Cheng Zhou walked forward, and the crowd parted to make way for him.
“What happened, Miss Qin?” he asked as he handed her the present he had prepared. He stood tall among the guests, looking as dashing as ever.
Just then, Cheng Yansidled up next toYao Tang. They exchanged a look, but said nothing.
As for Yao Ran, her eyes immediately lit up the momentCheng Zhoujoined the scene.
‘This handsome young man in front of me is the Young Master Cheng, right?’ she thought to herself giddily.
As far as she knew, the Cheng familyowned the majority of real estate here inCity A. Apart from that, they also had very promising figures that dominated various fields and industries in the country. They even had family members who went on to become huge celebrities.
If she could somehow get on the good side of the Cheng family, this could prove to be the salvation that theYao familyneeded to thrive in society, maybe even more.
All she needed was a tiny chink in their armor, and she could wheedle herself into their circles.
Unfortunately for Yao Ran,Qin Jing’s anger had not abated, not even withCheng Zhou’s presence.
How dare this shameless girl crash into her party? She had almost ruined the whole affair! If her Sister Tanghadn’t been there to cleverly maneuver the situation,Yao Rancould have manipulated it to makeQin Jinglook like the bad guy.
What she hated the most, though, was the way that Yao Ranalways portrayed herself as the victim. How disgusting!
Qin Jing was huffing as she acceptedCheng Zhou’s gift. “The problem is that MissYao Ranis far too bold for her own good. She wasn’t invited, but here she is, for some reason! What’s worse is that she stirred up some trouble as soon as she arrived.”
She glared at Yao Ran, her eyes blazing, her voice dripping with disdain.
Yao Ran immediately teared up and ducked her head.
She looked weak and pitiful.
“It’s not like that at all,” she said timidly. “I’m here because Sister Yao Tangis also here. And I would like to make friends with you, too, MissQin Jing.”
To add to her theatrics, Yao Ranglanced up atYao Tangwith wide woeful eyes, then looked back down again.
She was acting as if she had been cornered and bullied.
Cheng Zhou studied her for several beats, silently sizing her up.
Did he hear that right? Was it true that this girl and Yao Tangwere sisters?
He turned to Yao Tangin confusion, noting the stark difference in the girls’ temperaments. The contrast was further amplified when he began comparing their looks.
Cheng Zhou shook his head slightly and looked away.
Yao Ran saw all of this, and she inwardly rejoiced at her small victory.
Her efforts weren’t in vain this time. She had caught the Young Master Cheng’s attention. If she played her cards right, she could use this opportunity to deepen their acquaintance in the near future.
She had been right in her decision to not settle for the Qin family. While they were considered powerful, their influence only stretched as far as City A.
They were no match against the Cheng family, whose prestige was acknowledged all over the world.
“Uncle Wang.” Qin Jingwaved a hand, and a man appeared behind her.
“Go and investigate this matter quickly. I want you to find out which family dared to extend their invitation to the Yao family. This is just plain disrespect toward me and my family.”
The man was in her thirties, and his looks were as plain as his clothing. He had an air of dependability around him, however, which showed in his calm demeanor and his steady stride.
He nodded at Qin Jingand gave her a small bow.
“Right away, Miss.”
With that, he walked past them and headed out of the ballroom and toward the entrance of the villa.
Yao Ran started to feel uneasy. If the business of their purchased invitation was revealed, she would definitely leave a bad impression onCheng Zhou.
She couldn’t let that happen!
Tonight’s goal had always been Cheng Zhouand theCheng family.
Everything else was inconsequential. Yao Randidn’t even care if she had made a permanent enemy of theQin Jing. If she becameCheng Zhou’s wife one day, the Qin family would be among the many who would kneel at her feet.
Thinking quickly, Yao Ranburst into tears and rushed forward to grabQin Jing’s hand.
“I’m so sorry, Qin Jing. I apologize. It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have come to your party without an invitation. I hope you can forgive me. No, please, please forgive me.”
She finished off with a few choked sobs.
The guests were already deep in animated discussions among themselves, and some had even discarded proper etiquette and were pointing fingers.
“How dreadful. The Yao family’s eldest daughter must be mortified to be caught crashing this party. There’s simply no coming back from this.”
