Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Xia Ruya’s coming-of-age ceremony was held three days after Wen Xinya’s.
The venue of Xia Ruya’s coming-of-age ceremony was a ballroom in Shangri-La. It was extremely lavish as well because the Wen Family was in charge of organizing it.
Due to the fact that Xia Ruya was a member of the Zhishan Club, the invited guests were mostly elite businessmen and socialites of the upper-class society.
Xia Ruya’s coming-of-age ceremony paled in comparison to Wen Xinya’s grand and lavish one. Everyone would definitely compare the two because of the feud between them. No matter how extravagant Xia Ruya’s coming-of-age ceremony was, it couldn’t hide the fact that everyone was just gloating.
Xia Ruya put on a Korean style hairpin in her hair as well as a pink diamond-embellished tiara, accompanied with a pink tutu dress on which there were also lots of diamonds. She wore a pair of white calf-length boots and a set of pink jewelry, appearing youthful and beautiful.
Her outfit and accessories could not compare to Wen Xinya’s at all and hence, she had no choice but to do her best and select a different style, in hopes of giving others a fresh look.
Xia Ruxue walked towards Xia Ruya and looked at her in envy. “Ruya, you’re so beautiful. You’ll definitely become the center of attention tonight.”
Previously, Xia Ruxue had merely invited some close friends and family friends to her coming-of-age ceremony. Although it was not poorly organized, it was nowhere as lavish or extravagant as Xia Ruya’s. She did not attend Wen Xinya’s coming-of-age ceremony. However, she knew that it must have been opulent and beyond her imagination, especially since the Wen Family was on a whole different level. Hence, she was certain that Xia Ruya’s coming-of-age ceremony would be similar.
Xia Ruyae looked at her smilingly and asked, “Ruxue, what’s the matter?”
Her coming-of-age ceremony was destined to be inferior to Wen Xinya’s. How was she supposed to be the center of attention? Although Xia Ruya had indeed considered canceling her coming-of-age ceremony, she could not afford to embarrass herself. She would rather die in glory than continue living pathetically.
Xia Ruxue hurriedly said, “I almost forgot to tell you. Grandpa and Father are looking for you.”
A sullen expression formed on Xia Ruya’s face.
The Xia Family had agreed to help Xia Ruya organize her coming-of-age ceremony, only because she was a member of the Zhishan Club, and they wanted to use her connections to blend in with the upper-class society. Not to mention, the Wen Family had also decided to help her. The Xia Family would definitely not give up such a chance.
She scanned her surroundings in the banquet hall and finally glanced at Old Mr. Xia and Xia Haolin. Ever since the guests entered, the two had been walking around the banquet hall and socializing with the wealthy and prestigious and influential members of the upper-class society.
Xia Ruya was extremely embarrassed by their disgraceful and petty behavior, and she felt that they were mocking her in secret.
Chen Linfang glared at Xia Ruya and rebuked. “Xia Ruya, you’ve got some guts now, don’t you!?! Your father and grandfather asked to see you and yet, you just ignored their request. Listen up… the Xia Family is the reason that you can hold such a lavish coming-of-age ceremony. The Xia Family gave you the glory that you’re enjoying now. We’ve spent so much money on this coming-of-age ceremony. You… should learn to be grateful.”
Xia Ruya’s face turned hot and she instinctively looked at her grandfather and father, only to realize that they had sullen expressions on their faces and were looking at her in disdain. Clearly, Chen Linfang’s words had struck a sour note within them.
She got a grip on her emotions and exclaimed, “Grandpa, Father, I’m sorry! I was just busy chatting with my close friends. What is it that you’re looking for me for?”
Chen Linfang humphed coldly.
Old Mr. Xia questioned sternly, “I heard that you’ve moved out of the Wen Family. What’s going on?”
He had only found out about Xia Ruya moving out of the Wen Family after hearing about it from someone else. He was initially thrilled to hear that Xia Ruya had moved in with the Wen Family for a long stay, for it was proof that the Wen Family valued her greatly. Yet, she moved out.
Chen Linfang sneered. “Father, is there still a need to ask? She moved out of the Wen Family right after Miss Wen’s coming-of-age ceremony. She was clearly chased out by them! What a joke… she actually made such a big deal out of herself and treated herself as the real heiress of the Wen Family. Even I can’t tolerate how shameless she is, let alone Miss Wen. She doesn’t know her place at all.”
Ever since Xia Ruya returned to the Xia Family, Chen Linfang could tell that Xia Ruya was a scheming and overtly ambitious person who aimed higher than she could reach.
Her words were like daggers piercing through Xia Ruya’s heart. She turned pale and licked her cracked lips. “Mother, you’re mistaken. Moving out of the Wen Family home was my own decision. Grandpa Wen and Grandma Wen will be attending my coming-of-age ceremony too.”
Chen Linfang scoffed and ignored her.
Appearing less angry than before, Xia Haolin said, “In that case, we won’t ask too much about it. You’re the adoptive daughter of the Wen Family. It’s only right that you’re close to them. Don’t make any blunders.”
The fact that the Wen Family will be attending the coming-of-age ceremony means that there aren’t any major problems, he thought.
His words sounded like a warning, which made Xia Ruya turn pale. “Got it, Father.”
Realizing that there was a sudden tension in the air, Old Mr. Xia quickly tried to give everyone an out. He said, “The ceremony is about to begin soon. We’re in the midst of preparations for transitioning to new malls. Take this opportunity to introduce your father to the tycoons and prestigious figures of the upper-class society and introduce your stepmother to the wealthy ladies and socialites too. Don’t be so selfish as to only care about yourself. Take your sister Ruxue along with you when you’re socializing. Young people definitely have a lot in common to talk about.”
The Xia Family had spent a large sum of money on Xia Ruya’s coming-of-age ceremony, partly to placate Xia Ruya because of the displeasure she felt about them keeping mum during her scandal. Now that she had become a member of the Zhishan Club, they felt that her status could bring them lots of benefits. Besides… the Xia Family was in the midst of transitioning to the new malls and they felt that they could improve their reputation by getting associated with the upper-class society.
Xia Ruya was slightly stunned. Although she knew that they would definitely make use of her to blend into the upper-class society, she did not expect them to be so thick-skinned as to make such a request.
Extremely displeased with her attitude, Chen Linfang rebuked. “What’s wrong? Do you find such a small request to be difficult? Xia Ruya… don’t think that you can throw your weight around just because you’re the adopted daughter of the Wen Family. You’re not the rightful heiress, anyway. The Xia Family is the only family that you can rely on. If we’re affected, you’ll be affected as well.”
Xia Ruya was at a loss for words. Hanging her head low, she hid the resentment in her eyes and exclaimed, “Mother, I understand!”
Old Mr. Xia and Xia Haolin nodded in satisfaction.
