything for you. Hurry and rest. Once the guests arrive, you, the birthday star, won't have a moment to spare."
Mother Shen smiled. "Alright, I'll listen to you."
Soon, guests began to arrive in small groups. Luxurious sports cars filled the Shen family's driveway.
It was a birthday banquet, but also a social gathering. Everyone wore polite smiles, mingling and conversing.
Ji Zhixiu and Jiang Mian arrived right on time. Xiang Long parked the car at the entrance. Ji Zhixiu opened his door first, then walked over to open the car door for Jiang Mian.
Jiang Mian looked up, a smile playing on her lips. She gracefully alighted and linked her arm with his. At 1.68 meters tall, she appeared delicate and petite beside Ji Zhixiu.
Led by a waiter, the couple slowly entered the living room.
The center of the villa's living room had been transformed into a buffet, with Chinese cuisine on one side and Western on the other. Jiang Mian subtly observed for a moment before looking away.
Mother Shen's eyes immediately fell on Ji Zhixiu. The man seemed to effortlessly command everyone's attention just by standing there.
The pink suit he wore, something she'd never seen him in before, looked perfectly natural on him, as if he were a born mannequin. Flawless. A hint of aloofness on his face seemed to ward off any overtures from those around him.
And the young woman linked on his arm... Mother Shen's heart sank.
Upon arriving, it was customary to greet the hosts. Ji Zhixiu led Jiang Mian directly towards Father and Mother Shen.
"Uncle and Aunt, good evening. Wishing Aunt a happy birthday." His greeting was a simple, unembellished birthday wish.
Jiang Mian dutifully presented the birthday gift she had prepared.
Father Shen laughed heartily. "Zhixiu, it's been a while. Ever since you took over Ji Corporation, you've become even busier."
Ji Zhixiu's expression remained impassive. "There's just too much to handle."
"You're too humble."
Father Shen was about to say more when an old friend approached him for a chat.
Ji Zhixiu had no intention of prolonging the conversation. Father Shen quickly patted his shoulder. "I'm very grateful you could come to celebrate your aunt's birthday. Enjoy yourself later. I'll have Tingyu come down to accompany you. This girl, knowing you were coming, is still upstairs fussing with her makeup."
Mother Shen smiled. "I've already asked a servant to call her. She then said to Father Shen, "You should go and attend to the guests quickly."
Ji Zhixiu nodded slightly, neither agreeing nor refusing.
Mother Shen looked at Jiang Mian and asked, "Zhixiu, may I ask who this young lady is?"
"A companion."
Mother Shen didn't pry further, but she knew it was unlikely to be just a companion.
She smiled softly. "Then please take her to have something to eat. When Tingyu comes down, I'll have her find you."
"Thank you, Aunt."
Ji Zhixiu knew Jiang Mian liked small cakes, and the Shen family had a chef who made excellent desserts. Shen Muyuan had mentioned it before.
Just as he was about to lead Jiang Mian away, he was stopped.
Jiang Mian recognized the man as a titan of the finance industry, likely a business partner of Ji Zhixiu. Not wanting to interrupt, she whispered to him, "You talk. I'll go wander around by myself."
Ji Zhixiu tilted his head slightly. "Their desserts are good. Go try some."
"Okay."
Upon hearing that Ji Zhixiu had brought a female companion, Shen Tingyu knew it had to be Jiang Mian. She narrowed her eyes slightly, her lips curling into a subtle arc, her gaze filled with melancholy.
She put on her last earring and went downstairs.
As Jiang Mian was about to take the last piece of mousse, a faint shadow fell before her. She looked up in surprise, then saw Shen Tingyu.
Shen Tingyu wore a taro-purple long dress today, her hair cascading over her shoulders. Her makeup was light, and the curve of her lips now seemed to hold a mocking air.
Jiang Mian's face contorted with reluctant longing. "You want it too?"
She wasn't going to give it to her.
The next second, to Shen Tingyu's stunned gaze, she devoured the entire mousse.
Though she tried to restrain herself, her words couldn't hide her sting. "It's like you've never eaten before."
Jiang Mian replied innocently, "Ah Xiu recommended it."
How to make an enemy's composure crumble with a single sentence.
As expected, Shen Tingyu's expression turned sour.
She grabbed Jiang Mian's wrist and pulled her outside. Jiang Mian quickly put down the tray and followed her.
Jiang Mian thought that it was the hostess's mother's birthday banquet today, and being pulled around like this wasn't a good look. So, she simply went with her.
Shen Tingyu dragged Jiang Mian to the back garden before letting go.
Her strength was considerable. Jiang Mian sighed, rubbing her wrist.
Shen Tingyu's gaze, sharp as a knife, swept over Jiang Mian. "Jiang Mian, is it very satisfying to steal someone else's man?"
They were outside, and there was no one else around. Jiang Mian dropped her pretense. She pulled at the corner of her mouth, her eyes darkening, and sneered, "Who stole whose man? As far as I know, you and Ji Zhixiu broke up long ago. On what grounds are you pointing fingers?"
"So what if we broke up? It was just a forced breakup because I had to go abroad. As soon as I return, he'll come back to me. Besides, he loves me. Don't you believe me? Look."
Shen Tingyu lifted her wrist, and the bracelet she wore flashed before Jiang Mian's eyes. Even though it was only for a few seconds, Jiang Mian saw it clearly. It was a Paraíba bracelet that she also owned.
She had been wearing it all the time, but later, when she started filming and it became inconvenient, she put it away in a drawer of her dressing table.
Ji Zhixiu had said that this bracelet was his own design, unique in the world. So, what was Shen Tingyu's bracelet?
Shen Tingyu was pleased with Jiang Mian's appearance of being utterly dejected. She smirked mockingly. "This is his own design. There's only one, and he gave it to me. So, do you understand your place now?"
Jiang Mian's heart indeed fluttered for a moment. She stared blankly for a while, then suddenly laughed. "When couples are dating, it's normal to give their girlfriend gifts, isn't it? What does that prove?"
"Besides, you don't have a chance anymore." Jiang Mian tilted her head, her smile radiant.
"What do you mean?"
Jiang Mian suddenly didn't want to hide it anymore. Under the light, her eyes beneath her lashes sparkled like stars. She slowly revealed a cruel truth to Shen Tingyu. "But, he's my husband."
Shen Tingyu felt as if she had been struck by lightning, even questioning if her ears were playing tricks on her. She understood the meaning of such words perfectly. No wonder Jiang Mian lived in his villa, no wonder Ji Zhixiu took Jiang Mian everywhere.
So, during the three years she was away, this man had already secretly married someone without anyone knowing!
Looking at the woman's smug face, Shen Tingyu's expression flickered between anger and disbelief. She wished she could find the man right now and demand an explanation.
"So what? You can get divorced after getting married..."
Jiang Mian nodded. "You're right. So, what are you then?"
As the two stood in confrontation, the sound of a dry twig being stepped on suddenly rang out. Both turned to see a figure emerge from the shadows. The young man had a clear, handsome face, a smile on his lips, and his hands raised. "Excuse me, I was just passing by. Please continue."
Shen Tingyu felt a pang of embarrassment at being discovered. This news sent her plunging into an abyss. Ignoring Jiang Mian, she turned and walked back.
To the point where she, usually sharp-witted, didn't notice that this man wasn't wearing formal attire and didn't look like he was attending a banquet, and shouldn't have been there.
"Hey, she's gone. Aren't you leaving?" Ye Yi called out.
Jiang Mian raised an eyebrow and looked the man up and down from head to toe. "Why aren't you leaving?"
Ye Yi felt a bit uncomfortable under her gaze. He retorted, "Why should I leave?"
"Because you snuck in." Jiang Mian said with a smile, exposing him. "If security catches you, you'll end up in the police station."
Ye Yi was surprised she'd seen through him and mumbled, "Is it that obvious?"
"If I get caught, can a pretty older sister bail me out?"
"No," Jiang Mian flatly refused. Her relationship with the Shen family was destined to be difficult. If she went to pick him up, she might be suspected of sending him.
"You're so heartless." He feigned hurt and asked gossipy, "Hey, was she trying to steal your husband?"
Jiang Mian glanced at him. "Children shouldn't ask so many questions."
"Do I look that young? I'm an adult, okay? Sister, have you been cheated on?"
"Sister, frogs are hard to find, but aren't men with two legs easy to find? If it doesn't work out, you should just change this one."
"Sister, who is your husband? Tell me, I'll beat him up for you."
Jiang Mian's mood had already plummeted to rock bottom. She had only been pretending to be indifferent in front of Shen Tingyu just now. Now, the buzzing in her ears was as annoying as a fly.
"Shut up!" she said coldly. "If you keep talking, I'll call someone to arrest you."
Ye Yi immediately fell silent.
After a few seconds, Ye Yi cautiously said, "Sister, don't be angry."
His eyes were clear, like those of an innocent little animal.
Jiang Mian paused. "I'm not angry."
"Don't eavesdrop on other people's conversations next time."
Ye Yi made a zipping motion with his hand. "Don't worry, I didn't hear anything."
"Hurry and go. If you don't leave soon, you might really be seen." Jiang Mian reminded him, then turned to walk back.
Ye Yi was left standing alone.
After she was gone, the innocence on Ye Yi's face faded. A playful smile appeared beneath his long lashes, and in this guise, he looked even a bit familiar.
"Heh, still a stubborn but soft-hearted little kitten..."
A gust of wind blew, and nothing could be heard.