The banquet hall was brilliantly lit, with dazzling crystal chandeliers resembling stars fallen from the heavens. The layers of crystal pendants refracted the light so brilliantly that, despite the night having long descended, the hall remained as bright as day.
The He Family was the foremost wealthy household in Jing City, and since they were hosting the banquet, the guests naturally arrived early. The hall was already bustling with elegantly dressed attendees weaving through the crowd.
The arrival of the Nan family didn’t draw much attention. The patriarch, Nan Zhenming, warmly led the way, exchanging toasts and pleasantries.
Wen Meiling, meanwhile, struck up a conversation with Mrs. Chen and a few others. The Nan and Chen families were already bound by an engagement, so they were naturally familiar.
"Is this the eldest daughter you just found?" Mrs. Chen asked, eyeing Sang Ning.
Wen Meiling smiled and nodded. "Yes, we only brought her home a few days ago. Today, we thought we’d introduce her to everyone."
She turned to Sang Ning. "Sang Ning, this is Mrs. Chen."
Sang Ning gave a slight nod. "Mrs. Chen."
Mrs. Chen studied Sang Ning with some surprise. She had heard from Siya that the Nan family’s long-lost eldest daughter had been raised in the countryside, so she’d expected someone unsophisticated. Yet, the girl carried herself with unexpected grace.
"Zhihan, why don’t you show Sang Ning around? Let her meet a few people," Mrs. Chen suggested, ever the proper hostess.
Chen Zhihan, her daughter, glanced at Sang Ning and offered a polite but distant smile. "Come along."
Wen Meiling patted Sang Ning’s hand. "Stay with Zhihan. Don’t wander off, and mind your words."
Her worry was evident.
Sang Ning nodded. "Understood, Mom."
Then she followed Chen Zhihan.
"She’s quite a pretty girl," Mrs. Chen remarked politely before turning back to Wen Meiling. "She’s the same age as Siya, isn’t she? What are your plans for her?"
Wen Meiling stiffened slightly. Though they were the same age, Siya was about to graduate from university and was already preparing for an internship at the company. Sang Ning, on the other hand, had only completed high school in the countryside. As for her future—Wen Meiling had no idea.
She forced an awkward smile. "We’ll see. She’s only just returned. There’s no rush."
Mrs. Chen caught the hesitation in Wen Meiling’s voice, and a trace of disdain flickered in her eyes. Siya had been right—this girl was indeed unrefined.
Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Wen Meiling changed the subject. "There are so many people here today. It seems like all of Jing City’s elite have gathered."
"Of course. Whose birthday do you think this is?" Mrs. Chen replied, suddenly animated. "Old Madam He’s celebration is one thing, but I’ve heard she’s also looking to find a match for the youngest He son."
Wen Meiling gasped. "Really?"
He Siyu, the youngest of the He Family, was a notorious figure in Jing City—born into the highest echelons of wealth, unruly, and utterly irreverent, a true troublemaker.
Mrs. Chen lowered her voice. "Old Madam He wants him to settle down. With such a grand occasion and nearly every prominent family in Jing City present, she’s undoubtedly scouting for candidates."
Wen Meiling couldn’t help but glance at Chen Zhiyi, standing beside Mrs. Chen. "In that case, your Zhihan might have a chance."
The Chen Family’s status was slightly higher than the Nans’. The fact that Siya had secured an engagement with Chen Zheng was already considered an upward match—a deal brokered through a joint project where the Nans provided funding and the Chens the resources.
For the Nans to aspire to the He Family was nearly impossible.
With only two adult daughters—Siya already engaged and Sang Ning… well, best not to mention her—their prospects were slim.
Moreover, Mrs. Chen had distant familial ties to the He Family, closer than the Nans’.
And Chen Zhihan was exceptional. It was no surprise Mrs. Chen had such ambitions.
Wen Meiling’s words pleased Mrs. Chen, though she remained modest. "Who are we to dictate whom the He Family chooses as their daughter-in-law? I have no expectations for Zhihan. As long as she marries someone she likes, I’m content."
Wen Meiling glanced at Chen Zhihan, thinking to herself that everyone knew how picky the girl was—few ever met her standards.
With a flattering smile, Wen Meiling said, "Zhihan is outstanding in every way. She could have anyone she wants."
The banquet was now in full swing. Groups of socialites mingled, exchanging pleasantries to the soft melodies of a piano.
Sang Ning trailed behind Chen Zhihan, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. Socializing wasn’t new to her, but the segregation of men and women struck her as odd—though the thought of the civil code’s declaration of gender equality made it less surprising.
Chen Zhihan glanced back, noting Sang Ning’s wandering gaze, and her disdain deepened.
"Is this your first time at such an event? Everyone here is Jing City’s elite. If you don’t know how to behave, it’s best to stay quiet and avoid embarrassing yourself. Remember, you’re not just humiliating yourself—you’re dragging the Nan name through the mud."
Sang Ning looked at her, puzzled. "You sound so familiar with this. Have you made mistakes in such settings before?"
"Of course not!" Chen Zhihan snapped, her voice rising.
Sang Ning smiled. "Good. I was worried for nothing."
Chen Zhihan stiffened, momentarily speechless before hardening her tone. "Worry about yourself!"
Her voice drew a few glances from nearby guests.
Sang Ning merely nodded with a serene smile. Chen Zhihan flushed, suddenly feeling stifled.
Then, a stir rippled through the crowd as attention shifted to the second floor.
Old Madam He had arrived.
Though over seventy, she exuded vitality and warmth. Her silver hair was impeccably coiled and pinned with a jade hairpiece. Dressed in a traditional qipao and an embroidered shawl, she descended the stairs surrounded by attendants.
Chen Zhihan’s eyes lit up as she looked beyond Old Madam He.
A tall figure followed leisurely, hands tucked into his pockets. Despite the conventional black suit, an air of roguish defiance clung to him. His sharp features, framed by unruly bangs, held a bored indifference as he trailed behind.
Sang Ning’s gaze lingered on Old Madam He—the first truly dignified figure she’d seen since arriving, reminding her of her own grandmother.
She lowered her eyes, masking a flicker of melancholy. She missed home.
Old Madam He settled into the carved sandalwood chair at the head of the seating area, and the guests quickly gathered around her.
He Siyu scanned the crowd, his disinterested eyes growing even more impatient. He was ready to leave.
But Old Madam He, as if sensing his thoughts, turned and shot him a warning glare.
He Yunzhou clamped a hand on He Siyu’s shoulder, murmuring in his ear, "Behave. It’s Old Madam’s birthday."
He Siyu slumped into a seat with a lazy grin. "What are you talking about, Brother? I’m the picture of propriety. I’ve turned over a new leaf just for Grandma’s celebration."
He Yunzhou gave him a look but didn’t bother arguing, returning to Old Madam He’s side.
"Old Madam is blessed to have all three grandsons with her today," someone praised.
Old Madam He smiled warmly. "They are quite filial."
He Yunzhou added with a grin, "Father couldn’t make it back due to military affairs, so he asked me to arrange flowers for you, Grandmother—your favorite roses."
Old Madam He’s eyes gleamed with joy as she admired the bouquet, her lips curving into an uncontainable smile. A hint of moisture gathered in her eyes, as if touched by a memory. "Your father is truly thoughtful."
A well-dressed noblewoman chimed in cheerfully, "Old Madam, today is your grand birthday celebration. So many are eager to offer their blessings. You are truly blessed and destined for a long, prosperous life."
"Long life or not, what matters is living a life worth remembering. Though, if I’m honest, the only thing weighing on me now is Siyu. If I could just see him married, I’d have no regrets left."
He Siyu’s eyebrow twitched, and he responded with his usual playful nonchalance, "Grandmother, Yunzhou and my other brother aren’t married either. Why single me out for regret?"
"Because your brothers aren’t nearly as troublesome as you."
"…"
