Jiang Yehan, who had been walking behind them, appeared calm on the surface, but his voice was unusually firm and resolute. "Second Brother, you yourself just said that Youli has only just returned. As her uncle, how much do you really know about her to go around telling people she lacks manners?"
"If you’ve never spent a single day teaching her, then don’t presume to judge her." These last words were practically an accusation directed at Jiang Yangxu.
Qin Yulian, standing nearby, couldn’t hide her displeasure. "Elder Brother, that’s hardly fair. It’s precisely because of your indulgent attitude that Youli has grown so bold and unruly. All the guests have arrived, yet she’s still nowhere to be seen—utterly lacking in decorum."
She knew exactly why Jiang Youli hadn’t arrived yet.
Zhang Susu must have informed her to change out of the evening gown she had prepared earlier.
But evening gowns of this caliber were custom-made, with intricate details that made them impossible to put on or take off without assistance.
The back-and-forth of changing would undoubtedly take a considerable amount of time.
Heh. The guests at this homecoming banquet were all distinguished elites from Jing City’s high society. Making them wait would inevitably stir dissatisfaction.
Old Master Jiang would surely feel humiliated and grow displeased with Jiang Youli.
Alternatively, if Jiang Youli rushed over without changing, she’d end up wearing the same gown as Jiang Yonghe—making it painfully obvious who was the Snow White and who was the ugly duckling.
Either way, Jiang Youli’s homecoming banquet would begin with her disgracing the Jiang Family’s reputation!
Though Old Master Qi’s expression remained unchanged, he cast a meaningful glance at his grandson, Qi Huan.
Qi Huan, however, remained perfectly composed. He knew something must have delayed Jiang Youli—she wouldn’t carelessly give others a reason to criticize her.
No matter what emergency had arisen, he was confident she’d find a way to handle it.
"Uncle, Aunt, I was merely delayed by some matters and arrived a little late. Yet you chose to badmouth me in front of my fiancé’s family and so many esteemed guests—doesn’t that seem rather unseemly?"
"Your behavior makes you look no better than those gossipy busybodies who love spreading rumors behind others’ backs. Hardly a shining example of good upbringing."
Hearing this bold, confident voice, Qi Huan, seated in his wheelchair, signaled Cheng Jing to turn it toward the banquet hall entrance.
Nearly everyone present followed suit, their gazes shifting outward.
Under the stunned eyes of the crowd, Jiang Youli entered the banquet hall, her hand resting lightly on Old Master Jiang’s arm.
Instantly, the room buzzed with murmurs.
"What’s going on? Her evening gown is identical to Jiang Yonghe’s!"
"As far as I know, this gown is a one-of-a-kind piece from the latest collection of the international design master, Lan Ban. So one of them must be wearing a knockoff."
"Heavens, wearing a fake to an event like this? Is she insane?"
Indeed, Jiang Youli’s gown was an exact match to Jiang Yonghe’s.
Jiang Yehan’s eyes darted to Zhang Susu, who stood beside Jiang Youli.
Knowing her husband must be brimming with questions and concern, Zhang Susu quickly stepped to his side, her expression calm and composed, no trace of her earlier anxiety.
"What’s happening? Youli must have known her gown was tampered with. Why would she still wear it and subject herself to public scrutiny?" Jiang Yehan asked, his face tense with worry.
Zhang Susu whispered, "Don’t worry. Just watch how Youli handles it."
Though still puzzled, Jiang Yehan relaxed slightly at his wife’s demeanor. Clearly, Youli had devised a solution.
Qin Yulian, having been publicly rebuked by Jiang Youli, flushed with humiliation. "What could possibly have delayed you? We’ve been working tirelessly to prepare this banquet for you!"
Jiang Youli replied coolly, "Grandfather suffered a sudden headache on the way here. I happened to pass by, so I treated him with acupuncture and stayed with him until he felt better. Yet here you are, scolding me for lacking manners without even knowing the reason. Aunt, your scheming is so transparent—it’s almost as if you’re trying to humiliate our family in public." She then turned to Old Master Jiang. "Grandfather, is your head feeling better now?"
Old Master Jiang nodded cheerfully. "Much better."
Who would have thought his granddaughter’s medical skills were so exceptional?
He’d initially been skeptical when she confidently claimed her talents—like medicine—were things people would beg her for. But when his chronic headache flared up earlier, her acupuncture had relieved it in moments.
Old Master Qi now spoke up. "Master Jiang, it seems your granddaughter’s medical prowess is truly remarkable."
Old Master Jiang, beaming with pride, replied, "Indeed. I’m just as surprised. This headache has plagued me for years, yet today I feel clearer than ever."
"Speaking of which, my health has also been poor. Last time my condition worsened, my grandson Qi Huan went to great lengths to bid on a rare medicinal herb at an auction, spending a fortune just to ease my suffering."
"From now on, let my granddaughter examine you whenever she has time. After all, we’ll soon be family."
As the two elders conversed, Jiang Youli glanced at Qi Huan. Meeting his deep gaze, she playfully winked.
Qi Huan’s lips curved faintly in response, his usually indifferent eyes softening with warmth.
This exchange didn’t escape Jiang Yonghe, who had been watching Jiang Youli closely. Her resentment swelled, mixed with confusion.
Had Jiang Youli and Qi Huan already met?
Why were they exchanging such intimate glances?
Qi Huan had always been politely distant with her—so why was he now gazing at this wild woman with such tenderness?
Jiang Youli turned back to Qin Yulian. "My delay was due to Grandfather’s condition. Do you still have anything to say, Aunt?"
Qin Yulian fell silent, frustrated that Jiang Youli had managed to slip past her trap.
Old Master Jiang shot his daughter-in-law a displeased look. "Tonight is Youli’s homecoming banquet. As her aunt, instead of supporting her, you slander her without cause. It’s you who lacks decorum!"
Cornered, Qin Yulian stammered, "Father, I was only worried she’d embarrass the Jiang Family in front of everyone—"
"Enough!" Old Master Jiang cut her off. "The only embarrassment here is you!"
Not daring to provoke him further, Qin Yulian swallowed her anger.
But Jiang Youli wasn’t done. "Grandfather, I think Aunt was hoping I’d make a fool of myself so you’d disapprove of me."
Qin Yulian had intended to drop the matter and shift focus to the gown, but now Jiang Youli was pressing the attack.
Furious, she snapped, "Youli, I am still your elder! How dare you slander me in front of everyone!"
"Auntie, you know very well whether I'm slandering you or not. If you didn’t intend to humiliate me at my homecoming banquet and turn Old Master Jiang against me, why would you arrange for Jiang Yonghe, our Jiang Family’s adopted daughter, to show up tonight wearing the exact same evening gown as me?"
