The Useless Heiress Is Actually A Bigshot

Chapter 45: Chapter 45: Going to a Banquet

“Yixue, you should avoid Zhong Niangyao in the future,” Li Jingming frowned. “She’s become much harder to deal with now than before. Approaching her like this will only bring you grief.”

“I understand,” Shen Yixue’s whole demeanor seemed somewhat dejected, “I always thought she and I were friends. I never expected that in her heart, she believed I was always taking advantage of her.”

“She was never a good person to begin with, don’t think too much about it.”

Seeing Shen Yixue like this, Li Jingming felt a pang of heartache and hurriedly tried to comfort her, “Someone like her has too many schemes; you can’t outplay her. So it’s better to stay away from her in the future.”

Shen Yixue nodded and obediently agreed, but then she asked, “Jingming, do you think we should tell Xuan Lang about what happened today? I don’t mean anything by it, but he’s currently pursuing Nianyao, so he should know about this matter.”

“I’ll find time to tell him about it; you don’t worry about it,” Li Jingming nodded and then changed the subject, “Yixue, aren’t you about to participate in the national painting and calligraphy competition soon? You should focus on preparing your work and forget about everything else.”

Shen Yixue nodded again.

She was very clear in her heart just how important this national painting and calligraphy competition was for her. Among the judges of this competition was the renowned Qi Zhongbai, a celebrated figure in the painting and calligraphy world.

Rumors had it that Qi Zhongbai might choose a suitable talent during this competition to take on as a disciple. To become a disciple of Qi Zhongbai would make having a place in the painting and calligraphy world extremely easy in the future.

Even if the rumors were false, securing first place in the competition would grant direct admission to the Painting and Calligraphy Association, which would greatly benefit her future.

Of course, the hefty prize money of the competition was also a significant enticement for her.@@novelbin@@

On the other hand, Zhong Niangyao, of course, was clueless about their conversation. But even if she knew they intended to tell Zhao Xuan Lang, she wouldn’t care in the slightest.

After receiving a transfer from Li Jingming, she quickly donated all of the money to the orphanage.

In the days that followed, Zhong Niangyao didn’t go near Tongtian Bridge again.

Soon, the birthday banquet of Old Madam Lu arrived as scheduled.

Zhong Niangyao wasn’t interested in such occasions. Initially, she didn’t want to attend, but after failing to persuade Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong, she had to agree to make an appearance.

Unlike the lavish attires of the other Zhong family women, Zhong Niangyao simply put on a plain white cocktail dress. She didn’t wear any makeup, just lightly applied some lipstick to give her complexion a healthier look.

Yet, even with such simplistic attire, her delicate, flawless face, and ethereal aura were enough to overshadow all other Zhong family women in their fancy dresses.

Zhong Mengfan and Zhong Mengxuan, although not outspoken, had conspicuous jealousy in their eyes. However, out of respect for Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong, they did not voice any biting remarks.

Everyone from the Zhong family attended this birthday banquet, except for Li Yiqiu. After all, such occasions are rare, and no one would want to miss them.

Li Yiqiu didn’t want to miss it either, but considering her particular condition, and with her advanced age and the excessive number of people at the banquet, any mishap could lead to irrecoverable loss.

Therefore, after much deliberation, she could only give up this rare opportunity.

Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong certainly agreed with this decision.

The Zhong family quickly arrived at the Lu Mansion.

Sitting in the car, Zhong Niangyao gazed at the scenery inside the Lu family courtyard and couldn’t help but admire it; they truly lived up to their reputation as the foremost family of Hua Country. Just looking at the nearly one hundred acres of ancestral land was enough to appreciate their profound heritage. Even after entering the Lu Mansion, one might have to continue riding because, by foot, it seemed almost impossible to reach the house itself.

The outdoor courtyard boasted a variety of plants and trees. Even those precious species that typically require special care in greenhouses in other noble homes were common sights at the Lu Mansion.

Owning such an expansive mansion in the costly Imperial Capital spoke volumes about the Lu Family’s status.

However, while she was internally admiring the estate, Zhong Niangyao was neither surprised nor uncomfortable. After all, in her previous life, she was the State Preceptor of Lai Country and often frequented the Imperial Palace.

Having become accustomed to the splendor of the Imperial Palace, her amazement at the Lu Mansion was lessened.

Zhong Niangyao rode in the same car as Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong.

Seeing Zhong Niangyao’s calm demeanor, the two glanced at each other and saw admiration in each other’s eyes. However, they also felt a hint of confusion.