But Si Mingjing arrogantly said, "I don’t need anyone else’s protection."
Was he actually being looked down upon? Su Cheng fumed. He slung an arm around her neck. "Do you know how influential our third brother is in the Imperial Capital? As long as I’m protecting you, you can swagger through any entertainment venue in the Imperial Capital, understand? However, as your brother, I absolutely can’t marry my sworn sister..."
The Su Family Patriarch, brandishing his walking stick, yelled at Su Cheng to get lost. With Su Cheng’s character, pairing him with Mingjing would be an insult to her! the Patriarch fumed. He had two other grandsons, Su Lie and Su Yu. Either of them would make a far better husband for Mingjing than that scoundrel Su Cheng!
After Su Cheng left, Si Mingjing glanced at Qin Yinan, who was visibly suppressing her frustration. "Madam, this is my first time on Earth. There’s much I don’t understand, especially regarding etiquette. I’m afraid I might misstep and make a fool of myself out of ignorance. Could I possibly learn a thing or two from you?"
Qin Yinan’s heart lurched with panic. Si Mingjing couldn’t possibly know I’m the culprit! She gradually composed herself. "Sure, come with me to the Sunlight Room. We can sit, soak up some sun, snack, and chat."
The Su Family Patriarch instructed, "Yinan, do teach Mingjing well. A girl can never know too much about proper etiquette, especially since her mother was once the top socialite of B City."
The Su Family Patriarch hadn’t had breakfast yet and headed to the dining room himself. He liked to drink warm rice porridge in the morning, which was comforting and good for the stomach.
Si Mingjing followed Qin Yinan to the rooftop.
The Su family’s rooftop terrace had been enclosed to create a transparent glass Sunlight Room. It was pleasantly warm, even in the cold of winter. A cup of floral tea, a deck chair, and a patch of sunlight—it promised to be quite a cozy setting.
Qin Yinan carried a tray laden with nuts and fruits, placed it on the coffee table, and then leisurely brewed some floral tea. Every gesture was calculated to display the elegance and refinement befitting a madam of a prestigious family. Unfortunately, Si Mingjing failed to appreciate these nuances.
She sat next to Qin Yinan and spotted a hospital’s diagnostic report on the seat. She picked it up and glanced over it.
Qin Yinan immediately snatched the diagnostic report from her hand and tucked it away to her other side.
Since she wants to learn etiquette, I’ll show her just how much she lacks in terms of a high-society lady’s upbringing compared to a true heiress, Qin Yinan thought.
Unexpectedly, Si Mingjing asked bluntly, "Madam, it was you who took my tree bark powder, wasn’t it?"
Caught off guard by the question, Qin Yinan was momentarily at a loss, her expression stiffening.
"What... what nonsense are you talking about?!" Qin Yinan looked uncomfortable, even a bit embarrassed. "Why would I take your tree bark powder!"
"I never intended to marry your son, nor do I wish to become your enemy. It was Grandfather Su who brought me back from Prison Star. Otherwise, I’d still be in the wild land, helpless even if I wished to return to Earth. The Su Family has shown me great kindness, an act I will always hold dear to my heart."
Si Mingjing didn’t want to beat around the bush; she was here to make her stance clear. She didn’t want any enmity with anyone from the Su Family.
The Su family members had best not provoke her, because those who did rarely met a good end. The Su Family had shown her kindness, and she didn’t want to see any of them dig their own graves.
Qin Yinan’s face turned cold. "Who knows what you’re really thinking?"
My three sons are all outstanding. With such an opportunity right before her, how could Si Mingjing not be tempted? I refuse to believe she isn’t! Qin Yinan thought.
This was a mother’s confidence in her sons.
The problem was, her three sons were simply too exceptional. Countless girls were racking their brains, desperate for a chance to marry into the Su Family.
What right did a girl from Prison Star have to be worthy of my distinguished sons?