But she was in a dilemma, currently at a career high.
If she were to marry and have children according to the Jiang family's arrangements, she would have to live a life dependent on asking for money.
Although she believed Jiang Zexi would always treat her well, marriage was more than just two people living together.
She also knew that only by having children could her status be solidified, but she didn't want to become someone entirely reliant on Jiang Zexi.
Seeing her silence, and with her son ignoring her, Zhou Yuqing immediately felt displeased.
The Jiang family was a prominent one; how could the future young mistress be a public figure like a celebrity?
It might not have mattered before, but if their relationship were to become public, it would certainly be out of the question.
Moreover, given Xia Wanfu's family background, her agreeing to marry into the Jiang family was already a blessing from her past lives.
Just as she was about to say more, a servant reported,
"Madam, guests have arrived."
Zhou Yuqing could only suppress her discontent and, with a bright smile, went to greet them.
Ling Yucheng entered first with Xia Wantang, followed closely by Li Bowen and Wen Xuanyuan, with Qiao Xinyue at the end.
After exchanging greetings, they all took their seats on the sofa.
Old Madam Jiang, fearing her presence would make the youngsters uncomfortable, excused herself.
However, compared to the bustling Ling household, it was now much quieter.
Xia Wantang did not intentionally speak to Xia Wanfu, appearing as distant as strangers, not like sisters at all.
Wen Xuanyuan sat quietly beside Li Bowen, maintaining a polite, faint smile.
Qiao Xinyue, of course, did not speak casually, as she was even less familiar with Xia Wanfu.
Still, she couldn't help but glance at Xia Wanfu a few more times.
She had just watched Xia Wanfu's new collaboration with Wen Yan, which even included a kissing scene.
To be honest, Xia Wanfu herself was more beautiful than she appeared on television.
Her skin was so fair it seemed to glow.
But in comparison, she still felt Xia Wantang was more attractive.
Xia Wantang's beauty was a blend of purity and charm; every smile and frown exuded a captivating spirit, and her aura was pure and clean.
Xia Wanfu's beauty, on the other hand, was radiant, her loveliness adorned with thorns, bold and untamed.
A sense of inferiority unconsciously welled up within her; if she stood beside Wen Yan, she feared she would simply fade into the background.
Xia Wanfu also knew she wasn't particularly welcome, so she didn't try to make small talk with the others out of self-consciousness.
Zhou Yuqing brought out some fruit and invited everyone, "Don't be shy, these fruits are all fresh. Please help yourselves."
Xia Wantang smiled and nodded, "Okay, thank you, Aunt Jiang."
Saying this, she reached out to take an orange.
Wen Xuanyuan and Qiao Xinyue also took some fruit.
Zhou Yuqing looked at Xia Wantang's belly, her eyes full of envy.
"Is it about five or six months? You're lucky, Yucheng!"
"Yes, five months," Xia Wantang replied casually.
"That's wonderful. My Zexi is about the same age as Yucheng, and Yucheng is already going to be a father..."
These words sounded like a subtle push for children, and Xia Wantang dared not respond casually.
She could understand the feelings of parents, but Xia Wanfu was a celebrity; could she have a child so early?
One must remember that marriage and childbearing have a significant impact on a female celebrity's career.
Xia Wanfu's expression remained impassive, but her heart felt as if it were weighed down by heavy stones.
Seeing Xia Wantang not taking the bait, Zhou Yuqing was about to say something more to guide Xia Wanfu.
Just then, Jiang Zexi casually said, "Mom, can you stop staring at people's stomachs?"
Zhou Yuqing's expression shifted slightly but quickly returned to normal.
"You naughty boy, you need a spanking."
With a scolding laugh, she turned and left. The moment she turned, her face darkened.
If Jin Ning were still here, there would be no way a Xia Wanfu could marry into the Jiang family.
Yet, despite her displeasure, she dared not act out, for she could see that her son was protective of Xia Wanfu.
Jiang Zexi squeezed Xia Wanfu's hand to comfort her.
He nonchalantly said to Ling Yucheng, "Situ Jun will be here soon."
Ling Yucheng's expression remained unchanged, and he replied softly, "Mm."
All those who deserved to die were dead; of course, he wouldn't hold a grudge against the Situ family.
Li Bowen and Jiang Zexi exchanged a glance, secretly relieved.
They had feared their brothers might fall out, which would put them in a difficult position, as they were brothers to both sides.
Now, it seemed Ling Yucheng did not hold any ill will towards Situ Jun.
Not long after, Situ Jun indeed arrived.
He used to be the most boisterous one, but now he was exceptionally quiet.
The biggest change was in his eyes.
Previously, his eyes sparkled with vitality and unrestrained joy; now, they were clouded with weariness, like stagnant water.
As people grow older and gain experience, they are bound to mature.
After exchanging greetings, he casually found a seat.
Their last gathering was at Linglu Mountain; how much had changed in such a short time.
Everything was as it used to be, yet different. Clocks could turn back, but it was never yesterday.
For a moment, they realized they had truly grown up.
Perhaps the carefree, unrestrained gatherings of the past would never happen again.
They had dinner at the Jiangs' residence, and the atmosphere was relatively harmonious before they dispersed.
Li Bowen took Wen Xuanyuan home.
Li Bowen was not the eldest son in the family and did not bear the weighty responsibility of inheriting the family business.
Therefore, as long as his marriage was acceptable, it would not face opposition.
Wen Xuanyuan appeared quite relaxed, but she was still somewhat nervous.
After all, these were Li Bowen's family, and she worried about not being liked.
Before coming, she had learned about Li Bowen's family situation.
His grandfather was still alive, but his grandmother had passed away long ago, so the family situation was not overly complicated.
His elder brother was already married and had two daughters and one son.
So, when she arrived, she had prepared candies in her pocket to give to the children.
She also brought supplements for his grandfather. For his father and elder brother, she brought wine and cigarettes, and for his mother and sister-in-law, she bought skincare products.
Li Bowen had already informed his family, and they were all looking forward to Wen Xuanyuan's arrival.
Upon hearing the servant announce that the second young master had arrived with his girlfriend,
Madam Li immediately went to the door to greet them. She was all smiles and warmly welcomed them, "You're back, come in quickly."
Wen Xuanyuan smiled generously and nodded, "Hello, Aunt."
Then she looked into the house.
Seated on the sofa was a refined and amiable elder, who should be Li Bowen's grandfather.
Another young man bore a resemblance to Li Bowen; that must be his elder brother.
Beside his elder brother sat a gentle and dignified woman, who smiled and nodded at her.
Li Bowen held her hand and walked over, formally introducing her to the family.
Old Master Li looked at Wen Xuanyuan with great satisfaction.
This young woman's eyes were clear and pure, her demeanor polite. Although she still carried a touch of youthfulness, she was a good match for his grandson.