Song Yingqing’s voice was not loud, but it was enough for everyone attending the banquet to hear.
An uproar ensued.
"I’ve long heard that Miss Nan’s adopted sister is ignorant and ill-tempered, constantly causing trouble. The Nan Family had no choice but to send her to the countryside to be raised."
"Even so, the Nan Family still got her married into a decent household, ensuring she wouldn’t have to worry about food and drink for the rest of her life. I didn’t expect her to be so ungrateful as to sever ties."
"Such an ingrate, truly unworthy of being mentioned in the same breath as Nan Qingqing!"
Upon hearing this, Yu Lan was reminded of her own stepdaughter and couldn’t help but flare up with anger.
"Severing ties is for the best, to prevent her from causing even bigger problems in the future that could drag down the family."
When Song Lihan heard this, a shade of darkness flashed through the calm depths of his eyes.
He turned his head to Fang Han, "Has the Young Madam arrived yet?"
Fang Han discerned whom he was asking about, "She should be here soon, I’ll go out and check."
She had just made a move when a commotion came from the doorway.
The next second, a streak of red appeared.
A stunningly beautiful countenance came into everyone’s view.
Nan Yu had applied a touch of makeup, her clear and bright eyes carrying a hint of charm, like a bewitching fairy.
Her long wavy hair, like seaweed, was pinned up behind her, revealing a pair of pearl earrings that matched her red satin gown, adding a stroke of splendid color.
Instantly, she became the focus of the entire room.
"Who is that? She’s so beautiful. How come I’ve never seen her before?"
"Look at her face, she resembles Nan Qingqing by about seventy percent. I guess she is Nan Yu, the one the Nan Family sent to the countryside."
"That country bumpkin? Dressed up like this, she actually looks even more beautiful than Nan Qingqing!"
"What’s the use of being more beautiful? Nan Qingqing is about to become the precious daughter of the Nan Family, with a boundless future ahead. Nan Yu is just a pretty face with a good-for-nothing disabled husband, an ornament in the family with no real use."
Nan Qingqing initially felt some anger upon hearing the earlier remarks, but upon hearing the latter, she couldn’t help but curl her lips into a smile.
She suppressed her emotions and whispered to the person next to her, "Auntie Lan, Brother Lihan, she is my adopted sister who severed ties with the Nan Family."
A look of hesitation appeared on Yu Lan’s face, "She is your adopted sister? No wonder I found her face somewhat familiar."
The last time Nan Yu had appeared pale without makeup, dressed simply and plainly; plus, at that time, Yu Lan had been busy caring for the gravely ill old Madam and hadn’t recognized Nan Yu as Nan Qingqing’s adopted sister.
Song Lihan, looking at Nan Yu standing by the door, wore an inscrutable expression in his eyes as he drained his glass of red wine in one gulp.
After casually placing the glass down, he ignored Nan Qingqing by his side and strode towards Nan Yu.
Nan Yu was just handing her gift to a servant when a tall, imposing shadow loomed beside her.
She tilted her head slightly upward and met a mature and composed face. A black diamond stud twinkled in his right ear, mysteriously adding a touch of wicked charm.
She had seen his photo at Yingqing’s, and called out indifferently, "President Song."
Song Lihan narrowed his eyes at her, his voice enigmatic, "Miss Nan, you’ve brought only one gift?"
Nan Yu raised an eyebrow, "What? Do I need to bring two gifts to attend the Song Family’s birthday banquet?"
Yu Lan quickly spoke up after her, "Miss Nan, one gift is plenty, moreover, it’s fine even if you didn’t bring a gift, as long as you’re here."
She glanced upstairs, her smile polite and perfunctory, "Miss Nan, the old Madam has been thinking of you, afraid you wouldn’t want to come. It’s good that you’ve arrived—she’ll be down shortly. Please come in and take a seat."
A faint smile appeared at the corners of Nan Yu’s lips, and she nodded gently.
She hadn’t taken a step when Nan Qingqing stood in front of her.
Then, a hint of malice flashed in Nan Qingqing’s eyes as she feigned curiosity, "Sister, you must have prepared a very nice gift for Grandma Song’s birthday, right?"