Qin Yulian feigned fear as she took a step back, her face a picture of confusion. "Sister-in-law, you look terrifying. What do you mean by 'on purpose'? I don’t understand what you’re saying."
Zhang Susu snapped, "How could you be so cruel, wanting to humiliate Youli in front of all these prestigious families? No matter what, she’s still your own daughter!"
She nearly spat out the words "your own daughter" with barely restrained fury.
Hearing this, Qin Yulian dropped the act and scoffed disdainfully. "My own daughter? From the moment she signed the severance agreement, she stopped being my daughter! She’s yours and Elder Brother’s responsibility now. You’d better keep her in line—don’t let her embarrass the Jiang Family the moment she returns. Otherwise, even Grandpa might not tolerate her presence much longer."
With that, she smugly returned to her husband, Jiang Yangxu’s side.
Zhang Susu felt as if her strength had drained away. Clutching her husband Jiang Yehan’s arm, she whispered urgently, "I’ll go find Youli and make her change out of that evening gown…"
There was still time!
As long as they avoided a wardrobe clash, they could prevent the scandal of a counterfeit dress from erupting.
Jiang Yehan grasped her hand and nodded. "Go. I’ll handle things here."
Zhang Susu exchanged polite pleasantries with passing guests as she hurried toward the eastern villa, pulling out her phone to dial Jiang Youli’s number.
…
In the opulent banquet hall, young socialites and heirs flocked around Jiang Yonghe the moment she appeared, showering her with praise.
"Wow, Yonghe, you look absolutely stunning tonight! Even as a woman, I’m completely mesmerized."
"I’ve been eyeing that gown for ages but could never get my hands on it. So you were the one who snatched it up!"
"Then again, only someone as gorgeous as Yonghe could pull it off so flawlessly."
Jiang Yonghe’s lips curled in satisfaction at their fawning.
This was how it always was—wherever she went, she stole the spotlight.
Tonight would be no exception, even if it was supposed to be Jiang Youli’s homecoming banquet. The star of the evening would still be her!
And as luck would have it, Jiang Youli would be wearing the exact same dress.
They say comparison is the thief of joy—but in this case, it would be the thief of dignity.
Because the real humiliation wouldn’t just be about who wore it better.
It would be about who wore the knockoff.
What could be more mortifying than the Jiang Family’s true heiress showing up to her own debut in a counterfeit gown?
"By the way, Yonghe, we heard your cousin is… well, plain-looking compared to you. Is that true?" The crowd of socialites and heirs buzzed with curiosity.
Jiang Yonghe smiled demurely. "Well, Youli-jie did grow up in the countryside, so her skin is a bit sun-darkened. But she’s still quite… presentable."
"If even you’re being this diplomatic, she must really be underwhelming."
Jiang Zhao, standing nearby, didn’t mince words. "Exactly. She’s just some country bumpkin with average looks—nowhere near as refined as our Yonghe."
The heirs and socialites exchanged knowing glances. "What can you expect from someone raised in the sticks? She probably doesn’t even know basic etiquette. And yet they’re throwing this lavish banquet for her? How embarrassing."
"Talk about overcompensating. Poor people who strike it rich always go overboard trying to prove they’ve ‘made it.’"
"Classic nouveau riche mentality."
"Well, at least she’s got the Jiang name now. Even if she’s mediocre, she’ll still land a wealthy husband."
Jiang Yonghe sipped her wine, smiling faintly as she let the gossip swirl around her.
"Why hasn’t she shown up yet?"
"Does she really think she’s some A-lister, making all of us wait?"
Jiang Yonghe chuckled. "Well, she is the guest of honor. It’s only fitting she makes a grand entrance once everyone’s arrived."
"Speaking of which, who’s still missing?"
Jiang Yonghe scanned the room. "The Qi Family hasn’t arrived yet. Neither have the Duan Family."
The Qi Family was Jing City’s most prominent dynasty, and the Duan Family held nearly equal prestige—both were the most distinguished names in attendance tonight.
At the mention of the Qi Family, the crowd’s gossip flared anew.
"Yonghe, is it true that the Qi Family’s eldest son, Qi Huan, is really paralyzed from the waist down?"
"And that he’s… infertile?"
Jiang Zhao stepped in before Jiang Yonghe could answer. "Qi Huan’s legs are indeed useless now. As for the other rumor—who knows?"
"But then… Yonghe, what about your arranged marriage with him?"
Jiang Zhao smirked. "That engagement’s been called off. Our newly returned cousin volunteered to marry Qi Huan instead."
He deliberately emphasized the word cousin.
The crowd erupted in laughter. "Well, with her looks, she’s lucky to land anyone from the Qi Family."
Just then—
A commotion erupted at the entrance.
The Qi Family had arrived.
Every guest turned to look.
"No way—even Grandpa Qi came in person?"
"Must be here to inspect his future granddaughter-in-law."
"Imagine his face when he sees how much she pales next to Yonghe."
"Qi Huan’s still ridiculously handsome, though."
"Such a waste, those legs of his…"
The socialites sighed as Qi Huan was wheeled in by his assistant. He sat composed in his wheelchair, his expression unreadable, his striking features almost otherworldly.
Their faces flickered between awe and pity, while most of the male heirs barely hid their schadenfreude.
In the past, Qi Huan would’ve effortlessly outshone them all.
Now? He was literally beneath them.
"Funny how Qi Yue, Qi Huan’s younger brother, doesn’t hold a candle to him in the looks department."
"Yeah, it’s almost unfair."
The whispers reached both Qi brothers.
Qi Huan’s smile didn’t waver as his gaze swept the room.
Not spotting Jiang Youli, he withdrew his attention, ignoring Jiang Yonghe’s attempt to greet him.
Jiang Yonghe’s hand froze mid-wave, her face flushing with humiliation.
Back when Qi Huan was still the Qi Family’s golden boy—Jing City’s untouchable business prodigy—his aloofness had been bearable. But now? What right did a cripple have to look down on her?
Nearby, Qi Yue clenched his fists.
Nothing infuriated him more than being compared unfavorably to his brother.
He memorized the face of the woman who’d spoken.
Once he inherited the Qi Family, she’d be the first to pay.
Upon seeing Grandpa Qi, Jiang Yangxu and Qin Yulian immediately stepped forward ahead of Jiang Yehan to greet him warmly, saying, "We didn’t expect you to come, Grandpa Qi."
Grandpa Qi nodded. "I’m here to see the girl my grandson has set his heart on."
As he spoke, he glanced briefly at Jiang Yonghe, who stood at the center of attention not far away, then looked back. "Has she not arrived yet?"
Jiang Yangxu sighed helplessly. "No, Youli has always been like this. Ever since she returned, she’s had no sense of propriety. I thought my elder brother and his wife would have disciplined her properly by now."
