Shen Wanqing’s heart jolted, and a flash of embarrassment crossed her face, but she quickly regained her composure. Smiling faintly, she said, "I’ve made a phone call. Unfortunately, my grandmother has recently fallen ill, so she has to return to her hometown to take care of her. She might only return next month."
"Is that so!" Qin Han was slightly surprised. He had asked Qin Siyuan to express some goodwill, which essentially meant giving a gift. Everyone knew Shen Wanqing’s family wasn’t well-off. This young woman had it tough, yet she was outstanding and well-mannered.
This explanation from Qin Han sent a chill through Wang Keru’s heart. All hope was lost.
Shen Wanqing has certainly charmed the entire Qin family. Claiming her grandmother is sick... isn’t that just an excuse because she’s ashamed of her own mother and doesn’t want her around?
She said nothing more, only telling Qin Han that she needed to step out.
Qin Han, who had been affectionate with his wife earlier, was now considerate. "I’ll take you," he offered.
Wang Keru shook her head. "I’ll go by myself. You know Anxi’s temper."
As Wang Keru left, Shen Wanqing’s lips curled slightly. Of course, she knew Gu Anxi wouldn’t go. Gu Anxi is such a proud person; how could she bear being trampled on? She was just trying to irk her.
On a dimly lit, pebbled path at the hospital, Wang Keru and Gu Anxi stood facing each other. Wang Keru turned her head away, her voice cool and detached. "This is how things are now," she said. "Whether you like it or not, Qin Siyuan and Shen Wanqing are engaged."
Gu Anxi replied indifferently, "That’s their business. It doesn’t matter to me whether I’m happy about it or not."
Wang Keru turned back to face her. "Then what’s the big deal about attending? It’s not like you’ll lose anything. Besides, your uncle said that as long as you attend, he’ll arrange everything for your career after graduation. Anxi, if we don’t rely on the Qin family, who can we rely on?"
Gu Anxi lowered her gaze, kicking at a pebble on the ground. "Tomorrow night, I’ve also booked a private room at Zhen Garden. Will you come?"
Wang Keru was speechless. After a moment, she asked, "Are you determined to go against me?"
Gu Anxi raised her eyes and asked again, "Will you come? You can just stop by for a little while."
Wang Keru gave a cold smile. "Anxi, have you ever considered my position? If you don’t go to Shen Wanqing’s birthday party, it’s like slapping your Uncle Qin in the face. And now you’re planning your own event at the same venue? If I go to yours, how am I supposed to face the Qin family?"
"I’ll support you," Gu Anxi said softly.
Wang Keru laughed as if she’d heard the world’s biggest joke. After finishing a cigarette, she finally spoke, her voice laced with scorn, "Support me? What will you use to support me, Gu Anxi? You’re seriously overestimating yourself. I’m done looking out for you."
With that, Wang Keru turned and walked away, leaving Gu Anxi standing there alone.
The fierce night wind whipped around her, her white coat and black hair fluttering.
Bo Xichen slowly emerged from the darkness and ruffled her hair. "It’s time for bed."
The Qin family was indeed taking Shen Wanqing’s 20th birthday very seriously. They were counting on her to break into Beicheng’s high society. Qin Siling had even hired a renowned stylist to do her makeup and styling. After the transformation, Shen Wanqing looked quite refined and lovely.
They arrived in a convoy of several luxury cars, an impressive display of status.
As they were getting out of the cars, Qin Siling gave Wanqing some last-minute advice. "Many influential people from Qingcheng will be here tonight, Wanqing. Don’t be timid, or it will make our Qin family seem ungenerous."
Deep down, Qin Siling still looked down on Shen Wanqing’s humble origins. But Wanqing was still much better than Gu Anxi. At least Wanqing’s paintings were quite accomplished.
Hearing this, Shen Wanqing smiled faintly. "I understand, Sister Siling."
Just as the two were about to enter, a familiar, hesitant voice called out from the side of the restaurant’s outer wall, "Wanqing."
Shen Wanqing turned, her expression instantly becoming a mixture of displeasure and acute embarrassment. Biting her lip, she muttered, "Didn’t I tell you not to come? Why are you here?"