"It seems Chairman Ouyang approves of that daughter-in-law, Fang Yanxi!"
"Alas, truly enviable and yet so jealous!"
Not far away, a group of young ladies from prominent families sat, casting envious and jealous glances at Fang Yanxi, who was being introduced by Ouyang Zhixin. They could only sigh in resignation.
These young ladies had come tonight with specific tasks!
Unfortunately, Wan Yunting had barely spared them a glance before, leaving them deeply disappointed.
Now, seeing his official girlfriend, Fang Yanxi, being personally introduced to business magnates by his father, the ladies and socialites present could only feel envy, jealousy, and hatred.
Meanwhile, in the large study next to the west courtyard, Gu Luotang, Fan Shuyuan, and Gu Siruo, with Kong Chaoyu joining them later, gathered. These talented women, united by their shared interests, formed a stark contrast to the vibrantly dressed young ladies and socialites outside.
"Beautiful calligraphy, beautiful poem!"
Kong Chaoyu and Gu Siruo, looking at a calligraphy piece by Gu Luotang, praised her sincerely. "No wonder Elder Fan accepted you as his final disciple; it seems there's a good reason for it."
Gu Luotang had known Gu Siruo before, having stayed at her residence. However, she met Kong Chaoyu only tonight and was unaware of her family background. Receiving praise, Gu Luotang replied with polite humility, a slight smile gracing her lips, "You flatter me."
Kong Chaoyu smiled, then asked, "By the way, I heard you and Wan Yunting are a couple?"
Gu Luotang's expression faltered, her delicate face flushing instantly, revealing a shy demeanor. She felt too embarrassed to admit it.
"Heh heh, what's there to be shy about?"
Kong Chaoyu giggled and said, "During the Lunar New Year, you, Wan Yunting's mother, and sister went shopping. All the children from prominent families in the capital knew about it. They envied you for becoming a future daughter-in-law of the Ouyang family. It's true, you and Wan Yunting together are like a golden couple, a match made in heaven, envied by all."
These words brought joy to Gu Luotang, but she bashfully shook her head, "Miss Kong, please don't tease me."
"Sister Luotang, if it's true, then it's true. What's there to be shy about?" said Fan Shuyuan, who was engrossed in her calligraphy.
Only Gu Siruo, sitting aside and sipping tea, was engrossed in a book, appearing indifferent.
"Sister..."
As Gu Luotang was about to speak, Qi Miaomiao, returning from outside, called out and rushed over, grabbing her arm. She apologetically said to Fan Shuyuan and Kong Chaoyu, "Excuse me, I need to talk to my sister about something..."
Gu Luotang looked surprised and asked, "Miaomiao, what's wrong?"
Qi Miaomiao winked at her, whispering, "Come out with me first, then I'll tell you..."
Pulled away by the girl, Gu Luotang could only offer an apologetic gesture to Kong Chaoyu and the others before following Qi Miaomiao out.
Kong Chaoyu, with her peach blossom eyes half-closed, smiled and continued her discussion on calligraphy with Fan Shuyuan...
"Miaomiao, what exactly is going on?"
Pulled out of the study by Qi Miaomiao into a small garden, Gu Luotang asked, puzzled.
"Sister, that Fang Yanxi really is here!"
Qi Miaomiao seemed anxious. Gu Luotang's expression flickered, and after a moment, she chuckled, "Didn't we already know that? Why are you so nervous?"
"Oh, Sister, don't you worry at all?" Qi Miaomiao gave her a look of exasperation, seeing her calm and composed demeanor, so unlike her own urgency.
Gu Luotang smiled faintly, "What's meant to come will come. Why worry?"
Qi Miaomiao rolled her eyes speechlessly and said, "Then let me tell you, Yunting's father is placing great importance on that Fang Yanxi and is currently introducing her to everyone. Aren't you worried?"
Qi Miaomiao had happened to see Ouyang Zhixin introducing Fang Yanxi to all the business magnates when she went out earlier and had rushed back.
This made Gu Luotang's delicate eyebrows furrow slightly, a hint of unease surfacing, and she fell silent.
"Sister, you need to be more mindful."
Qi Miaomiao sighed helplessly. When it came to business acumen and other skills, her sister would definitely not compare to Fang Yanxi.
Seeing Wan Yunting's father treating Fang Yanxi with such importance, it was clear he approved of this future daughter-in-law, hence introducing her to so many influential people.
After a long silence, Gu Luotang looked up, her gaze falling on the blooming peach trees in the small garden. She smiled faintly and said, "As long as Yunting's heart is with me, that's all that matters!"
Qi Miaomiao's expression froze. Just as she was about to say something, Ouyang Fanmeng's voice called out, "Sister Luotang, Miaomiao, I finally found you..."
Gu Luotang and Qi Miaomiao turned to greet Ouyang Fanmeng as she approached, smiling and asking, "Fanmeng, what's up?"
Ouyang Fanmeng held Gu Luotang's small hand and happily said, "My mother is looking for you. Come with me quickly."
Gu Luotang asked with a puzzled gaze, "Auntie is looking for me for what?"
"Oh, don't ask yet, just come with me!"
Ouyang Fanmeng smiled, pulling her along and beckoning Qi Miaomiao to follow as they headed out...
Meanwhile, in a reception room adjacent to the main guest courtyard, a gathering of women assembled. These were no ordinary women; they were the wives of the magnates, elegantly dressed, radiating wealth and grace, clearly women of high society.
"Heh heh, Sister Xiangyun, you are so fortunate. Not only did you find your elder son again, and he's a famous figure, but now your daughter's illness is also cured. Sister Xiangyun, your hardships have finally paid off," said a woman in a luxurious evening gown, sitting beside Xia Xiangyun, her face beaming with a smile as she showered praise.
"Indeed."
Mrs. Zhang Cuilan, wife of the esteemed Mr. Qian Duoyu, sighed, holding Xia Xiangyun's hand. "Xiangyun, you have truly gone through hardships to finally see the dawn. Heaven has opened its eyes for you."
The wealthy ladies surrounding Xia Xiangyun nodded in agreement. After all, they all knew how difficult it had been for Ouyang Zhixin and Xia Xiangyun. Their elder son was lost, and their daughter suffered from a strange illness. To ordinary people, it seemed as though their past good deeds were being repaid in this life.
But to everyone's surprise, the couple not only found their elder son again, but their son, with his exceptional medical skills, cured their daughter's strange illness. It was truly as if heaven had smiled upon them, and their bitter days had finally yielded sweet rewards.
"By the way, Xiangyun, I heard Little Wan has found two girlfriends?"
A woman with a gossipy demeanor asked Xia Xiangyun curiously.
The wealthy ladies around them had eyes shining with interest, all looking at Xia Xiangyun with curiosity. It was clear that these doting ladies were keenly following such gossip daily.
Especially the personal life of the currently popular Wan Yunting!
"One is the final disciple of the esteemed calligraphy and literary master, Fan Liren. Isn't her name Gu Luotang?"
"The other is said to be his university sweetheart, Fang Yanxi. I hear she's very business-minded and is already the CEO of Chaoting Group's headquarters. And she's incredibly beautiful!"
These wealthy ladies chimed in, one after another. Xia Xiangyun smiled, "Don't you all already know? Why are you asking me?"
"Oh, Sister Xiangyun, your son is so outstanding, any woman would like him!"
The wealthy lady, Deng Meizhen, said to Xia Xiangyun with a charming smile, "You know my daughter, too. While she may not be as outstanding, she's quite well-behaved. If she could get to know and interact with your son, perhaps our families could become in-laws in the future."
"Oh, Meizhen, you're showing your hand so quickly!"
Another elegant and bejeweled wealthy lady glanced at Deng Meizhen with disdain and sneered, "Your precious daughter is just a spoiled and unreasonable little girl. Can she be worthy of Sister Xiangyun's excellent son?"
"Sister Xiangyun, don't listen to her. In fact, my daughter is quite a match for your son, Wan Yunting. Moreover, my daughter is not bad looking and will surely be a good daughter-in-law in the future..."
"Get out of here!"
Deng Meizhen, who was being retorted, glared at the other wealthy lady and said, "I know your daughter well enough. I heard she's been getting close to a male celebrity lately, with tons of gossip. And you, you're trying to foist her onto Sister Xiangyun's precious son."
"Meizhen, what nonsense are you talking about? When did my daughter mess around with a male celebrity? Don't you dare slander me." The wealthy lady's eyes widened as she pointed at Deng Meizhen and began to scold.
"If you don't know, you can check the news. See if I'm slandering you." Deng Meizhen was not one to back down easily and retorted fiercely with her hands on her hips.
"You..."
"Alright, alright, stop arguing," Zhang Cuilan said sternly, bringing their bickering to an end. She understood their little ulterior motives.
Xia Xiangyun naturally understood as well, so she maintained her smile, looking at the wealthy ladies around her. "It's true that Yunting has a few confidantes around him, but each one has her own personality. As for my son's personal life, I, as his mother, cannot and will not control it from now on!"
Upon hearing this, all the wealthy ladies present exchanged glances, understanding the implication behind Xia Xiangyun's words. Suddenly, they all felt too embarrassed to continue recommending their daughters.
"Mom, Sister Luotang is here."
At this moment, Ouyang Fanmeng entered, pulling Gu Luotang along. Qi Miaomiao followed. The two sisters looked at the crowd present, each dressed and adorned like no ordinary person. Gu Luotang felt a little nervous, unsure of what was about to happen.