C23 You Are Not Worthy of Him

You should know, she was juggling the care of six babies, working nights to earn money, and busily completing her graduation project—it was truly exhausting.

During her toughest times, if someone lent a hand, she would deeply cherish the memory.

"Hello." Zhan Zifeng offered a simple greeting, then his gaze—soft as sunlight—returned to Zhan Yeling. "Little brother, you look like you've lost quite a bit of weight. You've been working hard for Rich Corporation. It's taken its toll on you."

Little brother? Xiong Miao was surprised. So Zhan Zifeng was Zhan Yeling's older brother!

Of course, it made sense. They both shared the surname Zhan and carried themselves with an air of nobility.

It was no wonder—they were both scions of the Zhan family.

"Big brother seems to have been enjoying his carefree life abroad, all by himself. Now that you're back, I suppose you'll be taking it easy," Zhan Yeling said, his dark eyes hinting at an underlying message.

The brothers' veiled rivalry was like an invisible duel of swords and shadows.

Standing next to Zhan Yeling, Xiong Miao suddenly felt a coldness envelop her. Despite the lively atmosphere, she was struck by an eerie sensation.

"It all depends on the outcome of the new product launch," Zhan Zifeng said, his face always wearing a gentle smile that somehow seemed unapproachable.

The reason was simple: the warmth of his smile never quite reached his eyes.

Zhan Zifeng raised his glass to Zhan Yeling, downed his red wine in one go, and then turned to mingle with the other guests.

Xiong Miao noticed the intensity of Zhan Yeling's gaze beside her—it was so foreboding that she hardly dared to stand with him.

"Director Zhan, it's been quite a challenge to get a moment with you," someone approached Zhan Yeling with an expression of rare delight.

High-society banquets were prime venues for businesspeople to network and forge connections.

"Wait for me over there," Zhan Yeling signaled to Xiong Miao, then engaged in conversation with the newcomer.

Freed from her obligations, Xiong Miao was elated. She indulged in the banquet's array of delectable treats, selecting her favorite desserts and a glass of juice, then settled into a quiet corner to enjoy her finds.

She hadn't had a proper meal in days, so now was the time to treat her stomach to some well-deserved indulgence.

"How far have things gone between you and Zhan Yeling?"

Xiong Miao was savoring her food when a scornful female voice interrupted her. Turning around, Xiong Miao was met with an elegant and affluent face. The woman, though in her forties or fifties, had such well-kept skin that her age was indiscernible.

Recognizing her as the woman who had spoken to Zhan Yeling earlier, Xiong Miao guessed her identity. She grabbed a napkin and wiped her mouth before responding, "Auntie, it's not what you're thinking."

"Don't try to fool me. Women like you, with dubious backgrounds, approaching wealthy heirs—what good intentions could you possibly have? I'm telling you, leave him now. Don't wait until he tires of you and casts you aside! You'll never end up together! He's destined to marry Ling Xiaoxiao!" Faang Qian declared, her tone haughty and her words cutting. After issuing her warning, she strode away in her high heels.

She was determined not to let Zhan Yeling slip from her grasp and end up with someone else.

Xiong Miao's face was a picture of woe after being so harshly rebuked.

Being seen as a rival by Ling Xiaoxiao for no reason was bad enough.

But now, to be directly warned off?

The taste of this experience was utterly bitter.

What was it about her that made them look down on her? Was it because she lacked a father whose wealth could rival nations and who could provide for her? Was it because she had to rely on her own skills to fight her way up from the bottom?

Why did these so-called nobles disdain her so?

The more Xiong Miao dwelled on it, the more her anger grew.