The restaurant was an open-style one, and since it was a birthday party tonight, Su Ran still made a polite appearance.
She held up a glass of wine and toasted Ruan Peishan, then said, "Happy birthday."
Ruan Peishan’s face, still full of charm, was tight with anger, but with Fu Qiyuan by her side, she had to hold back her fury.
Su Ran started it, and many others came to toast as well. She stepped aside and continued dining with Fu Qiyuan.
During this time, Chu Xiyao and a few of her girlfriends came over, chatting and eating.
"Xiyao, I remember the Chu family is also attending the Paris Fashion Week soon, right?"
Chu Xiyao looked up and cast a glance at Su Ran, her lips curved, and she responded:
"Yeah, it’s not that big of a deal. The Chu family participates every year."
"Xiyao is incredible! Even when studying abroad, you still help manage the family’s business, and you do it exceptionally well!"
Chu Xiyao smiled, "It’s all thanks to my father. What I do is just minor stuff."
"If ’minor stuff’ is this impressive, what if you were serious? It’s something we ordinary people can’t compare to!"
People around chimed in, praising and complimenting her endlessly.
"This year’s Paris Fashion Week, the Chu family is bound to shine, especially with Song Chengyun, the stylist exclusive to Paris Fashion Week, there."
"Song Chengyun? Isn’t he Chu Ling’s..."
"Hey? Speaking of Chu Ling, why isn’t she here? It’s her aunt’s birthday, after all. Even if she’s famous, she should come back just out of courtesy!"
"Does she really think she has become a true member of the Chu family? The head of the Chu family only took pity on her and gave her a place to stay!"
Then, the conversation turned to Su Ran, who stood silently by the side.
"I remember you’re Chu Ling’s manager, right? Didn’t you teach her what it means to respect her elders?"
"Skipping her elder’s birthday? Such arrogance!"
Tonight’s birthday party required an invitation to enter. The Chu family sent out many invitations but purposely omitted Chu Ling’s invitation. Even the gifts sent to the Chu family were returned.
They have to be worthy of respect!
Su Ran remained silent, continuing to eat her food.
Someone beside her spoke again, "By the way, I heard your company also deals in fashion brands and will attend Paris Fashion Week?"
"That means Xiyao can be regarded as a senior. You should learn from her in all... aspects."
Su Ran sat upright in her chair, eating elegantly.
"No need. The only connection between Qianran International and the Chu family is as competitors. As for other aspects, I know more than Miss Chu."
Chu Xiyao’s supporters were instantly displeased, "Qianran International is just a newly established brand. How dare you consider yourselves competitors with the Chu family? You’re overestimating yourselves!"
Su Ran nodded slightly and said calmly, "You’re right, hardly competitors. After all, the Chu family already lost in the battle to enter Universal!"
Chu Xiyao’s face changed; she gritted her teeth and glared at Su Ran coldly.
At that moment, Fu Qiyuan patted Su Ran’s head, and in a cold voice, he slowly spoke.
"Don’t talk to idiots. Just enjoy your meal."
Su Ran turned to look at him, smiling sweetly, nodded, and continued eating.
The people beside them alternated between pale and livid, angry but didn’t dare to say anything.
Chu Xiyao bit her lip, her eyes flashing with a vicious light. She downed her glass of red wine in one go, and upon casting another glance at the banquet hall, she seemed to remember something.
She grabbed another glass of wine and gracefully walked over to Su Ran, smiling as she said:
"Sister-in-law, isn’t Nan Shuyun also supposed to attend today’s party? Why are you here alone? Where is she?"
"She must still be getting ready. It’s her first time attending such a party; she wants to make a good impression."
Chu Xiyao’s eyes flickered with disdain, "Is that so? She doesn’t need to worry so much. After all, it’s just an ordinary party."
Su Ran glanced at the lavish banquet hall, a faint smile playing on her lips.
Chu Xiyao blinked innocently, "Isn’t it?"
Su Ran nodded, "Yes, very ordinary."
Chu Xiyao’s face stiffened, and her grip on the glass tightened, nearly crushing it.
At this moment, a small commotion echoed in the banquet hall, and both of them looked up to see Yang Yuxin walking arm in arm with Qiao Yubo.
Yang Yuxin wore a sexy V-neck spaghetti strap dress, voluptuous and partially revealed. Her long hair, styled in waves, barely covered parts of her, yet her movements showcased her curves.
Her makeup was exquisite, with long willow-leaf eyebrows and fiery red lips.
Her curvaceous figure and intense makeup made her look enchanting and seductive.
Beside her, Qiao Yubo, in a well-tailored suit, looked cool, complementing Yang Yuxin, giving off the vibe of a domineering CEO and his sexy lover.
Seeing the people before her, Chu Xiyao smiled, "You’re here. Yuxin, you look beautiful tonight."
She then looked at Qiao Yubo, "Yubo, you must treat Yuxin well. She’s my only cousin."
Qiao Yubo smiled, looking tenderly at Yang Yuxin, tightening his grip on her waist slightly.
"Rest assured, cousin. I will treat Yuxin well."
"That’s good. By the way, sister-in-law, all guests have arrived. Isn’t Shuyun here yet?" Chu Xiyao suddenly spoke, looking at Su Ran.
Su Ran raised an eyebrow, "You seem quite concerned about her."
Chu Xiyao lifted the corners of her lips, "She is a guest of the Chu family tonight. Naturally, I care."
Su Ran nodded, "I see. I thought you were especially concerned because your cousin stole her boyfriend."
The faces of Chu Xiyao and the others instantly darkened.
"What boyfriend? Who stole whose boyfriend?"
"It seems it was the Chu family’s eldest daughter’s cousin. I heard Qiao Yubo had a childhood sweetheart whom he grew up with."
"But his girlfriend was timid, not favored at home, and couldn’t hold her own. Later... Qiao Yubo got together with the Chu family’s eldest daughter’s cousin."
"People aim high, streams flow low. It’s human nature for men and women alike."
At these words, Qiao Yubo breathed a sigh of relief. He didn’t mind people recalling his past with Nan Shuyun.
After all, a man being a playboy is typical, and he only made the same mistake any ordinary man would.
However, he loathed the idea of people saying he climbed the social ladder opportunistically. This concerned the pride of an ambitious man.
Although the Qiao family was not as prominent as the Chu family, it still matched up with the Yang family.
Hearing this, Yang Yuxin smirked proudly, looking at Su Ran with a haughty expression.
"Miss Su, Yubo and I are genuinely in love, please don’t spread false rumors."
Su Ran raised an eyebrow, "Oh? You didn’t steal someone else’s boyfriend?"