Jian Ning and Xiao Qingyuan followed together into the study.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yue and Song Hualan exchanged glances. Then, Song Hualan directly pulled Xiao Yue and said, “Yueyue, come with me upstairs.”
“Mm.” Xiao Yue nodded and followed Song Hualan upward.
As Song Hualan led Xiao Yue upstairs, passing by the study, they heard Old Master Song’s hearty laughter and praises for Jian Ning from inside. A wave of resentment and unease washed over her heart.
Over the years, she had always worked hard to please the Song Family, especially Old Master Song, the decision-maker, on whom she had spent considerable effort, thinking she could win his favor.
Who would have thought that stubborn old man had something wrong with his wiring? His attitude toward her had always been lukewarm, yet toward the newly arrived Jian Ning, he was partial and protective everywhere!
At this thought, Xiao Yue wished she could strangle Jian Ning to death.
Song Hualan pulled Xiao Yue into her room. Once inside, she angrily plopped down onto the bed, “That damned Jian Ning, what method did she use to make the old master so biased in her favor!”
“I find it strange too. Grandpa Song has always been indifferent toward people, but he seems exceptionally special toward Ningning. Could it be that Ningning did something behind our backs?” Xiao Yue frowned slightly as she spoke.
“Hmph, never mind her. Anyway, I won’t let her enter the Song Family!” As Song Hualan spoke, she noticed movement outside and immediately signaled Xiao Yue with her eyes.
Xiao Yue understood implicitly and deliberately raised her voice a few notches, “Sister-in-law, Ningning seems to have misunderstood me. I’ve already given up the marriage to her, but before coming, she threatened me, saying if I dared ruin her plans today, she wouldn’t let me off. She… she seems prepared to bring up the marriage today. I think she’s quite confident.”
“Hmph, that wretched girl used some unknown method to sweet-talk the old master into circles. I think the old master intends to settle the marriage soon. I’m afraid it won’t be long before she enters our Song Family and becomes the lady of the house! I underestimated her. I never expected she had such cunning! She noticed A Yan is soft-hearted and wouldn’t embarrass her publicly, so she deliberately chose today…”
Outside the door, Song Yan overheard these words, his face darkening like the bottom of a pot. He could easily imagine Jian Ning’s arrogant demeanor when she said those things.
The fierce, bullying expression she had during their first meeting resurfaced in his mind. Song Yan’s hands involuntarily clenched into fists. With a darkened expression, he quickly headed downstairs.
Passing by the study door, he happened to hear Old Master Song’s voice from inside, “Well done, little Jian! This move of yours is brilliant!”
“Didn’t expect this, Ningning! Your strategy of playing dumb to outsmart others is impressive! Even the old master was fooled by you!”
Then came Jian Ning’s voice, “I was just playing casually. It’s not as amazing as you say!”
Hah! Playing dumb to outsmart others! She’s really something!
Song Yan’s face grew even darker, and he made up his mind: he would never become a pawn in her hands, to be manipulated as she pleased!
Soon, the meal was served, and Madam Song called everyone to the table.
Old Master Song cheerfully led Jian Ning out of the study, his affection for her evident. To outsiders, they appeared like a close grandfather and granddaughter pair.
Witnessing this scene, even the Song family members were taken aback—they had never seen Old Master Song treat anyone so warmly before.
Including the younger generation of the Song family, even someone as outstanding as Song Yan had only ever been on the receiving end of scoldings!
Luo Susu watched Old Master Song’s affectionate behavior toward Jian Ning with a complicated expression, her gaze lingering on the young woman.
Jian Ning noticed her stare and responded with a faint smile, saying nothing.
Luo Susu couldn’t help but sigh, recalling her conversation with her daughter the previous night. Regret crept in—had she known things would unfold this way, she would never have agreed to Jian Ning’s proposal.
But it was too late now. No amount of second-guessing could change the situation.
Old Master Song guided Jian Ning to sit beside him, while Xiao Zhengjun and Luo Susu took their seats opposite. The others settled into their places in turn.
Noticing Song Yan approaching, Old Master Song shot him a meaningful glance.
Spotting the empty seat next to Jian Ning—clearly reserved for him—Song Yan’s brow furrowed in distaste. Still, he reluctantly sat down.
He had no intention of arguing with the old man at such an occasion. Besides, he wanted to see what other tricks Jian Ning had up her sleeve.
Meanwhile, Song Hualan and Xiao Yue observed Song Yan’s reaction and barely contained their glee. It seemed their earlier words had taken effect—Song Yan would surely announce the marriage annulment in front of everyone soon!
The higher Jian Ning climbed now, the harder she would fall. Soon enough, she’d learn what it felt like to plummet from the heights into the depths.
“This Welcome Feast is specially held for our little Jian Ning. Everyone, make yourselves at home and eat freely!” Old Master Song declared, turning to Jian Ning with added warmth, “And you, child, treat this place as your own home!”
“Thank you, Grandpa Song,” Jian Ning replied with a grateful smile.
“Eat whatever you like, dear. Don’t stand on ceremony!”
As he spoke, Old Master Song served Jian Ning a piece of meat first, then fixed his commanding gaze on Song Yan. “A Yan, help Jian Ning with the dishes.”
“There’s no need, Grandpa Song. I can manage,” Jian Ning interjected quickly.
Song Yan shot her an amused look, his lips curling into a sarcastic smirk. He wondered how long she intended to keep up this act.
“A Yan!” Old Master Song’s expression darkened, his tone heavy with authority.
“Don’t worry, Grandfather. I’ll take good care of Jian Ning—make sure she’s completely satisfied,” Song Yan bit out through clenched teeth. Deliberately, he picked up a tough bone with his chopsticks and placed it on her plate, staring at her challengingly. “Do you like it? Is it satisfactory? Can you even chew it?”
Jian Ning turned to him with a serene smile. “How did you know I enjoy gnawing on hard bones? Thank you!”
With that, she popped the bone into her mouth and made a show of chewing it with apparent relish.
She knew perfectly well that nearly everyone at the table—whether from the Xiao or Song families—was waiting for her to embarrass herself. She refused to give them the satisfaction.
“Hahaha…” Old Master Song, who had been on the verge of anger, burst into hearty laughter at her response.
This girl was truly someone he had chosen well. Her unyielding spirit and dignified composure were qualities rarely found in ordinary people.
Old Master Song couldn’t help but bring up the previous incident where Jian Ning had rescued someone. “You should have seen it – that girl Jian moves remarkably well! One against six, she actually beat those hooligans until they were scrambling for their teeth on the ground! Right then, I decided, this girl is good, this girl…”
Xiao Zhengjun and Luo Susu listened in stunned silence. They never imagined Jian Ning would have such courage – anyone else would have likely been scared off!
Then, Luo Susu couldn’t help feeling both retrospective fear and concern. She took Jian Ning’s hand, looking at her with heartfelt distress.
“Grandfather!” Song Yan suddenly stood up.