Gu Qiang’s expression was subtle as well.
By her reckoning, this was indeed her first encounter with the girl.
Yet, she’d heard Jin Siyue mention her quite often before.
There are few people in the world who can provoke her son that way.
This girl must not be simple!
And now she has already entered their family, even more remarkable!
The number of people today... exceeds her expectations!
Gu Qiang seemed to suddenly think of something.
Jiang Li became famous through that makeover program, right?
Is this why Gu Yu invited her today?
She excitedly felt like she’d discovered a new continent.
Suddenly, everyone became unsettled.
However, the Old Madam seemed oblivious to their unusual reactions, her expression unchanged.
Even Rong Ya noticed the anomaly, though initially indifferent to such matters, she curiously lifted her head to look at the girl who had just entered.
With a single glance, she felt the girl was no ordinary person.
She not only looked beautiful, her features were pleasant, but she also had a different aura that made people unconsciously fixate on her.
Jiang Li sat down in her seat, then looked at Rong Kexi, offering a slight smile.
"What a coincidence, Miss Rong, I never expected to meet you here."
Although she said she didn’t expect it, her tone betrayed no surprise.
It was as if she’d anticipated it all along.
Rong Kexi was almost beside herself with anger.
Not only because of Jiang Li’s words, but also because she had noticed the dress Jiang Li wore at that moment.
It was D Brand’s New Year limited edition!
She had seen its photo earlier in the sales representative’s phone, wanting to pre-order, only to be told it had been bought up at a high price.
Was it Jiang Li all along?
She was a black card member of D Brand, one of only a few in all of Capital.
What right did Jiang Li have?
To please the Old Madam, she’d even worn a traditional dress she didn’t like.
In contrast, Jiang Li wore a very stylish pearl white dress, her hair curled slightly and half-tied.
In comparison, she felt like a country bumpkin!
With this in mind, Rong Kexi grew even angrier, wanting to say more, but was promptly restrained by Shi Lei.
Shi Lei smiled at Jiang Li.
"It seems everyone already knows each other. It’s perfect to be all gathered here for some lively conversation."
Rong Kexi angrily sat back down, arms crossed, muttering, "Who wants to have dinner with her?"
Besides, wasn’t the reason the Gu Family hosted the banquet today to confirm her relationship with Gu Yu?
Why was she invited too?!
"So lively, is Miss Jiang here?"
Soon after, a strong voice sounded from outside.
Following that, an elderly man dressed in a Tang suit walked in, hands behind his back.
His facial features were naturally stern, usually commanding respect without anger, imposing a powerful aura.
Yet upon seeing Jiang Li, Gu Shengrong’s expression animated, surprisingly stepping forward to greet her.
"It’s so difficult to finally meet you."
Jiang Li stood up, respectfully calling out, "Mr. Gu."
Gu Shengrong patted her shoulder, his smile deepening, "No need to be so formal, just call me Grandpa."
"Good, good, hahaha."
Rong Family couple observed the Gu Family’s attitude toward Jiang Li, once again sensing something subtle about the atmosphere.
Their families had been allies for years, shared countless meals, and were practically aware of the intent to unite the families, yet Jiang Li suddenly appeared in the midst.
They felt somewhat displaced.
Furthermore, the Old Madam had originally favored Kexi very much.
Today she was quite indifferent.
Something was definitely amiss.
After greeting Jiang Li, Gu Shengrong went to speak with the Old Madam.
As he sat down, Jiang Li glanced across at Rong Junsheng.
The other had been scrutinizing him earlier, now their eyes met, and something ineffable began to ferment between them.
Upon being seated, Gu Shengrong didn’t completely ignore the Rong Family couple, casually asking about their current situation.
From the Old Madam and Old Master he inquired, but not about Rong Kexi.
Which made Rong Kexi anxious.
Finally it was time to eat, and the Old Madam stood up.
"Let’s not linger here, head to the dining room, all the dishes are prepared."
With that, she left, aided by the servants.
Rong Kexi immediately stood up, targeted Zhao Lang’s direction, wanting to speak with him.
But Zhao Lang acted as if he hadn’t seen her, turning instead toward Jiang Li.
"Hungry? Let me take you to the dining room."
Jiang Li deliberately looked at Rong Kexi.
"Looks like Miss Rong wants to talk to you."
Rong Kexi took the chance to approach Zhao Lang, trying to hold onto his arm, sweetly saying, "Brother Gu Yu, I’m also hungry, why don’t you take me to eat?"
Zhao Lang stepped back a bit, creating distance, his expression not pleasant.
"Didn’t you come here before? Such a poor memory?"
Then he looked at Yu Fei.
"You, take Miss Rong to the dining room. She seems famished."
Why did good things never come his way, while annoying tasks always fell upon him?
Sure enough, next second he received a fierce glare from Rong Kexi.
Her gaze was even more malicious than those of tv drama villainesses.
But Zhao Lang’s low whisper reached his ear—
"Quickly take her away, I’ll give you a bonus after dinner."
Upon hearing "bonus," his eyes widened.
Zhao Lang wasn’t stingy; a small bonus could even be a six-figure sum.
Risking curses for profit was worth it.
So Yu Fei immediately smiled apologetically, stepping forward.
"Miss Rong, let me take you, I’m very familiar with the layout here, and I have a good memory, you definitely won’t get lost."
He then pushed and pulled Rong Kexi out of there.
Zhao Lang sighed in relief, gritting his teeth as he looked back at Jiang Li.
"You’re good, setting me up huh?"
Jiang Li just smiled, lifting her feet to follow outside.
In the corridor, Gu Qiang initially wanted to move quickly beside the Old Madam to curry favor but was pulled aside by Shi Lei.
Understanding the situation, Shi Lei was less courteous, her expression a bit unpleasant.
"What’s going on, didn’t you say the Old Madam invited us for the children’s sake? What’s with Jiang Li?"
Shi Lei’s tone wasn’t particularly polite.
Being chastised inexplicably annoyed Gu Qiang too.
However, she still maintained decorum.
Feigning frustration, she stomped her foot.
"Who knows, it was supposed to be a meal between our two families, why is an outsider here to mess things up? Maybe she heard something and insisted on tangling with Gu Yu to come, it’s really vexing!"