Song Xinyu had returned to her room and slept so soundly that while she rested peacefully, someone else was overthinking to the point of losing sleep.
Of course, she stayed at the Song Family residence for another three days, and nothing out of the ordinary happened.
However, the more peaceful it was, the more Song Xinyu felt compelled to say: this was merely the calm before the storm.
As expected, early that morning, the house became unusually lively.
“Ji Mu, today is your birthday banquet. How could we let you come to pick us up personally……” Mother Song had already been warmly receiving the guest.
The visitor was the eldest young master of the Ji Family.
The Ji Family was an interesting case. They had always ranked among the top aristocratic families, but ever since Lin Ting began managing the family business, the Ji Family had fallen behind the Lin Family.
Even so, the Ji Family’s strength was still not to be underestimated.
That was why Mother Song was so enthusiastic.
She was also thinking that Ji Mu was of marriageable age, and wondered whether he could be paired with Song Xinyan.
Moreover, as someone experienced, she could tell at a glance that Ji Mu had feelings for her eldest daughter.
Song Xinyan walked down the stairs. Her milky-white dress made her appear fresh and refined, instantly catching everyone’s attention.
Ji Mu’s gaze toward her softened considerably.
“Ji Mu, why are you here?” Song Xinyan asked in feigned surprise.
In truth, she already understood his purpose for coming.
Ji Mu said he was nearby buying a birthday cake and had simply stopped by to pick them up.
However, the excuse was clearly unreasonable.
Did a young master of his status really need to personally buy a birthday cake?
Mother Song and Song Xinyan both chose not to expose it, mainly because they enjoyed this kind of special treatment.
Of course, this time was somewhat different from previous years.
Ji Mu suddenly asked: “By the way, where is Song Xinyu?”
“Since I’m here, I might as well take Song Xinyu along as well.”
In reality, Ji Mu had already instructed someone to deliver an invitation to Haoting.
The messenger had clearly confirmed that Song Xinyu had personally signed for it.
However, Lin Ting’s assistant had responded: President Lin and Song Xinyu were both unavailable to attend.
Lin Ting was always busy with important matters and rarely attended such birthday banquets.
Ji Mu could understand that.
But Song Xinyu not coming as well—
Ji Mu thought of the grievances Song Xinyan had suffered during this period.
How could he possibly let Song Xinyu off so easily.
At this moment, the very person Ji Mu was thinking about was still asleep.
She had drawn the curtains and locked the door, clearly aware that something like this would happen today.
When Mother Song found the door wouldn’t open, she began knocking heavily. “Song Xinyu, you should get up now! Stop sleeping in!”
“Ji Mu’s birthday today. He specially invited both you and your sister to go.”
Song Xinyu on the bed remained completely unresponsive.
She put on her earphones and focused on listening to music.
As a result, Ji Mu waited downstairs for an hour.
So awkward that he could only drink tea.
Mother Song said: “Ji Mu, please don’t be angry. Song Xinyu has been spoiled by us. She doesn’t work and just sleeps all day.”
She knew it all too well—she had even taken her sister’s fiancé for herself.
Now the upper-class circle was already full of gossip about it.
Ji Mu took another sip of tea. Although his mind was filled with gloom, he still forced a gentle smile. “It’s fine, it’s still early. I’ll wait a bit longer.”
If word got out that Ji Mu had delayed his own birthday banquet just to wait for Song Xinyu, he would become a laughingstock.
Song Xinyan also spoke up for her younger sister, calling her affectionately “sister” over and over again.
Yet there was not a trace of warmth in her eyes.
Only cold mockery, as if watching a joke unfold.
She even hoped Song Xinyu would continue refusing to come down.
That way, she would be humiliating herself in front of Ji Mu.
The Ji Family was a ruthless force with influence in both legitimate and underground circles. Could Song Xinyu easily escape consequences later?
Time passed again.
Ji Mu glanced at his watch. He had already waited for two full hours. In another half hour, all the invited guests would arrive.
Only the host of the birthday banquet was missing.
That would certainly make for a good show.
Finally, Song Xinyu came out yawning.
“Let’s go. Since the birthday star personally came to pick me up, it would be too disrespectful if I don’t go.”
Ji Mu still forced a smile. “Not at all. It’s just a private birthday gathering. If Miss Song doesn’t wish to attend, Ji won’t force her……”
【Oh right, and you’re not forcing at all? You’ve already come in person to block the door.】
【Honestly, Ji Mu, you’re just a lapdog—nothing more than Song Xinyan’s backup choice. She doesn’t like you at all. Even if she breaks off her engagement with Lin Ting, you still won’t have a chance……】
Ji Mu: !!!
He turned in shock to look at Song Xinyu and asked: “What did you just say?”
“I didn’t say anything.” Song Xinyu replied, equally confused.
Inside her mind, however, she continued to complain silently:
【Ji Mu, what are you pretending for? Did you think I didn’t know? You want to humiliate me at the birthday banquet……】