The private room door swung open, revealing Fu Jinyan’s unexpected arrival.
To everyone’s surprise, Xia Airou was following closely behind him.
‘Wow~’
Gu Letong, never one to miss a chance to stir up drama, was the first to exclaim in amazement.
For a fleeting moment, Shen Tianxing didn’t know what to feel!
If you asked if she was heartbroken – as someone who had returned for revenge, there didn’t seem to be anything to be heartbroken about!
If you asked if she was disgusted – well, there was definitely some of that, especially since this disgusting woman was still putting on such an elaborate act.
And for Fu Jinyan to bring Xia Airou to such an important occasion was just adding insult to injury!
Shen Tianxing: Are you really in such a hurry??
“A sprained ankle, and you spent the whole afternoon escorting her, yet you still haven’t sent my cousin home?Shen Tianxing noticed Xia Airou deliberately wearing a low-cut evening dress, with a small hickey on her neck blatantly provoking her!
“Tianxing! It was me who invited Xiao Rou here. Last time she brought me lots of skincare products, and I thought since this is a family gathering today, I’d ask her to join us for some fun!”
“I invited Xiao Rou to have a simple meal with us. Tianxing, you don’t mind, do you?”
What surprised Shen Tianxing most was that Fu Jinyan’s mother, Su Xue, was the one who spoke first.
Shen Tianxing: So there were clues all along. They had already joined forces long ago. It was just that in my previous life, I was too foolish and naive to see through their tricks.
“It’s fine! Auntie, I don’t mind. I’m just curious what kind of cosmetics Airou gave you. I wonder if they’re the unopened ones I didn’t want to use! After all, since childhood, she’s always liked using things I’ve discarded.”
“How could that be! What I gave Auntie were all bought during my trips abroad!” Xia Airou quickly explained.
“Oh! How impressive, traveling abroad so frequently!” Shen Tianxing was truly a Hexagon Warrior tonight!
Since the other side had openly declared war, she saw no need to hold back anymore!
“Tianxing, when did you arrive? I just messaged you, thinking of picking you up, but you didn’t reply!” Fu Jinyan quickly sat down beside Shen Tianxing, his hypocritical words nearly making her vomit!
Watching Xia Airou naturally take a seat next to Su Xue made Shen Tianxing even more disgusted.
“My phone ran out of battery,” Shen Tianxing replied casually.
“Dad, is everyone here now? We can start!”
Fu Jinyan gave his father Fu Peng, who was sitting in the host position next to Shen Jianlin, a meaningful look.
Fu Peng immediately signaled the waiter at the door to start serving the dishes!
“Ah! Today is a wonderful day. Tomorrow Jinyan and Tianxing will be engaged. I was worried we might not be able to host properly tomorrow, so I arranged for just our own family to have a simple meal together.”
Shen Tianxing: As if you’d be that kind-hearted!
“Tianxing, why do you look unhappy? Are you tired from today?” Fu Jinyan asked softly, feigning concern.
Shen Tianxing glanced sideways at Xia Airou’s clearly displeased expression.
“Nothing, I just feel that since this is clearly a family banquet, I’m surprised Auntie would invite an outsider!”
“How can Airou be considered an outsider?” Su Xue’s tone was noticeably displeased.
“Tianxing, if you’re going to say that, I have to speak up for justice. Airou is your cousin – how can she be called an outsider!”
“We didn’t even say anything about you bringing an outsider, and here you are trying to shift the blame!”
Su Xue’s words immediately got Gu Letong, who was sitting next to Shen Tianchen, excited!”Auntie, you’re wrong to say that. Our Gu family and the Shen family have been close for generations!”
Gu Letong pointed at each person in Shen Tianxing’s house while saying:
“This is my godfather, godmother, godbrother, another godbrother, and Shen Tianxing is my best friend – she’s practically my godsister too!”
“Compared to someone who has no connection at all, I definitely can’t be considered an outsider!”
“And most importantly, I never make moves on my best friend’s man or try to steal him!”
“Don’t you think I’m right, Tianxing!”
Gu Letong and Shen Tianxing exchanged glances, both giving each other a wink.
Shen Tianxing thought: Gu Letong is basically speaking for me! So awesome!
“You…” Su Xue’s temper immediately flared up. Everyone knows that if the lady of the house lacks virtue, the household will be in constant chaos.
Su Xue was exactly that kind of woman – stubborn, competitive, and fond of comparisons. In her previous life, she had constantly exploited Shen Tianxing, making her pay for her luxurious lifestyle.
“Auntie, please don’t be angry! It’s my fault today, I shouldn’t have come so abruptly!” Xia Airou said in a tearful voice while holding Su Xue’s arm.
“I really didn’t know my visit would upset sister. I was too presumptuous!”
Shen Tianxing thought: Wow! Such strong tea vibes! The tea master is online now!
Shen Tianxing gently linked arms with Fu Jinyan, moving slightly closer to him. Her face showed no sympathy, instead wearing a serious expression as she looked at Xia Airou.
“Since cousin is so aware of her position, why don’t you stop spoiling the mood!”
“Fortunately we haven’t started the banquet yet, so you still have time to leave!”
Xia Airou looked shocked. She never imagined Shen Tianxing would ever speak to her like this. Even Su Xue and Fu Peng beside her were startled.
Xia Airou’s acting skills were so good that it would be a waste if she didn’t become an actress. Bean-sized tears immediately started streaming down her face.
“What’s there to cry about? I’m getting engaged tomorrow, and you’re crying like this? Did I steal your man or something?”
Shen Tianxing glanced coldly at Fu Jinyan beside her and asked icily: “Is there something between you two?”
A flicker of panic flashed in Fu Jinyan’s eyes, but he quickly adjusted his expression and replied: “How could that be!”
“You’re the only one in my heart, you know that. It’s just because Airou is your cousin that I treat her like my own sister!”
“Tianxing, don’t overthink things. I know I haven’t been good lately – I’ve been too busy and neglected you! I’ve made you anxious!”
Shen Tianxing thought: Fu Jinyan’s mouth is full of lies! If I believe you again, I’ll be the ghost!!
“I’m not anxious at all! I know you’re busy, and I’ve been quite busy too!” Shen Tianxing put on an act, giving Fu Jinyan a slight smile.
Fu Jinyan tightly grasped Shen Tianxing’s hand that was linked through his arm, giving her no chance to pull away.
Fu Jinyan looked at Su Xue and said softly:
“Mom, Airou seems quite emotional…”
“Ah! I just need to use the restroom. Airou, come with me!” Su Xue quickly took the hint!
Then Su Xue looked at Xia He with an obsequious smile that made people want to vomit!
“Dear in-laws, I was too presumptuous today. I didn’t know these two sisters didn’t get along, you see…””It’s fine, Auntie. My mother never bothers with such trivial matters. Since she’s already here, let’s eat together. I don’t mind!” Shen Tianxing suddenly spoke up, answering Su Xue on behalf of her mother.
“Besides, if I really drive her away today and she gets desperate enough to crash my engagement banquet tomorrow, that would be even worse! I’m generous enough—one more set of chopsticks won’t make a difference!”
With these words, Shen Tianxing made Xia Airou seem utterly worthless.
Suddenly, the private room door was pushed open, and a voice came through.
“Then you won’t mind two more sets, I hope!!”