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In Shen City, at the Ming family's grand residence, the lights shone brightly as guests mingled with glasses in hand. "I heard that girl never attended school in the countryside. She lived in a village without electricity, orphaned at a young age with only an elderly grandmother to care for her. How tragic!" "Adopted by the Ming family, she's gone from rags to riches. Barely out of the village, and she's already entered high society. She's far from pitiable now!" "The Ming family's son and daughter are the ones to pity. With her adoption, they now have another contender for the inheritance, a real threat to their wealth!" "That girl has the look of a sly fox, not at all like someone from the countryside. It's not just a simple adoption!" "Exactly, I've heard the young master of the Ming family is about to graduate and return home. The patriarch Ming has found him a personal maid, a homegrown one at that, much more pristine." Amid the banquet, the guests whispered and gossiped, their harsh words cutting through the air like knives, all aimed at the evening's protagonist, Jiang Yining. She wore an elegant light blue gown, her glossy black hair swept up to reveal a graceful, pale neck. Her delicate features and porcelain skin were set off by peach blossom eyes that blended allure and innocence in perfect balance. She was an exceptional beauty. The Ming couple seemed not to hear the sneers and jibes echoing around them, graciously thanking the guests who came forward to offer congratulations. Miss Ming, Ming Qingcheng, affectionately linked arms with her and stood at her side, as if they were a harmonious family of four, if only Yining's expression were not so cool and distant. Ming's father, Ming Chengkang, glanced at the time and smiled at Yining. "Let's go say hello to the elders in the family first, and then we'll formally introduce you to everyone." This family banquet had been arranged by the Ming family to officially welcome Jiang Yining into their fold. Yining nodded, her response subdued. "Dad, you can count on me to look after my sister," Ming Qingcheng said with smiling eyes. "Don't be nervous, sister. Everyone here is very kind." Ye Tang, the mother, wore a serene, satisfied smile. "Our Qingcheng has grown up and learned to take care of her sister."
Ming Qingcheng pouted in dissatisfaction. "Mom! I've always been sensible." "Indeed, Qingcheng has always been sensible and has never given me a moment's worry," Ye Tang said with a hearty laugh. Jiang Yining stood to the side, observing the scene with a detached gaze, her expression unflappable. It seemed as though she was completely disconnected from the proceedings, merely an onlooker watching the drama unfold. Once the affectionate display concluded, the group made their way to the small hall where the Ming family elders were gathered. "Tsk. She really has the face of a sly fox. I wonder what tricks she used to worm her way into becoming the Ming family's adopted daughter." Jiang Yining halted mid-step, then slowly turned to face the speaker. Their eyes met in a silent clash. The girl hesitated, then lifted her chin defiantly, as if to say, "I'm insulting you, what are you going to do about it." Jiang Yining's eyes narrowed slightly as she pivoted and walked toward her. "Say that again." Her voice was cool and detached, yet it sent a chill down the spines of those who heard it. The onlookers turned their attention to her, surprised by her audacity. As a newly recognized foster daughter, barely settled in, she was already challenging someone so openly. The guests had been gossiping freely, emboldened by that very fact. Little did they expect that this girl would not tolerate any disrespect. The girl who had been called out by Jiang Yining was left dumbfounded. Suddenly, all eyes were on Jiang Yining, and a hush fell over the crowd. The Ming couple, belatedly sensing the tension, stopped abruptly. "Yining?"
