“Great, we’ll definitely come over tomorrow,” Luo Susu replied with a smile, then waved to Song Xueer. “Xueer, come in and sit.”
“No need, Aunt Luo. I’ll head back first. See you tomorrow!” After saying this, Song Xueer turned and left.
Jian Ning noticed that Song Xueer hadn’t greeted Song Hualan the entire time, indicating that the relationship between the sisters wasn’t particularly close either.
However, this had little to do with her. Just as she was about to go upstairs, Luo Susu called out to her, “Ningning, come here. Mom has a few words to say to you.”
Jian Ning turned and looked at Luo Susu, who said to her, “Let’s talk inside.”
“Okay,” Jian Ning agreed and followed Luo Susu into the room.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yue watched their retreating figures and couldn’t help but bite her lip. She had a feeling that Luo Susu and Jian Ning were going to discuss the engagement; otherwise, why would they need to go inside to talk?
Song Hualan also sensed something amiss. She stepped forward, gently tugged at Xiao Yue’s sleeve, and whispered,
“Don’t worry, Ningning. A Yan doesn’t like her at all and definitely won’t marry her. I heard that A Yan has already spoken to Grandpa about the marriage annulment. It’s possible that tomorrow’s dinner is precisely for that purpose!”
The thought of Song Yan announcing the marriage annulment in front of both families tomorrow filled her with an inexplicable thrill!
She wanted to see Jian Ning utterly humiliated and despised!
By then, she’d see if Jian Ning could still act so arrogantly!
“Really? Given A Yan gege’s nature, he probably wouldn’t embarrass someone publicly,” Xiao Yue said, though in her heart, she was eagerly anticipating the scene of Jian Ning being humiliated.
“A Yan indeed isn’t that kind of person, but if pushed to the brink, he might have no choice!” Song Hualan sneered.
She had already planned what to do at tomorrow’s dinner.
“Sis, is that really appropriate? What if…”
“Alright, Yueyue, don’t worry about it. Leave everything to me!” Song Hualan promised, patting her chest.
Xiao Yue said nothing more, merely looking at Song Hualan with gratitude.
The next day, the Xiao family got ready and brought gifts to the Song residence.
Jian Ning didn’t dress up much, wearing her usual clothes and no makeup. However, since losing weight, she had indeed become much prettier. Even bare-faced, her beauty was strikingly captivating.
Xiao Yue had taken special care with her appearance, though she had put considerable effort into making it seem unintentional.
This way, she could look her best without appearing too deliberate to outsiders.
As soon as Jian Ning arrived at the Song family’s doorstep with Luo Susu and the others, she collided with Song Yan, who was storming out in a hurry. The impact made her nose sting with pain, bringing tears to her eyes.
Song Yan, too rushed to notice earlier, quickly apologized, “Sorry, are you okay?”
When he realized it was Jian Ning, he visibly paused, his gaze lingering on her for a few seconds, a flicker of astonishment in his eyes.
She… had lost so much weight, she seemed like a completely different person!
Just then, Old Master Song emerged from the house. Seeing that Jian Ning and the others had arrived, his previously dark expression immediately shifted to a cheerful one. “You’re all here! Come in and sit.”
As he spoke, the old master stepped aside, gesturing for them to enter.
Jian Ning rubbed her sore nose and looked up at Old Master Song. She was startled—wasn’t this the same man from yesterday…
Old Master Song gave her a faint smile in acknowledgment, and Jian Ning smiled back.
“You’re too kind, Old Master!” Xiao Zhengjun and Luo Susu said as they led everyone inside.
Only after they had all entered did Old Master Song glare fiercely at Song Yan, his eyes warning that if he dared leave, he’d break his dog legs!
Knowing his grandfather’s temper, Song Yan had no choice but to steel himself and return.
When the old master had called him early this morning summoning him home, he’d thought something had happened to the family. Only after returning did he learn it was because the old master wanted to invite the Xiao Family for a meal—more precisely, a Welcome Feast specifically arranged for Jian Ning.
The old master had even said they might as well settle their marriage arrangement today to avoid complications.
How could Song Yan agree! He had no favorable impression of Jian Ning whatsoever. If forced to marry her, he’d rather remain single.
Bringing such a fierce woman into the household—he feared it would bring nothing but turmoil!
But the old master had issued an ultimatum: the matter must be settled today. Unable to win the argument, Song Yan had tried to leave, never expecting what just happened.
Recalling how she had bumped into his chest moments ago, Song Yan felt a strange sensation. The faint scent of her shampoo still seemed to linger at the tip of his nose—fresh and natural…
Maybe she wasn’t so detestable after all.
At this thought, Song Yan quickly shook his head, dispelling the chaotic ideas.
He would absolutely not marry her!
Today, he must bring this to an end!
…
In the living room, Madam Song held Jian Ning’s hand while chatting about daily life, and the two were getting along quite well.
Previously, Madam Song had heard from Song Hualan that Jian Ning was a country bumpkin who couldn’t present herself properly—ugly, fat, uneducated, and vicious, completely incomparable to Xiao Yue.
She had been worried, but upon meeting her, she found Jian Ning dignified, polite, and even more attractive than Xiao Yue—quite a good match for their Song Yan.
Only, Song Yan himself…
Thinking of this, Madam Song couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on.
Nearby, Xiao Yue watched Madam Song and Jian Ning chatting happily, her fingernails digging into her palms. She was filled with hatred but had to maintain an appearance of indifference.
She couldn’t understand what was wrong with the Song Family—why were they all being so nice to Jian Ning, one after another?
Couldn’t they see that Jian Ning was just pretending?
Just then, Song Yan entered from outside. Old Master Song called to him, “A-Yan, come here!”
Song Yan glanced over, his gaze briefly resting on Jian Ning before quickly looking away. “Grandfather, I have something to attend to upstairs.”
With that, he strode directly toward the staircase.
Old Master Song was so angry he nearly blew his beard. Who did this brat think he was! All this effort—who was it for!
Who did he think he was? Just because he was somewhat handsome and had a few young girls chasing after him, he thought he could disregard everything!
Had he forgotten how old he was? Twenty-six by actual age, twenty-seven by traditional count—practically pushing thirty and heading toward forty! What gave him the right to be so arrogant?
If he really lost Jian Ning, he’d be crying later!
Jian Ning naturally knew Song Yan was avoiding her. When they had bumped into each other earlier, his look of disgust was practically overflowing from his face.
She also knew exactly why Old Master Song had arranged this dinner today, but she feared she would have to disappoint the old gentleman!
…
“Old Master, it’s been a long time since we last played chess together. How about a game?” Xiao Zhengjun said to Old Master Song.
“Excellent, I was just thinking the same!”
As Old Master Song spoke, he glanced to the side and waved his hand, “Qingyuan, and you too, girl Jian, come along with us!”
After saying this, he and Xiao Zhengjun walked ahead toward the study.
Xiao Zhengjun found it somewhat strange—Old Master Song seemed quite fond of Jian Ning, but hadn’t they only just met?