Chapter 42 - 42: 042 Scenery
“I thought sister-in-law didn’t like Ming Jing? Why did she invite so many people this time?”
Zhu Wenjie looked at the scene in front of her, feeling a little confused. She pointed at a young man who was walking by and said, ‘Who’s that? He’s pretty good-looking.”
Zhou Bao whispered in her ear, “Charles Gao.”
Zhu Wenjie’s eyes widened instantly, “The young master of the Gao family?”
Zhou Bao nodded, “He’s even more handsome than a movie star.’
Zhu Wenjie quickly walked over and said, “Young Master Gao, your appearance lives up to your reputation.”
All her learning was spent on this kind of thing.
Charles Gao furrowed his brows at the middle-aged woman who suddenly appeared in front of him, “And you are?”
Zhu Wenjie hurriedly replied, “I am Ming Jing’s aunt, and this is my daughter, Zhou Bao.”
Zhu Wenjie pulled Zhou Bao over and introduced her straightforwardly.
Upon hearing that she was Ming Jing’s aunt, Charles Gaffs expression softened, and he politely greeted her, “Hello, Auntie Zhu.”
Zhu Wenjie was even more pleased. He was handsome, from a good family, and well-educated- -a rare good match.
Zhu Wenjie secretly pinched Zhou Bao’s hand, causing her pain. Zhou Bao frowned and said, “Why are you pinching me?”
Zhu Wenjie wished she could slap her silly daughter.
Charles Gao could clearly see Zhu Wenjie’s intentions. He smiled and looked at the approaching group of people, stunned for a moment, and then welcomed them with a smile.
“Auntie Lan, you’re here too.”
“Young Master Bai also came to join the fun.” He said, winking at the young man.
Bai Ziyan leaned on Jiang Jinchen’s shoulder, bored, “Why not go for a drink instead? Come on, I’ll treat.’
Charles Gao touched his nose, “I can’t. It would be impolite to leave at the door. After this, I’ll definitely get drunk with Young Master Bai.”
“Fine, Brother Chen, come along.”
Jiang Jinchen furrowed his brows and brushed off Bai Ziyan’s hand on his shoulder, “I don’t drink.”
Bai Ziyan pouted, “Boring.”
Jiang Chunlan laughed as she watched the three young men, “Alright, let’s not block the entrance. Let’s go inside.”
Zhu Wenjie watched the four of them walk past her, her gaze falling on the woman in the middle wearing a green cheongsam. She was transfixed.
“Jiang… Madam Jiang? Does sister-in-law really have such influence?”
Everyone in Jiangzhou was in awe when mentioning Madam Jiang. Zhu Wenjie couldn’t figure out her background, only that she had moved here from Jingdu ten years ago. She had a son, but no one had ever seen her husband. Everyone addressed her as “Madam.” Zhu Wenjie’s world was limited, and she could only follow the suit of those higher-ranking officials. In short, she was a big figure.
Madam Jiang rarely showed up in public and was very hard to get an invitation from. It would be a huge honor for any family to have her attend their banquet.
So when Madam Jiang appeared at the banquet, not only Zhu Wenjie but everyone was shocked.
Surrounded by three handsome young men, each outstanding, the young ladies couldn’t take their eyes off them.
Those who wished to start a conversation hesitated and eventually decided not to.
Truth be told, although Madam Jiang seemed mysterious, like looking at flowers through a fog, many people didn’t know what she did and could only perceive her as someone unattainable and untouchable.
It was the Zhu family’s face that was quite impressive. Ms. Zhu could bask in glory today.
Lin Qing was amazed and thought back to how Xiangxiang told her that Madam Jiang really liked Ming Jing–seemed like it was true.
Lin Qing immediately walked up to greet her.
Zhu Xiangxiang had just come downstairs when she saw Madam Jiang and her entourage. Her gaze fell on Jiang Jinchen’s face, and she pursed her lips, tidied her skirt, and walked over gracefully.
Zhao Qin nudged Li Jiaojiao’s arm, “I thought having Madam Jiang attend your grandfather’s birthday last time was already impressive. Who would have thought the Zhu family has such a big face too.” Li Jiaojiao sneered, “It’s not the Zhu family, it’s that real daughter.”
Zhao Qin was surprised, “She just came back, right?”
“At the last tea party, somehow she caught Madam Jiang’s eye. I don’t know how much she likes her, but she completely ignores Ye Lan and Zhu Xiangxiang.”
Zhao Qin laughed, “I never underestimated her from the start.”
“It’s an honor for our Zhu family to have Madam Jiang and the young masters present. Please come in,” Lin Qing greeted them with a dignified and appropriate smile.
Jiang Chunlan glanced at her and asked, “Where’s Ming Jing?
Lin Qing replied with a smile, “She’s upstairs getting ready. Would you like to
see her now?
Jiang Chunlan nodded.
Lin Qing’s gaze shifted to the exquisite gift bag in her hand, thinking it was probably a gift for Ming Jing.
She couldn’t help but be amazed, as Madam Jiang seemed to like Ming Jing even more than she had thought.
What on earth had that girl done to win Madam Jiang’s favor? Lin Qing couldn’t figure it out no matter how hard she thought.
As quickly as thoughts could come and go, Lin Qing called Zhu Xiangxiang over and said, “Xiangxiang, take Madam Jiang to the second floor to see Ming Jing.” “Madam, I’m sorry, but with so many guests downstairs, I can’t get away.
Please let Xiangxiang take you.”
Jiang Chunlan didn’t mind.
Zhu Xiangxiang’s gaze swept over Jiang Jinchen before she lowered her eyes,
“Madam, please.”
Jiang Chunlan followed Zhu Xiangxiang to the second floor.
Bai Ziyan stroked his chin, eyes following Zhu Xiangxiang’s retreating figure,
“If I’m not mistaken, she’s the fake daughter, right?”
Charles Gao raised an eyebrow, “How do you know?”
“The airs of a socialite are not suited to a girl from the countryside. Besides, she’s just average-looking. Uninteresting.”
Bai Ziyan regretted coming and turned to the silent Jiang Jinchen again, “What’s up with that fake daughter, making Madam Jiang personally go see her? What a big shot.”
Jiang Jinchen frowned, “Don’t talk nonsense.”
Charles Gao patted Bai Ziyan’s shoulder and laughed, “You’ll find out soon.”
“Madam Jiang?” Granny Zhu stood up in surprise as she saw the enchanting woman coming through the door.
Jiang Chunlan hurriedly supported her, “Please sit down, Granny Zhu. I just came to see Ming Jing and give her a small gift. I have something else to do later, so I’ll leave after a few words.”
Granny Zhu smiled, “It’s a blessing for Ming Jing to have your care.”
Jiang Chunlan looked at the girl in front of her, her eyes full of admiration, “I’m already entranced, and I don’t know which lucky young man will get her in the future.”
An idea suddenly crossed her mind – don’t let the good water flow into others’ fields..