C3 The Old Mistress's Birthday Banquet

"Manyin, what's happening?"

The disturbance outside had roused the entire Lu family.

When Huang Jiamin emerged, she found Manyin sprawled on the ground, her face contorted in discomfort.

"Mom, that wretch Su Rann has returned!"

Her fists were tightly clenched, clearly still reeling from the recent shock.

"That doormat won't cause any waves. Isn't she just your personal venting tool?"

Huang Jiamin remarked with a sneer.

It was common knowledge in Lan City that Su Rann had schemed her way into Lu Jinhan's bed to secure a marriage into the Lu family.

Lu Jinhan himself looked down on her, so within the Lu family, her status was less than that of a servant!

"Get up and pull yourself together. The old lady's birthday banquet is about to start, and we can't afford any slip-ups."

Huang Jiamin cut in before Lin Manyin could respond.

She glanced toward Su Rann's room. Su Rann seemed different this time around, not just in appearance, but also exuding an indescribable presence! She commanded respect without showing anger.

At that moment, the living room was bustling with guests.

The lavish lights illuminated the diverse crowd milling about.

The Lu family, a prominent clan in Lan City, had invited a host of dignitaries, relatives, and friends for the occasion.

"Manyin, what gift have you prepared for the old lady this time? It must be something quite valuable, right?"

"Absolutely. Manyin has selected a top-notch jade bracelet for the madame," Huang Jiamin boasted.

She always took great pride in her daughter-in-law when discussing her with relatives.

"I heard Su Rann is back today. Apparently, her makeover was quite successful?"

Curious relatives inquired.

"What does it matter if she's dolled herself up like a fox spirit? In the Lu family, she's still nothing more than a scapegoat."

"Indeed. I'm curious to see what sort of gift she'll present at the old lady's birthday today," a plump woman with curly hair commented.

"Who in Lan City doesn't know what sort of gift that destitute woman could bring? She married into the Lu family by whatever means necessary, all to eye the Lu family's wealth and pay off her father's gambling debts, right?"

"Regardless, that woman could never be as devoted as Manyin."

Before Su Rann made her entrance, others had already dismissed her as worthless.

Lin Manyin couldn't help but smirk upon hearing her relatives' disparaging remarks.

What difference did it make if that woman returned? She didn't even deserve to carry Manyin's shoes!

"Look, look, there she is!"

Su Rann's arrival in the living room drew many curious glances.

"She looks utterly destitute, unable to afford even a decent outfit. To think she'd wear sportswear to such an elegant event."

"Dressed like that, can we really expect her to present any gift of value?"

Su Rann faced the sneers and jeers with a casual smile, her gaze icy and piercing as she moved through the crowd.

"Su Rann, what gift did you bring for the madame?"

The onlookers were itching to trample on her, seeking their own twisted satisfaction.

Unfazed, Su Rann opened the box she carried and revealed the gift inside.

"Su Rann, what is this supposed to be? Half a carrot?"

Lin Manyin's snicker drew all eyes to them.

The sight of the half-carrot in Su Rann's hand sent the room into uproarious laughter.

"A carrot? And only half of one?"

"Su Rann, I realize you're not one to present treasures, but to offer a carrot to the madame? You're shaming the Lu family!"

"Exactly, with all of Lan City's elite here, isn't this a deliberate affront to our family's reputation?"

...

The relatives continued to berate her relentlessly.