Bai Ji, who already loathed Bai Xi, wanted to tear her apart the moment she saw her. If it weren't for the presence of so many distinguished guests, she would have grabbed a knife and fork from the table and gouged out her eyes. "Bai Xi, how dare you show your face here!"
The old Madam Bai's plan had failed, and she was naturally displeased. However, being someone who had weathered many storms, she cast a slight glance at her daughter and said indifferently, "Ji'er, don't cause a scene."
Bai Ji quieted down, her elegant antique veil hiding a pair of venomous eyes.
After the previous incident, Old Madam Bai was well aware that Bai Xi was not easy to deal with. That was why she had deliberately invited Lin Yun, and to ensure Lin Yun would come, she had even enclosed a small note with Lin Yun's invitation.
The note stated that the people she had sent out had found Bai Qing's whereabouts.
Although Bai Qing was presumed dead at the time, her body had never been found, which left Lin Yun with some hope.
She intended to use this to lure Lin Yun in, set a trap, and capture her, making her subservient to her will and using her to threaten Bai Xi.
But she never expected... that Bai Xi would be the one to show up.
Last time, they had suffered a great loss from a direct confrontation. This time, they might as well resort to cunning tactics.
Back then, hadn't Bai Xi been delivered to the bed of that lecherous old man by her?
She put on an elegant and dignified smile, her cream-white attire giving people the illusion that she was a kind and amiable old lady. "Since Xi'er is here, feel free to do as you please. Today is Director Zhou's birthday celebration for Lian'er, and all who are present are guests."
She was confident that even if Bai Xi disregarded the Bai family's reputation, she would care about the Zhou family's.
After all, the Zhou family was…
"I think it's fake. How could such a frail and delicate beauty be abusive!"
"Heh, you probably don't know this, but Director Zhou used to be this eldest miss of the Bai family's fiancé. Now he's engaged to her. What wouldn't a woman like that do?"
"..."
Facing the surrounding gossip, Bai Lian's face turned pale. "Xi'er, what nonsense are you talking about? How could I do such a thing? You must have some misunderstanding about me."
Her piteous appearance made it seem as though she had suffered immense insult and grievance.
Zhou Wen stepped forward directly, blocking Bai Xi. "Bai Xi, if you've come here to celebrate Lian'er's birthday, then just watch quietly from the side. Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless. The Zhou family is definitely not a place for you to run wild."
Bai Xi was deliberately picking on Lian'er, surely out of jealousy.
Now, he intended to throw everything he had prepared for Lian'er in her face, making her regret it.
With this thought, he beckoned lightly, and someone brought over a gift box.
The gift box was opened, revealing car keys, a house key, and a diamond ring the size of a pigeon's egg. "Lian'er, this is my birthday gift to you."
This gesture silenced those who had been speculating about Bai Lian.
After all, Zhou Wen's actions indicated his unconditional trust in Bai Lian, as well as his tenderness and generosity.
"These are car keys, so special. Could they be a limited edition Maserati sports car? I want one too."
"What's this? Look at these house keys. The key chain has a pure gold little angel emblem. This must be the Tian Jin Yuan villa district in the best location in City M. It's by the mountains and water, with good surroundings. Villas there aren't something you can just buy if you want them."
"Such a big diamond ring, it must be worth a fortune. I like it too."
Old Madam Bai looked at the gifts Zhou Wen presented and her liking for this future grandson-in-law grew even stronger.
Bai Lian's methods were truly high, she had truly learned from her, grasping Zhou Wen firmly.
Bai Lian's eyes were filled with surprise at the gifts.
In fact, she had already known that Zhou Wen had prepared a diamond ring for her as a gift, but she hadn't expected him to also get her a car and a villa.
"Brother Wen, Lian'er is so happy, thank you!"
After speaking, she hugged Zhou Wen's arm, stood on her tiptoes, and kissed his cheek.
However, Zhou Wen's eyes did not even glance at Bai Lian. His gaze was fixed on Bai Xi.
But the Bai Xi before him had indifferent eyes, devoid of any emotional fluctuations. If one had to describe any emotion, it might be akin to... impatience.
Indeed, Bai Xi was truly impatient.
She had come today to cause trouble, but she hadn't expected Zhou Wen to be so keen on flaunting his affection in front of her. But she had truly reached her limit: "Are you done with your idol drama?"
Bai Lian smiled shyly. "You've seen too much, Xi'er. Brother Wen is just unwilling to see me wronged. Since Xi'er is here today, why not have a drink of water and wine on the side? We can have our sisterly chat after the banquet."
Anyone would perceive the girl before them as a well-behaved young lady who didn't cause trouble and understood propriety.
And Bai Xi... was a shrew who had her fiancé stolen and was deliberately trying to tarnish their reputation.
Bai Xi said faintly, "I've also prepared a gift today, for you, and also for Old Madam Bai who invited my mother to this birthday banquet."
With that, she lightly raised her fair wrist. "Bring in my gift as well."
As she spoke, four men in black, fitted attire carried in a massive grandfather clock.
The time was precisely eight o'clock in the evening, and the heavy, classical clock emitted an alarm: "Dong, dong, dong..."
Like a series of death knells.