Chapter 97

As the banquet officially began, Song Sen, the head of the Song Family, descended slowly from the curved staircase. In his middle age, he maintained a good physique and wore glasses, exuding an elegant scholarly aura. Normally, he would attract the attention of a group of people.

But this time, everyone’s gaze fell on the woman beside him, his daughter, Song Pianxian.

Song Sen’s feelings towards his daughter, Song Pianxian, were quite complex.

He did have paternal feelings, but Song Pianxian had been missing for more than ten years, not just three or five. That initial palpitation of becoming a father, separated by time, had long since become vague and shallow.

Moreover, besides his own small family, he was also the patriarch of the Song Family and the head of the Song Group. He didn’t have much time like his wife, Liu Ying, to spend all his time reminiscing about a regret.

He had sent people to search every year, but whether they found her or not, he didn’t pay much attention. It was just a routine expense for the Song Family.

When his niece came to tell him that a lonely girl resembling his daughter had been found, Song Sen didn’t pay much attention to it. He even told his wife, Liu Ying, not to get too excited, as the possibility of it being their daughter was slim.

It wasn’t until his wife personally sent him the paternity test that Song Sen truly treated this matter as a serious one.

For his only flesh and blood, Song Sen naturally wouldn’t mistreat her, especially because of his guilt, he spoiled his daughter materially.

But as for whether there was any genuine affection… in any case, it didn’t match his wife’s genuine concern for their daughter.

But at this moment, Song Pianxian, wearing a pure white pearl V-neck floor-length gown, walked slowly into the banquet hall, arm in arm with him.

She stood tall and graceful, with impeccable manners, not inferior to any of the pampered young ladies present. Her smile was just right, affable and gentle, her elegance even surpassing that of everyone else.

It wasn’t until now that Song Sen felt a sense of pride and pride as a father towards this daughter who had returned halfway home.

At this banquet hosted by the Song Family, wherever Song Sen went with his daughter, there was nothing but compliments and praises. Even his old friends, who usually spoke frankly to him, said:

“She’s truly worthy of being your daughter. Despite being away for so many years, she still looks exceptionally outstanding. My youngest son hasn’t settled his marriage yet, would you consider it?”

Not only compliments, but also after meeting her once, they hurried to arrange marriages for their younger generations on behalf of their families.

With a smile, Song Sen glanced at his daughter, who stood gracefully, her face showing just the right amount of daughterly shyness, yet she was calm and composed without showing any timidity, which pleased him even more.

“A daughter who has just returned, how could I bear to marry her off? You’re going to break her mother’s heart.”

“That’s true. My sister-in-law will come after me for this later, haha.”

After saying this, Song Sen turned to Song Pianxian: “Come, this is your Uncle Wen.”

“Uncle Wen,” Song Pianxian greeted the elder as instructed.

“Niece, don’t be so polite with me. My business is not as big as yours. I have a few young artists under my company. If you’re interested in the entertainment industry, I’ll have them come over to chat with you.”

Song Pianxian responded gracefully, using a playful and relaxed tone: “Uncle Wen, with just one command from you, I’m afraid my house won’t be able to accommodate all your artists.”

Wen Qing was taken aback for a moment, then laughed and said to Song Sen, “Your daughter is smart. She’s all yours.”

Song Pianxian’s response was lively, confident, not shy, and subtly showed her understanding of the guest Wen Qing, without appearing too ostentatious.

If it were other younger generations, they might only be praised for being “articulate,” but when it came to Song Pianxian, who was entering the upper-class circle for the first time, she truly impressed people.

Though Song Sen was delighted in his heart, he didn’t show it on his face. He just indulgently looked at his daughter and said, “My daughter naturally follows me.”

The scene of Song Sen chatting happily with the entertainment tycoon Wen Qing while accompanied by his daughter was seen by many.

Seeing the increasingly enthusiastic expressions on everyone’s faces, Xi Zihua couldn’t help but stop the previous topic and whispered to Nie Lingbo:

“It seems that the head of the Song Family is very satisfied with Ms. Song.”

Nie Lingbo didn’t respond, and Xi Zihua understood that this was an agreement. Then she continued: “This is good. The more he likes this daughter, the better it is for Xi Heng…”

“What did Song Pianxian say? Please continue,” Nie Lingbo suddenly interjected.

“Oh,” Xi Zihua withdrew her idle thoughts and continued the topic she had just started, “She asked me how the Xi Family would react if she helped me deal with Xi Heng.”

“I said the Xi Family would be friends with the Song Family in the future.” Xi Zihua rubbed her nose, feeling awkward to bring up, after all, the Song Family didn’t lack the Xi Family, which was insignificant.

But Song Pianxian either didn’t understand the high status of her own family or didn’t understand how insignificant the Xi Family was now. She agreed to this unequal transaction.

Xi Zihua still felt a little guilty about it now.

“Ms. Song said…” Xi Zihua recalled.

Under the bright and dazzling lights of the dressing room, Song Pianxian’s eyes shimmered as she smiled lightly:

“If everything goes smoothly tonight, we’ll soon be friends.”

Song Sen spent the whole night introducing his daughter to people, showing extreme affection. Everyone said so.

Fu Siyuan and Bai Rong were the most anxious. Even though they were confident, they dared not say in front of Song Sen, “Today is a good day, I brought your daughter’s ex-boyfriend to see her.” Song Sen might just kick them out directly.

But seeing that the banquet was already halfway through and Song Sen showed no signs of leaving temporarily, it was possible that Song Pianxian would go back to rest soon.

Bai Rong gritted her teeth and said, “Siyuan, take Little Heng to say hello.”

At least let Song Pianxian see Xi Heng and know that he came for her today.

Bai Rong deeply understood that girls fell for this trick. She reminded Xi Heng earnestly, insisting that he must let Song Pianxian see his affection for her. She didn’t expect any substantial progress tonight, but they couldn’t come for nothing.

Xi Heng furrowed his brows slightly, and Bai Rong reiterated, “Understand? Show her your best.”

Fu Siyuan asked, “Aren’t you coming with us?”

Bai Rong’s eyes dimmed, “My status… isn’t appropriate.”

In that moment, the family of three all remembered being driven out by Song Xuehan.

Bai Rong’s status couldn’t stand scrutiny, so she dared not appear in front of the strict Song Family again, afraid of tarnishing the impression her son had given to them.

Watching his mother, Xi Heng’s determination grew stronger. He would bring Song Pianxian back to his side. When that happened, what would Song Xuehan mean? His parents would surely step through the threshold of the Song Family with dignity!

With this determination, Xi Heng followed Fu Siyuan to where Song Sen and Song Pianxian were. Fu Siyuan respectfully greeted Song Sen:

“Mr. Song, I’m Fu Siyuan from the Xi Family. Xi Wei is my wife, and this is my son, Xi Heng.”

He phrased it ambiguously, as if Xi Heng were Xi Wei’s biological son, showing great effort.

Xi Heng followed closely, polite:

“Mr. Song.”

Then, facing Song Pianxian, he spoke softly:

“Pianxian, congratulations on finding your family.”

In this gathering dominated by the Song Family, in front of Song Sen, Xi Heng didn’t dare to provoke Song Pianxian. He presented his gentlest and most charming smile, and spoke in the softest tone, expecting Song Pianxian to accept his blessings.

But unexpectedly, after he finished speaking, Song Pianxian’s expression changed.

Song Sen noticed it immediately, not because of his meticulous observation, but because Song Pianxian’s hand on his arm suddenly tightened.

His daughter, who had performed excellently all night, suddenly lost control. Naturally, Song Sen didn’t think it was Song Pianxian’s fault. He patted her hand comfortingly and looked displeasedly at the young man in front of him.

Having been a prominent figure for so many years, Song Sen’s imposing manner was not something Xi Heng could handle. With just one scrutinizing glance, Xi Heng almost lost his balance.

Nervous sweat broke out on Xi Heng’s back, but he managed to keep a calm expression. He forced a smile and said, “I’m just here tonight to congratulate Ms. Song.”

He dared not call her “Pianxian” again, to show that he wasn’t intimate with Song Pianxian.

However, Song Sen didn’t regard this young man highly. With his seasoned judgment of people, he saw through the man’s pretentiousness with just a brief glance. He wasn’t worth paying attention to.

Song Sen directly asked his daughter, “Pianxian, do you know him?”

Song Pianxian maintained her composure, but her voice betrayed surprise and confusion. “Yes… but he shouldn’t be here.”

She looked at Song Sen. “Father, I didn’t send him an invitation.”

“My invitation was for Ms. Xi Zihua, the biological daughter of Mrs. Xi Wei. He shouldn’t be here — including this Mr. Fu, whom I don’t know.”

Fu Siyuan initially didn’t dare to interrupt, but when he heard Song Pianxian’s last sentence, he became anxious.

“My wife, Xi Zihua, is my daughter. Inviting her is the same as inviting me.”

“We came here with good intentions to congratulate Ms. Song, but she refuses us with such reasons, which truly hurts the friendship between our two families. Is this how Ms. Song conducts herself in society?”

Fu Siyuan was accustomed to placing himself on the right side and the other party on the wrong side. After he stood on the moral high ground and criticized them, he realized that the two people in front of him were not ones he could accuse.

He broke out in a cold sweat.

Song Sen looked at him as if he were looking at a dead person, impassive and indifferent.

“You’re the first one to criticize my daughter at my banquet.”

His daughter’s hand hadn’t relaxed yet, but she stubbornly maintained her perfect composure, upholding the dignity of the Song Family.

Looking into her eyes, which were full of confusion and dependence, made Song Sen feel like he was his daughter’s strongest support, and he should shoulder the responsibility of being a father.

As much as Song Sen felt heartache for his daughter, he felt equal disdain for Fu Siyuan. Wasn’t he implying that his daughter lacked manners by saying she didn’t know how to conduct herself?

His own daughter had been lost for many years; could she have had someone to teach her? This sentence stirred up Song Sen’s regret from the past and intensified his resentment towards Fu Siyuan.

The turmoil at this moment had attracted everyone’s attention. Many people timidly gathered around, refraining from commenting too much but casting their gazes over.

Taking advantage of the situation, Song Sen surveyed the crowd and spoke loudly, “Let everyone know.” He pointed at Fu Siyuan in front of him, “The Xi Family is never welcome in my house.”

The room fell silent.

Then, murmurs arose.

Fu Siyuan felt dizzy, ashamed, and furious, burning with indignation.

“Mr. Song, what do you mean by this?”

Bai Rong couldn’t stay on the sidelines anymore. She hurried over to stand beside Fu Siyuan. “Mr. Song, what have we done wrong? Why are you saying this in front of everyone?”

She asked, trembling with excitement, her body trembling. It wasn’t just anger but fear.

Why did Song Sen say this to everyone? What was he trying to express?

The weight of these words was completely different coming from Song Xuehan and Song Sen—

Song Sen represented the Song Family!

And under the leadership of the Song Family, how many people would reject contacts with others just to please the Song Family?

Xi Heng clenched his fists, glaring fiercely at Song Pianxian. His eyes turned red with anger.

“Is this how you treat me? I just wanted to see you. Why are you so heartless?”

Liu Ying hurried over and saw a young man questioning her precious daughter with these words.

Before she reached them through the crowd, she vaguely heard them discussing, catching words like “ex-girlfriend” and “stand-in.” Liu Ying, middle-aged and having seen it all, immediately understood some of it.

The implications were implicit, stirring up the frail and sickly noblewoman to act like a protective mother beast, rushing to her daughter’s side to shield her.

“Who do you think you are? How dare you interrogate my daughter?” Liu Ying stood in front of her daughter, glaring sternly at Xi Heng.

She suppressed her sharp tone and sneered:

“I heard that my daughter suffered a lot of bullying while she was away. I haven’t had the chance to investigate yet. Mr. Heng, could you be one of them?”

Liu Ying said this to trick Xi Heng, but seeing his face stiffen instantly, Liu Ying’s anger surged even higher.

Behind her came her daughter’s support and earnest reassurance:

“Calm down, be careful not to upset your health. It’s not worth it.”

Liu Ying’s heart ached.

Her daughter had undoubtedly suffered because of her status over the years. Seeing her return home only to be looked down upon, what kind of logic was this?

With her around, no one could ever dare to mistreat her daughter again!

But at this moment, Liu Ying didn’t yet understand the reason behind the situation. It wasn’t the time to make a scene, nor could she let her daughter’s reputation be tarnished for the sake of a few insignificant individuals.

Liu Ying reluctantly suppressed her anger and called out loudly:

“Butler, these gentlemen are not welcome. Please escort them out.”

With this statement, Liu Ying shifted the focus of the confrontation from Song Pianxian to Song Sen’s preferences.

Regardless of the essence, with the Song Family defining the situation like this, no one would dare to openly object in the future.

The butler hurried over with security.

The crowd stirred, making way for security to remove the unwelcome guests.

Security stood beside Xi Heng. Fu Siyuan looked defeated, while Bai Rong appeared dazed and embarrassed. None of them noticed Xi Heng.

His eyes filled with pain, Xi Heng stared without blinking at the woman being protected by Liu Ying and Song Sen.

That woman, just a few months ago, was his compliant girlfriend, a pitiful orphan who always looked at him with adoration, giving him immense satisfaction.

Since she left him, she had become more radiant.

Now, she was the daughter of the Song Family, cold and indifferent towards him, showing no mercy. Even now, she had to watch her father let people drive his entire family out!

At this moment, Xi Heng could no longer deceive himself. Everything Song Pianxian did was not just because of a tantrum.

Song Pianxian no longer loved him.

Song Pianxian’s gaze, so calm towards him, was like a bucket of icy water poured over him, completely waking Xi Heng up.

No, she even hated herself.

Xi Heng realized he fell in love with Song Pianxian, only to discover that Song Pianxian hated him.

Unwilling to mix with the indescribable heartache, he roared:

“Song Pianxian—”

“Hurry up.” A gentle reprimand came from beside him, the voice lazy, “Don’t let someone who can’t be seen in public disturb the guests.”

Xi Heng’s voice was cut off, hanging in the air. He stiffly turned his head, facing Nie Lingbo.

Nie Lingbo strode past him, her back straight. Facing Liu Ying, she said:

“Aunt Liu, are you feeling better? I’ve informed Doctor Lin to come to the main residence.”

Prompted by Nie Lingbo, security no longer dared to delay. They forcefully escorted the group out of the banquet hall.

Their conversation, the elegant banquet hall filled with fragrance and guests chatting, grew distant from Xi Heng’s family.

Liu Ying said to Nie Lingbo, “You are considerate.”

Song Sen also spoke gently, “Lingbo, you’ve witnessed a farce.”

“How could…”

Xi Heng couldn’t clearly hear the rest.

The icy darkness engulfed him.

Doctor Lin was the family doctor, responsible for Liu Ying’s health. With Doctor Lin around, Liu Ying would receive the best care.

Doctor Lin suggested that Liu Ying take a short rest first. So, Song Pianxian kindly persuaded Liu Ying to rest before discussing the matter with Xi Heng.

She helped Liu Ying lie down, lit a calming aromatherapy lamp, and quietly left the room, closing the door behind her.

Leaning against the door, Song Pianxian lowered her head, lost in thought about what to do next.

She arranged a plan and was about to find Song Sen, but when she looked up, she noticed Nie Lingbo standing not far away.

In a dim brown corridor, the wall lamps emitted a mellow yellow light. Nie Lingbo stood one or two meters away from her, her gaze fixed on her, it was unclear how long she had been standing there.

“Lingbo,” considering Liu Ying in the room, Song Pianxian’s voice was very light.

Perhaps her voice was too soft, it quietly melted away in the silent flicker of the lamp.

Nie Lingbo remained indifferent, walking straight over and stopping in front of Song Pianxian.

Before Song Pianxian was Nie Lingbo, and behind her was a door.

The distance between them was less than an arm’s length, Nie Lingbo’s approach cast a shadow over Song Pianxian, exerting significant pressure.

However, Song Pianxian was already accustomed to her presence and showed no discomfort. She slightly lifted her head and naturally asked Nie Lingbo, “What’s wrong?”

Nie Lingbo shook her head, her eyelashes casting a fan-shaped shadow on her cheeks, concealing the emotions lurking in her eyes.

Song Pianxian, like a carefree bird, even in the face of approaching danger, innocently raised her head, oblivious.

Nie Lingbo reached out and gently stroked her soft, fair cheek.

What a gentle girl.

She obediently remained quiet, allowing herself to be touched.

Desiring to possess.

As Nie Lingbo’s hand caressed Song Pianxian’s face, it slowly moved downward.

The corridor was dimly lit, and Nie Lingbo blocked out most of the light, making it difficult for Song Pianxian to clearly see Nie Lingbo’s expression as she tilted her head back.

She only felt that Nie Lingbo’s gaze was deep, and there was a strange brilliance on her face.

Nie Lingbo’s throat tightened.

Song Pianxian inexplicably felt dry in her mouth, she stuck out her tongue and licked her lips.

Nie Lingbo’s hand, which was stroking her neck, suddenly paused.

This abrupt movement startled both of them.

In the dim night, Song Pianxian and Nie Lingbo locked eyes.

Song Pianxian’s eyes once again filled with a tender and loving light, breaking down Nie Lingbo’s last bit of caution and assessment.

Before bending down, she took one last look at the door.

Just beyond the wall was Song Pianxian’s mother, sleeping peacefully.

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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu

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