C5 Her Own Daughter Could Not be on the Stage

Sheng Yan returned to her bedroom. Opening the closet, she realized all her clothes were flashy and over-the-top, too tacky to wear. No matter how she looked at it, the outfit Tan Ye had given her was much better.

In the end, Sheng Yan decided not to change out of the red dress. She simply took off her jacket, pinned up her long hair, and applied light makeup. Her neck was marked with bruises from Tan Ye, which she barely managed to cover with a thick layer of powder.

Once she was ready, Sheng Yan picked up her now-cold meal and headed to the main hall. The room was warm and beautifully decorated, with elegantly dressed guests mingling about. Sheng Xiaoyun wore an expensive pure white gown, standing out like a regal princess among the crowd.

On the large screen in the living room, a slideshow of Sheng Xiaoyun's personal portraits played repeatedly. Each photo was beautifully taken, exuding grace and poise. A group of young people surrounded Sheng Xiaoyun, all admiring her sophisticated and elegant attire.

Her loyal friend, Zhong Xiaoxiao, exclaimed dramatically, "Xiaoyun, your dress is stunning. You look like a fairy!"

Sheng Xiaoyun responded gently, "My brother couldn't make it back for my birthday, so he had this custom-made for me overseas."

"Your brother is so good to you," someone remarked.

Sheng Xiaoyun just smiled modestly, saying nothing more, while others joined in with their compliments.

"Xiaoyun, I heard your second brother is releasing a new song. I'm such a huge fan of his. I really want to get his autograph."

With a good-natured smile, Sheng Xiaoyun replied, "I'll find a chance to get it for you."

"Thanks, Xiaoyun! Your brother really spoils you."

"I just saw Hsiao Na. I heard she's rumored to be your brother's girlfriend. I'd love to have her signed photo."

Sheng Xiaoyun casually said, "I'll get it for you in a bit."

"Thanks, Xiaoyun, you're the best!"

"So many celebrities came to celebrate Xiaoyun's birthday today. I'm so jealous!"

"What's there to be jealous of? Xiaoyun was born into a great family, so of course, her birthday is a big deal."

Even though Sheng Yan was brought back to the Sheng family, they hadn't announced that Sheng Xiaoyun wasn't their biological daughter. Everyone in the circle assumed Sheng Yan was just an illegitimate child.

Speaking of Sheng Yan, someone gossiped, "Xiaoyun, it's your birthday. Why didn't your stepsister show up?"

Xiaoyun's expression turned a bit distant. "Yan hasn't been home long and isn't used to these events."

"Not used to it? She's been back for over half a year, right? She hides at home like a ghost. You're the only one covering for her, Xiaoyun."

Zhong Xiaoxiao eagerly added, "I've seen Sheng Yan a few times. She always seems so gloomy, speaks softly, and looks so timid. She wouldn't dare show up at an event like this. She's too afraid of embarrassing herself!"

Others couldn't help but chuckle at Xiaoxiao's obvious sarcasm. Mr. and Mrs. Sheng stood not far away, watching Xiaoyun interact harmoniously with her friends, nodding in satisfaction.

A nearby woman complimented, "Mrs. Sheng, you've raised your daughter so well. She's beautiful, poised, and excels in her studies. I heard she even won first place in a competition recently."

Zhuang Lan smiled, "Xiaoyun is indeed very well-behaved and sensible."

Even if Xiaoyun were to lose everything, she would still be the perfect daughter in Zhuang Lan's eyes. Meanwhile, Sheng Yan would always be the stranger who clawed her way up from the depths of society—unrefined, impoverished, and lacking in sophistication.

If it weren't for Old Master Sheng's insistence, Zhuang Lan would have preferred never to acknowledge this daughter, even if she was her own flesh and blood.

The woman continued, "I heard you also brought back another daughter named Sheng Yan. It's been a year, hasn't it? Why not let her come out and meet people?"

Zhuang Lan's smile faded, "She's not used to social events and is a bit shy."

Though Sheng Yan had been back for some time, Zhuang Lan never took her to any gatherings. She certainly wouldn't let her attend any events hosted by their family, to avoid embarrassment.

The women exchanged glances, fully understanding Sheng Yan's standing within the Sheng family.

"Biological ties? How do they compare to the daughter they've cherished for over a decade?"

Sheng Yan stood at the stairway's corner, absorbing every word of the conversation.

Sheng Xiaoyun was truly her dear sister. In their past life, she had always acted so gentle and kind, always considering Sheng Yan's well-being.

But behind her back, was this how she really spoke of her?

And Zhuang Lan, her biological mother, who outwardly treated her with politeness and care, yet never truly regarded her with respect.

Sheng Yan let out a cold laugh, carrying her plate of cold food over to Sheng Xiaoyun.

"Ms. Xiaoyun, this food's gone cold. It's not to my taste."

Sheng Yan's voice was clear and melodious, like the sound of a bubbling brook, captivating everyone around.

Dressed in a striking red dress, she stood amidst the crowd, radiant and stunning.

Her presence subtly overshadowed Sheng Xiaoyun.

Some who had never seen Sheng Yan whispered, "Who is she? She's really beautiful."

Those familiar with her were surprised, "Isn't that Sheng Yan? Weren't people saying she couldn't hold her own? She certainly doesn't seem any less impressive than Xiaoyun."