Lady Zhou smiled at her politely, but her attitude was very distant. Seeing Zhuang Xiyue approaching, she immediately turned away from Yun Shu and greeted Zhuang Xiyue with enthusiasm. A hint of amusement flashed in Kang Jinxian’s eyes; she suspected that Yun Shu was warmly devoted to a Lady Zhou who simply did not hold them in high regard. With that, she felt a sigh of relief deep inside her. Yun Shu sneered upon seeing how warmly Lady Zhou treated Zhuang Xiyue, a trace of coldness swiftly crossing her eyes. Zhuang Xiyue’s smile deepened when she saw this and she praised Lady Zhou, "Xiaofeng is truly commendable, traveling all the way from the Capital City just to celebrate your birthday. Sister-in-law, you are fortunate to have such a filial son." Lady Zhou beamed, unable to contain her smile, "Your two boys are not bad either, you’re the one with the most fortune." Zhuang Xiyue glanced at the tall and sturdy Xiaofeng and suddenly asked, "Sister-in-law, has Xiaofeng been promised to someone?" Lady Zhou shot her a glance, "Speaking of which, I need to ask you for a favor." "You’re treating me as an outsider, sister-in-law. I’ll help if it’s within my abilities." ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ NoveI[F]ire.net Lady Zhou glanced in Miss Liu’s direction, "I think this Miss Liu is quite suitable. I have the intention to create opportunities for the two young people, but I’m afraid I have no experience in this area. I need you, my dear sister, to think of a way." Zhuang Xiyue’s eyes shone, and she immediately smiled, "Leave this matter to me." "Is this Ji Yunya? Pfft, so-called top socialite, just media hype, nothing special when you see her in person," said Song Yiren, gathering Yun Ya and a group of girls of similar age. These were daughters of high-ranking officials and wealthy families in Jiangzhou, part of the same circle as Song Yiren, and they got along well with her. Speaking was Minister Zhao’s younger daughter Zhao Rourou, with a sharp and harsh appearance, squeaking in her piercing voice. Yun Ya merely smiled, not the slightest bit abashed, still appearing calm and composed, which only made Zhao Rourou seem aggressive and petty-minded. Zhao Rourou’s expression darkened as if her punch had landed on cotton; she was seething while Yun Ya remained unruffled. Song Yiren laughed, "Alright, alright, Yun Ya just came back from abroad, and this is her first time at such a party, so don’t tease her anymore." Her tone carried a sense of superiority. Yun Ya pursed her lips and smiled, standing quietly, exuding elegance and serenity, effortlessly overshadowing the more ostentatiously dressed young ladies around her. These proud daughters could hardly tolerate allowing such a person to blend into their midst, so they sized up Ji Yunya with guarded glances, internally passing judgment. Song Yiren sneaked a glance at Ji Yunya, seeing her still smiling, and couldn’t help but clench her teeth. Smile, I’ll see how you can keep on smiling later. "Come on, to celebrate Yun Ya’s return, let’s all have a drink," Song Yiren raised her glass of red wine, prompting others to lift their glasses too. Yun Ya didn’t move, making Song Yiren frown, "Yun Ya, you’re not going to refuse this face-saving gesture, are you?" Yun Ya smiled, "I really, don’t drink much." Song Yiren pressed on, "Not even a single drink? We are drinking in honor of your return, and you respond with ’I don’t drink’ like it’s enough to get you through?" "I’ll drink for her." A deep, cold male voice intervened, and immediately, the wine glass in Yun Ya’s hand was taken away by a large palm. Yun Ya was startled for a moment, and turning around, she saw the young man tilt his head back and down the entire glass of wine. She watched the movement of his Adam’s apple, a drop of wine trailing down, just like her heart at this moment, wavering, sinking to the bottom... "It’s Yan Song, so handsome..." "Why would he drink for Ji Yunya, what exactly is their relationship?" "I saw Lady Yan seem very close to Ji Yunya just now, what’s her relationship with the Yan Family..." The arrival of this young man caused a stir among the group of girls, who began to speculate among themselves. Song Yiren’s face stiffened, then she quickly smiled, "Yan... Ah Song, playing the hero to save the beauty isn’t quite , you know. We toasted to Yun Ya because we consider her one of us. If she doesn’t drink, it means she doesn’t see us as her own." Looking at Yun Ya, she said, "Right, Sister Yun Ya?" Yun Ya’s eyes twinkled with mirth as she lightly laughed, "That’s right." She picked up another glass of red wine, shook it at the others, "I’m pleased to meet you all, I’ll drink first as a mark of respect." She was about to tip the glass back. Her arm was suddenly held back, and turning her head, Yun Ya heard Yan Song say coldly, "You’re not allowed to drink." With a playful look in her eyes that charmed under the light, Yun Ya replied, "Brother Yan, this is a matter among us girls, there’s no need for a big man like you to interfere." Her tone even carried a hint of coquetry. Yan Song’s grasp on Yun Ya’s arm tightened as he gazed deeply at her.