C32 Exchange the Letter of Challenge

Fang Lian was two years senior to Yi Lanyou and stood a good half-head taller. In presence, Yi Lanyou seemed to be at a slight disadvantage.

"I must express my gratitude for the care you've shown my sister at the Yi family," Fang Lian said, her face graced with an elegant smile, though her gaze was sharp and shadowed.

"It's my duty," Yi Lanyou replied without fear, meeting Fang Lian's gaze and lifting the corner of her mouth in a smile.

"Miss Yi, you've done so much for my sister, I'm at a loss for how to thank you," Fang Lian remarked, taking a closer look at Yi Lanyou.

With a light chuckle, Yi Lanyou responded, "I think there's still much more to do!"

"Haha," Fang Lian laughed softly. "Miss Yi, being new here, you must take extra care."

"Naturally," Yi Lanyou answered. "I'm always very cautious."

After another glance at Yi Lanyou, Fang Lian excused herself with a "Pardon me," and turned to leave.

"Enjoy yourself," Yi Lanyou called out to Fang Lian's retreating figure.

Fang Lian paused, then with a poised response said, "I wasn't certain before, but after seeing you, I'm convinced I'll have a delightful time."

"As will I," Yi Lanyou nodded.

Their gazes briefly intersected before Fang Lian nodded, smiled once more, and gracefully turned to walk away.

Yi Lanyou remained in place, a slight smirk playing on her lips. She didn't relish confronting Fang Lian, but she couldn't ignore an enemy's challenge.

Their recent exchange, though seemingly cordial, was tantamount to issuing a mutual challenge.

Yi Lanyou was aware that the days ahead would be anything but calm. But what of it? She had been given a second chance at life, not to cower in comfort awaiting her demise.

Struggling to rise and move to the window, Yi Rui'er watched Yi Lanyou, radiant in the garden. Trapped inside, Yi Rui'er felt an overwhelming urge to shatter the glass before her with her fist.

Yi Lanyou unmistakably sensed the hostile gaze directed at her. She lifted a glass of juice and nonchalantly signaled to Yi Rui'er, who was standing by the second-floor window, her lips curling into a taunting smile. Without a second thought, Yi Lanyou downed the juice in one gulp, then playfully shook the empty glass, her smirk unwavering.

"You!" Yi Rui'er fumed at Yi Lanyou's taunt, about to lash out when Yi Lanyou simply turned and walked away. Infuriated, Yi Rui'er stamped her foot in rage. That Yi Lanyou, such a wretch!

The more Yi Rui'er dwelled on it, the more her anger boiled. In a fit of rage, she hurled a water cup toward the doorway. It struck the wall's corner and shattered to pieces.

The maid outside promptly knocked and entered, "Miss Rui'er, is everything alright?"

"Get my mother!" Yi Rui'er commanded, her expression dark.

"But the lady is currently..." The maid hesitated, considering that the lady was entertaining guests downstairs. Would it be inappropriate to summon her now?

Yi Rui'er glared at the maid, who seemed on the verge of panic, and bellowed, "Go!"

The maid quickly nodded, "Right away, Miss Rui'er," and hurried off.

Left alone in her room, Yi Rui'er bit her lip and once again fixed her gaze on where Yi Lanyou had been. She couldn't stand it! The banquet was in honor of her mother's birthday; she and her mother should be the stars of the event! Who did Yi Lanyou think she was? Nothing but a bastard. She refused to let this go so easily. Absolutely not!

She was supposed to be the star today. Yi Lanyou was nothing more than a bastard. She was the legitimate heiress of the Yi family; she should be the one in the spotlight at this banquet!

With this resolve, Yi Rui'er slipped into her gown. As she dressed, her fingers brushed against a scar on her back, sending a sharp pain through her. Each twinge intensified her loathing for Yi Lanyou.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Yi Lanyou was also contemplating Yi Rui'er. Fang Fang clearly adored Yi Rui'er. Yi Lanyou's room, despite its size, was perpetually damp, always carrying a musty odor. Yi Rui'er's room, similar in size, was sunnier and boasted better lighting than Fang Fang and Yi Haoen's master bedroom, with a view overlooking the garden's finest vistas.

Why does everyone still regard Fang Fang as the epitome of stepmothers, a paragon for the entire elite of Z City to emulate?

Who could match Fang Fang's malevolence?

Watching Fang Fang exchange pleasantries with the ladies of high society, Yi Lanyou's lips twisted into a sly smile. How could she strip away Fang Fang's hypocritical veneer? Yet, Fang Fang certainly had a knack for it. Yi Lanyou had been observing for a while now, and Fang Fang had consistently been the center of attention. She could pick up on every comment and deftly steer the conversation back to herself. It was an impressive tactic indeed.

Yi Lanyou watched Fang Fang, who in turn noticed Yi Lanyou. But she really didn't want to engage with her, especially not today at her own birthday celebration, with her daughter absent from her side.

However, the less Fang Fang wanted to interact with Yi Lanyou, the more Yi Lanyou was determined to engage with her. She approached with a warm smile and said, "Auntie, your dress today is absolutely stunning!"

"Oh, Lanyou! Thank you." Yi Lanyou had taken the initiative to speak, and with so many onlookers, Fang Fang couldn't continue to snub her. She quickly adopted the demeanor of a doting mother.

"Is this the estranged Eldest Miss of the Yi family?" A noblewoman beside Fang Fang appraised Yi Lanyou with a scrutinizing look. "You are quite the beauty."

"Thank you. Your earrings are quite distinctive," Yi Lanyou responded graciously.

"Indeed they are," others chimed in, their attention drawn to the noblewoman's earrings. They hadn't noticed before, but now they could see they were indeed quite valuable.

"Ha, these were a special purchase by my good-for-nothing son from abroad. He claimed they were designed by a designer exclusive to the royal family," the noblewoman said with a modest laugh, though her eyes twinkled with pride.

"Your son is quite impressive!" the other noblewomen echoed with laughter.

The noblewoman went on, "He refuses to come back home to take over the family business, insisting on studying a field that's completely unrelated..."

"Tian Wei, isn't your son already a doctoral graduate?" inquired a noblewoman to her left, curious.

"Yes, he majored in DBA. I assumed he would go on to pursue an MBA, but out of the blue, he switched to psychology," Tian Wei said with a helpless shake of her head. "I've spoiled him rotten."

Tian Wei initiated the conversation, and soon all the distinguished ladies began to share stories about their children.

Fang Fang, no longer the focus of the discussion, shot Yi Lanyou a covert glare when she thought no one was looking. Yi Lanyou responded with a courteous, faint smile.