C14 This Was a Fake!

Shen Qingli, perhaps feeling satisfied after exacting his revenge, was uncharacteristically amiable. He slipped his hand out of Fu Jianing's grasp and took hold of Fu Yunyi's delicate hand.

"Let's go."

As her hand was enveloped in his warm palm, Fu Yunyi couldn't resist glancing at the man beside her, whose lips were perpetually curled in a smile. Her brows furrowed with suspicion.

"Why are you being so nice today?" she asked with a hint of malice. "What happened, have you turned over a new leaf?"

Shen Qingli let out a mischievous chuckle, "What, because I played the hero and saved you, you've fallen for me?"

"If you're looking to repay me, I wouldn't mind if you decided to make it up to me with a night of passion."

That's when Fu Yunyi understood the meaning of pushing one's luck.

Chen Xueli had gone all out in preparation for Shen Qingli's visit, cooking a lavish spread of dishes tailored to his tastes. She had clearly spared no effort in trying to win his favor.

But showcasing her domestic virtues wasn't enough; in front of her son-in-law, Chen Xueli also incessantly flaunted her "motherly" affection.

While serving Fu Yunyi a bowl of chicken soup, Chen Xueli chided, "Eat up. Look at how thin you are; you've barely got any flesh on your bones."

Fu Yunyi stared at the richly colored chicken soup and suddenly lost her appetite.

Shen Qingli appeared quite amused and inquired, "I've heard that Auntie isn't Yunyi's biological mother. It's quite remarkable how well she treats her."

Chen Xueli, oblivious to the undertone in his remark, laughed joyously.

"After all, I am a mother. They're both my daughters; there's no question of favoritism."

Fu Yunyi couldn't help but shift her gaze to Chen Xueli's beautiful yet insincere visage. Indeed, they were a family of actors.

Seemingly recalling something, Shen Qingli set down his fork and snapped his fingers behind him.

"Bring out the gift I've prepared for the Second Miss—"

Upon hearing her name from Shen Qingli's lips, Fu Jianing, who had been indifferent, perked up instantly, her voice tinged with bashful pride, "You even prepared a gift for me? That's so thoughtful of you, Brother-in-law."

Chen Xueli was pleasantly surprised. "Indeed, Qingli is so thoughtful."

It seemed that Qingli held Jianing dear to his heart. Otherwise, why would he go out of his way to prepare a special gift for her?

With clever thoughts swirling in her mind, Chen Xueli watched as the servant presented the exquisitely wrapped gift box, feeling increasingly triumphant.

It appeared that her daughter's ascension to the role of Mrs. Shen, in place of Fu Yunyi, was imminent.

At the dining table, everyone except Shen Qingli and Fu Yunyi was visibly delighted.

Only Fu Yunyi cast her gaze downward in contemplation. Knowing Shen Qingli as she did, he certainly wouldn't be so generous as to buy a gift solely for Fu Jianing.

Recalling what he had previously mentioned about "a good show," Fu Yunyi suddenly understood.

Though she didn't know what surprise Shen Qingli had in store for her, she was quite eager to find out.

"The family has prepared gifts for my in-laws, so naturally, I couldn't forget my sister-in-law."

Shen Qingli accepted the gift box and opened it to reveal a set of limited edition Swarovski crystal jewelry.

Both the earrings and the necklace were dazzling and elegant, casting a soft glow under the crystal chandelier's light, and they were stunningly beautiful.

Fu Yunyi caught her breath as Fu Jianing excitedly clenched her hands. "It's the new Swarovski collection!"

She had seen it in a magazine before and had longed for it. She never imagined that before she could purchase it herself, Mr. Qingli would have already done so for her!

Indeed, she and Mr. Qingli were truly in sync!

"I wonder if you like it, sister-in-law?" Shen Qingli's fingers gently caressed the crystal. "This jewelry set embodies my sentiments. The gift may be small, but my affection is profound."

Chen Xueli was so overjoyed she was at a loss for words, hastily signaling her daughter with her eyes.

Fu Jianing quickly responded, "Thank you, brother-in-law. I absolutely adore this gift!"

"Since it pleases you, I am relieved," he said, clearly satisfied with her exuberant reaction. "Now that the gift is yours, may I have the honor of putting it on for you?"

Fu Yunyi's delicate face remained impassive, yet the twinkle in her eyes had somewhat diminished from before.

It felt like something straight out of a dream. Fu Jianing was too elated to even consider refusal.

"Well then, I'll have to trouble you, Mr. Qingli."

Shen Qingli gave a slight tug at the corner of his mouth, lifted the crystal necklace, and gracefully placed it around Fu Jianing's neck.

Though they shared the same father but different mothers, Fu Jianing's skin wasn't quite as porcelain as Yunyi's, but it was still fair and tender, and her neck was elegantly long. The crystal necklace added a touch of sophistication and luxury to her appearance.

Fu Jianing caressed the necklace joyfully, "Thank you, Mr. Qingli!"

"We're family, no thanks are necessary—"

Shen Qingli's crisp breath brushed against the sensitive skin behind her ear, sending a tingling sensation through her, causing Fu Jianing's cheeks to flush a deep red.

Seemingly oblivious to Jianing's inviting look, Shen Qingli returned to his seat, his long fingers interlaced.

"In fact, there's a particular significance behind this jewelry set I've given you, my dear aunt. Would you be interested in knowing more?"

"What significance?"

The man enunciated each word with clarity, "Actually, this set of jewelry is a counterfeit."