Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
As Shu Pan hesitated, a graceful figure entered the room with the crowd. Upon closer inspection, she recognized it as Tong Fei, though she hadnât actually met her in person before. She had only seen her in newspaper articles.
The news of her secret meetings with Gu Shaoting had been spreading like wildfire these past couple of days. It was hard to ignore, but Shu Pan had gradually managed to remain calm. Even though occasional ripples of pain still washed over her, most of the time she simply ignored these reports.
Wherever the beautiful woman went, she couldnât be ignored. Tong Fei was dressed in a black cashmere skirt and wore a beret. Her overall demeanor was elegant and refined, and she possessed a natural grace that made any attire look stunning.
Shu Pan couldnât help but mock herself internally. She and Tong Fei were like the difference between an ugly duckling and a swan. Even without the matter of her father, any discerning person could tell who was the wise choice for Gu Shaoting.
Tong Fei walked in with a large gift box in her hand, making her way toward Grandpa. She affectionately called him âGrandpaâ and handed over the gift, along with some auspicious words.
Standing nearby, Shu Pan watched as Grandpa accepted the gift with a casual
âThank you.â He then turned to address others
After all, guests had come to celebrate, so he couldnât be overly critical. He politely added, âPlease help yourselves.â
Tong Fei realized that her presence wasnât being well received, recognizing Grandpaâs attitude. She forced a smile and said, âIâll leave you to chat, Grandpa.
Iâll go find Auntie.â
With a simple âHmmâ from Grandpa, she walked away.
Not far away, Song Can noticed her and approached, placing her hand affectionately on Tong Feiâs arm. Their intimate interaction might have led an unaware observer to believe they were mother and daughter.
Song Can led Tong Fei over to her circle of close friends and companions.
Meanwhile, not too far from Shu Pan, a group of women were discussing their husbands. Because they were close by, Shu Pan could hear their conversation quite clearly.
âMy husband went to France a few days ago and brought back a bag like this. Itâs hideous, just look at this one in my hand. Can you believe it? Itâs the new limited edition this month. Menâs taste is so different, right?â One slightly plump woman, who was closest to Shu Pan, pointed to the recently released limited edition bag, seemingly expressing disdain while actually boasting.
âI thought it was just our husbands whose taste wasnât great. So, men are like this? Look at my necklace. The pendant is this huge diamond, totally mismatched. It feels like nouveau riche, no elegance at allâ¦â A slightly older woman raised her hand and touched the sparkling pink diamond pendant around her neck, lingering slightly on the radiant gem.
Following suit, the woman beside her, with a somewhat troubled expression, chimed in, âExactly, who doesnât agree? My husband is the same way. Every time he comes back from a business trip, he brings me a gift. Like these shoes on my feet, theyâre the latest model, globally limited. They cost six figures. Itâs a shame to leave them untouched. However, theyâre hard to match with outfits, so itâs quite frustrating sometimesâ¦â
âThatâs exactly how it is in our household too.â
Shu Pan found the conversation incredibly dull. She didnât know these women and had no interest in their topics, so she couldnât join the conversation.
As it was Grandpaâs birthday celebration, she endured the situation.
In truth, she looked like an outsider now, completely out of place. Everyone else seemed to have found their roles and positions in such an occasion, while she remained lost, unable to fit in..