The society ladies were astonished and flocked to see.
"So this is a Yun Lan Ge outfit. I pre-ordered years ago but never got one."
"They say the head of Yun Lan Ge is actually the embroidery master Bai Jing, but she's never admitted it. Who knows if it's true."
"Bai Jing's technique is different from this. Bai Jing favors modern craftsmanship, while the Yun Lan Ge head is truly of the ancient school. Their styles are completely different, it's not Bai Jing," said Mother Jiang.
The troublemaking Mrs. Zhao questioned, "How can Mrs. Jiang be so sure?"
Mother Jiang maintained an elegant smile, "Because I own one, also by the Yun Lan Ge head. Go, bring me the Poppy cheongsam I treasure."
A servant hurried to fetch the dress. Soon, they came downstairs with a precious box.
The society ladies all crowded around.
Mother Jiang carefully took out the dress from the box, unfolded it, and compared it with the new one, "What do you think? Is the craftsmanship identical?"
The ladies wished they had magnifying glasses, but after looking closely, they had to admit it was indeed from the same hand.
Everyone fell silent, envying Mrs. Jiang, but also finding it strange.
How could a mistress afford such a precious dress? In their circle of wealthy wives, owning a Yun Lan Ge outfit was a matter of great prestige.
Regrettably, the ladies present, who had desperately tried to pre-order year after year, never got a slot. They couldn't buy it even with money.
It seemed this mistress had found a remarkable sugar daddy, they all thought.
Among the reputable families in City A were the Chu family, the Guan family, the Wang family, and the Jiang family. However, it was unlikely any of these families were involved. Or perhaps it was that mysterious family with immense power and wealth? That was even less likely. With mere beauty, how could one possibly climb into the ranks of that mysterious family?
For a moment, everyone was lost in speculation. Anyone who could afford a Yun Lan Ge outfit to give as a gift must have considerable influence, but those with such influence were unlikely to be involved with someone of the humble status of the woman before them.
Of course, among everyone's thoughts, Mother Jiang's were the most conflicted.
She genuinely wanted the dress, but considering the woman's identity and how she herself had not shown any courtesy earlier, how could she possibly accept the dress?
She cast her gaze back at the woman her son had brought.
The woman had been smiling gently throughout, whether being humiliated earlier or being fawned over now. Her calm and composed demeanor, neither servile nor overbearing, was truly admirable.
It was a nobility emanating from her very core. Compared to her, someone like He Miao was like a small fish or shrimp before a blue whale, insignificant and not worth mentioning.
What a pity, such excellent temperament and beauty, but lacking a good family background to support them.
After an internal struggle, Mother Jiang ultimately handed the dress to Quan Jiu for the sake of her family.
Quan Jiu accepted the dress with a smile, "Since Auntie doesn't like it, I won't give it to you then."
Mother Jiang's heart screamed that she liked it, but she had to maintain her composure. Seeing Quan Jiu put the dress back into the box, she almost reached out to stop her.
"Jiujiu, let's go," Wang Feifei pulled Quan Jiu and they left with hurried footsteps.
Jiang Nanchen glared resentfully at his mother, "Mom..." Unable to say anything more, he could only chase after Quan Jiu.
Catching up to Quan Jiu, Jiang Nanchen said with guilt and sadness, "Jiujiu, I'm sorry for letting you be wronged."
Quan Jiu smiled slightly, "It's alright. I don't know them, so I won't take them to heart." They were just insignificant passersby in her life, why bother with them and add to her troubles?
Wang Feifei was not as good-tempered as Quan Jiu. She pushed Jiang Nanchen, "I thought you were alright today. You invited us, but you let us suffer so much. Let's not interact anymore."
Quan Jiu chuckled softly and pulled Wang Feifei, "It's not his fault. You should understand this circle better than I do, shouldn't you?"
Wang Feifei was immediately choked up. Yes, these socialites and nobles, no matter how refined they appeared on the outside, still had a distinction between rich and poor, noble and common, in their hearts. There was nothing to be done.
Jiang Nanchen was anxious, "Jiujiu, I didn't mean it. I absolutely didn't look down on you. My mother... I will explain to her. You are a good girl. She was just misled by He Miao's nonsense."
Quan Jiu shook her head, "It's fine, I didn't take it to heart. See you later, Director Jiang."
She turned and left.
Jiang Nanchen felt heartbroken. Looking at Quan Jiu's retreating back, he wanted to chase after her, but felt he had no face to do so. He could only suffer in silence.
...
He Miao saw Jiang Nanchen chase after them, her jealous expression contorted.
She took out her phone and opened the chat with Shen Lu, "Did you find out about the photos you asked me to post last time? What is the identity and background of the person in the photo?"
Shen Lu asked strangely, "A rat in the gutter, crushing her is as easy as crushing an ant. I'm thinking about how to make her truly suffer. Why are you asking about her?"
He Miao replied, "She shamelessly came to Nanchen Gege's house today to wish Auntie a happy birthday. But she's just a mistress, Auntie definitely doesn't approve and chased her away."
Shen Lu sneered, "This slut is promiscuous and probably not just with Jiang Nanchen. What do you say? Shall we join forces and ensure she never gets back on her feet?"
He Miao grinned sinisterly, "I'm in. Send me the information."
Putting down her phone, He Miao found Mother Jiang again, afraid Mother Jiang's attitude might change because that slut had produced a Yun Lan Ge outfit.
"Auntie," she approached with a smile, taking Mother Jiang's hand, somewhat wronged, "Nanchen Gege seems to have misunderstood me. I really didn't mean to tamper with the gift, I just wanted to look at it for Auntie."
"It's alright, it's a small matter," Mother Jiang patted He Miao's hand.
He Miao breathed a sigh of relief, then worried again, "Auntie, you must persuade Nanchen Gege. That woman is not good. In Nanchen Gege's crew, she not only seduces Nanchen Gege but also flirts with others. She has a bad temper and slapped someone in public."
Mother Jiang frowned, "Don't worry, I will never allow Nanchen to associate with such a woman."
Just as she finished speaking, she saw her son return. Mother Jiang's face darkened and she called out, "Nanchen, come here."
Jiang Nanchen glanced at He Miao. He Miao quickly found an excuse to leave.
Jiang Nanchen came before Mother Jiang and immediately asked angrily, "Mom, what has He Miao told you now?"
"Don't mind what Miao Miao says. In any case, I will absolutely not allow you to be with that woman," Mother Jiang said forcefully. "She is too beautiful, she is a disaster. And she is unclear with men. Our Jiang family is a reputable lineage, and we will never allow such a woman to tarnish our family's reputation."
"Mom..." Jiang Nanchen took a deep breath in anger, closed his eyes, and pondered for a long time before suppressing his rage. "I won't argue with you. I know best what kind of person she is. I don't expect you to see her good qualities immediately. I just hope you won't judge her with prejudice." After saying that, he picked up his things and left.
Mother Jiang stopped him, "Nanchen, where are you going? It's my birthday, and you're leaving?"
"I have a lot of work at the studio," Jiang Nanchen left this sentence and departed resolutely.