Jiang Youli's words left the distinguished guests present in astonishment.
"She speaks with such confidence—I almost believe her."
"Honestly, she's quite different from what I initially imagined. This is getting more and more interesting."
Jiang Youli's declaration was delivered with such self-assurance that Jiang Yonghe, who had once been bested by her, couldn't help but feel uneasy. She instinctively glanced at Jiang Zhao.
After learning which evening gown Zhang Susu had chosen for Jiang Youli, Jiang Yonghe had deliberately mentioned in front of Jiang Zhao how much she adored that particular gown—only to lament that it had already been claimed by Jiang Youli. Immediately, Jiang Zhao had volunteered to snatch it back for her.
Jiang Zhao had personally handled the negotiations for the gown, and Jiang Yonghe hadn’t been involved in the process at all. If any evidence had been left behind, the fault would lie solely with Jiang Zhao.
For a fleeting moment, Jiang Zhao felt a pang of guilt. But he refused to believe that his agent, Sister Kitty, would deceive him with a counterfeit gown. His confidence quickly returned. "Fine, Jiang Youli. Prove to us that the gown you're wearing is the genuine one, and show us the evidence that we deliberately tried to humiliate you!"
The guests eagerly awaited the unfolding drama.
No—to be precise, most were anticipating Jiang Youli's downfall, while a select few were curious to see how she would retaliate.
"I will prove it," Jiang Youli said calmly, avoiding Jiang Zhao’s provocation for the moment. Instead, she turned to Old Master Qi and suggested, "Let’s first invite Old Master Qi and his family to take their seats."
Old Master Jiang snapped out of his daze. "Ah, yes! How careless of me."
Jiang Yehan respectfully gestured, "Old Master Qi, please, this way."
Old Master Qi nodded. Though their interactions had been few, he had gained some understanding of Jiang Youli—enough to see why his most esteemed grandson held her in such high regard.
Calm under pressure, methodical, unhurried.
Such composure was rare, especially for a woman who had come from the countryside.
Once arrangements were settled, Jiang Zhao couldn’t resist pressing further. "Jiang Youli, stop wasting time."
Now, he was convinced that her earlier words had been nothing but a bluff.
Ignoring him, Jiang Youli instructed the chief steward standing beside Old Master Jiang, "Please have all the lights in the venue turned off later."
The request was abrupt and carried some risk, so the steward glanced at Old Master Jiang for approval.
Jiang Zhao scoffed impatiently. "Jiang Youli, what kind of trick are you playing now?"
With a sigh, Jiang Youli replied, "Jiang Zhao, could you please keep quiet? As a young master of the Jiang family, making such a scene in front of everyone is hardly becoming."
Jiang Zhao: "..."
Noticing the stares from the crowd, he realized he had been too rash and fell silent with a cold huff.
Qin Yulian glared venomously at Jiang Youli and muttered under her breath, "That wild girl—always so skilled at turning the tables!"
Old Master Jiang observed Old Master Qi’s gaze lingering on his granddaughter, admiration evident in his eyes. It was clear—Jiang Youli had caught the old man’s favor.
Nodding, Old Master Jiang instructed the steward, "Proceed as my granddaughter requested."
The steward acknowledged the order.
Jiang Youli addressed the guests. "I’m sure everyone is curious—between Jiang Yonghe and myself, who is wearing the genuine gown and who the counterfeit? If you’ll allow me, I’ll have all the lights turned off for one minute. Rest assured, your safety will not be compromised."
After some murmurs, the guests gradually voiced their agreement.
After all, they couldn’t miss the climax of this spectacle!
"Fine!"
Meanwhile, Jiang Yonghe’s close friends among the young socialites and heirs quickly reassured her:
"She’s clearly stalling because she’s run out of ideas."
"Who knows what kind of theatrics she’s planning?"
"Yonghe, don’t let her intimidate you. That gown of hers is definitely fake!"
Jiang Zhao lifted his chin proudly. "Of course! I personally secured this gown for Yonghe—how could it possibly be counterfeit?"
Reassured, Jiang Yonghe put on a show of reluctance. "Perhaps we should just drop this. Tonight is, after all, Jiang Youli’s welcome banquet. It was my mistake to wear the same gown. I’ll go change."
Jiang Youli smiled. "No need. Since you deliberately wore this gown to embarrass me, why pretend to back out now?"
Jiang Yonghe feigned innocence. "Jiang Youli, I truly didn’t mean it that way."
Ignoring her act, Jiang Youli signaled the steward to cut the lights.
In an instant, the opulent venue plunged into darkness.
Except for one spot—where Jiang Youli stood.
A soft glow emanated from her, radiant in the darkness like a lone firework blooming in the night sky, captivating every gaze.
The light wasn’t harsh but gentle, casting her features in an ethereal glow.
Earlier, under bright lighting, her sun-kissed complexion had led some to dismiss her as a country girl.
But now, bathed in this delicate luminescence, her striking features stood out, harmonizing flawlessly with her gown—an indescribable beauty.
"Stunning! She’s like a spirit of the night!"
"How could I have been so blind before? Her hidden allure is breathtaking—I’m utterly enchanted!"
"With such an exquisite design, who dares claim her gown isn’t the real one?"
Amid the chorus of admiration from the young heirs, Qi Huan merely smiled faintly in the dark.
He had always known Jiang Youli’s brilliance would shine through.
His role wasn’t to envy but to grow stronger—to stand unshaken as her one and only.
Suddenly—
The lights flickered back on. The guests blinked, reluctant for the moment to end.
That minute had passed far too quickly!
They hadn’t had their fill of marveling at her!
Now, all eyes were fixed on Jiang Youli. No one noticed Jiang Yonghe’s ashen expression—or the venom in her eyes, barely concealed.
Her fingers clenched, her gaze burning with malice toward Jiang Youli.
As the young socialites regained their composure, whispers broke out:
"Does this mean her gown really is the authentic one?"
"It must be! Why else would it glow in the dark? Jiang Yonghe’s didn’t react at all!"
"I’ve also noticed the new evening gown by Master Banlan, but I never knew about these hidden details!"
Faced with such exclamations, Jiang Youli’s expression remained utterly unreadable.
To her, this was no occasion for pride—why should she gloat?
Her gaze shifted to Jiang Zhao, who was still frozen in shock. "Jiang Zhao, do you see it now? What I’m wearing is the authentic piece. Jiang Yonghe’s dress is just a replica."
