C6 6
Everyone around them regarded Third Master Mu with a sense of awe. At that moment, Zhao Xuexian realized the gravity of her mistake. Her face drained of color as she turned to Ming Chengkang with a pleading look. "Uncle..." Why was this man, held in such high esteem by all, present at the Ming family's gathering? And why was he defending that woman? Ming Chengkang did not spare her a glance. He hurriedly removed the check from his collar, presenting it with both hands while bowing deeply, the picture of humility. "Third Master Mu, please take the check back. I am deeply sorry. This entire affair is the fault of my niece's reckless behavior. I failed to educate her properly. I'm terribly sorry. Zhao Xuexian, apologize now." Zhao Xuexian clutched her skirt, standing lost and unsure. After a long pause, she finally managed to stammer out an apology to Third Master Mu. "I-I'm sorry." The man lifted his eyelids to look at her briefly. "And then?" Zhao Xuexian paused, then quickly grasped that he expected her to apologize to Jiang Yining. Despite her intense reluctance, she recognized there was no escaping this predicament. Her face flushed with embarrassment as she whispered to Jiang Yining, "I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have insulted you and pushed you." Jiang Yining kept her gaze downcast, offering no response. "Speak up," the man said calmly, his voice carrying an authority that brooked no argument. Zhao Xuexian's tears began to fall. Yet no one came to her defense. The banquet hall was eerily quiet, as if everyone were waiting for her apology. "I'm sorry!" she shouted with all the force she could muster. Unable to contain herself any longer, Zhao Xuexian covered her face and fled the banquet hall. Ming Chengkang glanced between Mu Chen and Jiang Yining, feeling an odd sensation stirring within him. "Third Master Mu, about this check..." As he hesitated, searching for words to lighten the mood, Lyi Beiting interjected from the side. "Mr. Ming, I wasn't aware your family was hosting a banquet. I apologize for the intrusion. I'll leave once I've delivered the invitation."
"Don't worry about it. It's actually our Ming family who should apologize for exposing you to such a scene. Second Young Master Lyi, why don't you come to the study for a moment? Have a glass of water or wine and take a little break."
Lyi Beiting didn't decline, giving his friend a teasing half-smile. Ming Chengkang instructed his wife and daughter to take good care of the guest, then cheerfully escorted Lyi Beiting to the second floor. He had intended to take Mu Chen with them, but Mu Chen didn't even spare him a glance, so he let it be. The banquet went on, but the atmosphere had dulled. No one gossiped about Jiang Yining any longer, and no one dared to get too close to her. The girl became almost invisible. Jiang Yining glanced toward the man who was impossible to overlook. He was watching her, too. It was only right, in every sense, to thank the person who had helped her. After a moment's thought, she walked over to him. Mu Chen lowered his gaze as the girl approached, stopping in front of him. At 1.7 meters tall, she still only reached his shoulders, which made her seem petite. Her skin was delicate and fair, and her captivating peach blossom eyes were arresting. She was stunningly beautiful, but clearly still young, needing a couple more years before she could marry. Jiang Yining looked up, her expression earnest. "Thank you for what you did earlier." The man fell silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on her eyes as a turbulent undercurrent stirred within. His voice was deep and seductive. "Is a simple 'thank you' all I get?" Jiang Yining blinked, puzzled. Wasn't a thank you enough?
