Tian Sangsang held her hand in return, her smile radiant, "Why wouldn’t we welco you? Wenxiu, what kind of talk is that? You’re Jinghuai’s sister, which makes you my sister too. No matter how far or near, guests should feel at ho. Stay here, relax, and head back when school starts. If you need anything, just let know."
"Thank you, sister-in-law."
When Jia Wenxiu held her hand, she exerted so force. Of course, Tian Sangsang wasn’t one to falter either; her nails, slightly long and coated with a clear polish, were gleaming and beautiful yet sharp enough to leave marks. They dug into the back of Jia Wenxiu’s hand, leaving subtle imprints.
Jiang Jinghuai used to complain that her nails weren’t strong enough, that they didn’t scratch effectively. But feeling Wenxiu’s effort to pull her hand back now, Sangsang realized her nails were pretty capable after all.
The two released each other’s hands with plastic smiles that didn’t reach their eyes.
"Dad, where’s Mom?" Tian Sangsang turned to Jiang Father, raising the shopping bag in her hand. "I passed by Zhenwei House on my way and specifically brought her favorite osmanthus cake."
"You’re so thoughtful," Jiang Father said. "She’s upstairs." She hadn’t co down since they got back.
Jia Wenxiu rubbed her hand before interjecting, "Mom just watched a movie with , and she’s been in a bad mood. In fact, she had a bit of an episode earlier, though thank goodness she took her dicine."
Jiang Father quickly asked what happened.
Jia Wenxiu smiled helplessly and turned to Tian Sangsang, "Sister-in-law, the matter actually relates to you – Mom’s struggling to accept it."
Tian Sangsang imdiately thought of *Lushan Love*. There was no way she’d let Jia Wenxiu talk first, so she apologized profusely to Jiang Father, confessing, "Dad, the movie Mom watched is likely one I acted in before, *Lushan Love*."
Jiang Father’s usually gentle expression suddenly turned surprised. "Sangsang was an actress?"
Tian Sangsang shook her head, "Back then, I needed funding for my store, which is why I took the role. Plus, Zhao Chun and Jinghuai are friends, and Jinghuai’s friends are my friends too. When Zhao Chun couldn’t find a lead actress, I thought I should help. But I never anticipated the trouble it would cause for myself and the family; so people just want to stir up drama over the film. That’s probably why Mom misunderstood. Dad, please rest assured, I’ve never thought about pursuing acting as a career."
Jiang Father found her explanation flawless. First, her acting was rely to source funding—the small stipend his son gave her indeed wouldn’t have been sufficient for her business. Second, helping his son’s friend was entirely reasonable. "You just focus on being yourself; sotis, there’s no need to mind those who try to manipulate situations. Films are art, nothing to be taken seriously. I’ll go check on your mom now. You all talk." He didn’t mind, but his wife unquestionably did. After all, their family had never produced an actress, and his wife was exceptionally stringent with her daughters-in-law.
Jia Wenxiu was at a loss for words with Sangsang’s direct confession. Speaking first indeed always held a distinct advantage over speaking later.
Once Jiang Father’s figure disappeared along the stairwell, Jia Wenxiu moved aside and, in a voice ant only for their ears, said, "Tian Sangsang, I really didn’t expect you to be my sister-in-law."
Tian Sangsang smirked faintly, "I didn’t expect you’d return to the Jiang Family either; I always thought you were soone with real spine."
Jia Wenxiu’s face flushed red at Sangsang’s jab. It struck precisely where her pride had been wounded.
"You know exactly why I returned," she said through gritted teeth.
"Oh dear, why does the air suddenly stink so much? The sll is so unpleasant," Tian Sangsang’s expression shifted as she waved her hand in front of her nose, tilting her head innocently while blinking her clear eyes. "Why did you co back?"
The word "stink" made Jia Wenxiu rigid all over; she glared at her with unbridled hostility. If looks could kill, Tian Sangsang would have been shredded into pieces.
Standing at the kitchen door, Aunt Zhang couldn’t help but shiver as she observed Jia Wenxiu’s deanor. What was going on? Why had Miss suddenly beco so frightening?
mories from the train ride surfaced—a humiliating, unbearable ordeal marked by the judgntal stares of others. She couldn’t forget it. "Tian. Sang. Sang. I’m back this ti to settle scores. All the sha you inflicted on , I’ll pay you back—every single bit!"
"Then bring it on," Tian Sangsang replied without fear. To be honest, she wanted to declare, *I have a thousand ways to make sure you can’t survive in the Jiang Family*. But she lacked the confidence to make such a boast. For now, Ye Binyi was undoubtedly on Jia Wenxiu’s side, and Jiang Father listened to Ye Binyi. She was completely isolated, so she couldn’t afford to make bold claims. She could only handle whatever ca her way.
**
Later, Jiang Father and Ye Binyi ca downstairs, and the family gathered around the dinner table.
During the quiet al, Ye Binyi suddenly announced so news.
Hua Jun’s grandfather was turning 80, and in two days, there’d be a banquet to celebrate. The family had received an invitation.
Hua Grandpa was a revolutionary veteran who had lived to such an advanced age, a rarity indeed. Many of his contemporaries had long since passed, including Jiang Grandpa. Thus, the Hua Family hosting a banquet didn’t co off as extravagant or excessive but rather an occasion filled with well-wishes.
Jiang Father said, "I won’t be able to make it that day. My brothers will be there; the Jiang Family won’t miss . It’s enough for you to attend instead."
Ye Binyi didn’t look at him but nodded. "Got it. Wenxiu, you’ll co with in two days."
Jia Wenxiu smiled sweetly, "I understand, Mom. I’ll start preparing a gift for Grandpa Hua right away."
Tian Sangsang kept her head down as she ate, but her heart was racing. Banquets like these with attendees from all corners were golden opportunities for networking—ideal for soone new to Beijing. If she could show her face, it would symbolize her status. Yet from Ye Binyi’s tone, she didn’t seem inclined to bring her along. That realization left her feeling dejected. Her mother-in-law intended to bring Wenxiu but hadn’t even ntioned her. Was she really that unlikable? What was it about her that her mother-in-law found so objectionable?
She had been pondering this deeply ever since she arrived at the Jiang Family.
Jiang Father cautiously glanced at his wife’s expression and then stiffened his own deanor. "Sangsang, in two days, you’ll go along with your mom and Wenxiu."
Tian Sangsang looked up in surprise and replied, "Sure."
Ye Binyi’s face turned icy cold, but she didn’t utter a word. After dinner, back in her room, Ye Binyi stared at Jiang Father coldly, "Why did you have to let her go?!"
Jiang Father typically bent over backward to accommodate Ye Binyi, but not for this—it was important business.
He replied helplessly, "She’s your daughter-in-law. Everyone in Beijing has heard that Jinghuai married. If we don’t bring her, it’s like slapping ourselves in the face, Binyi. Please don’t be upset. I’m not trying to oppose you." If the daughter-in-law didn’t attend, people—being shrewd like they are—would undoubtedly discern discord within the family. Wouldn’t that be opening themselves up for ridicule?
Ye Binyi understood the logic but was still fuming, "She’s just a rural girl with a seductive-looking face. I’m really worried she’ll embarrass us at the banquet. With so many people there, I can’t afford to lose that kind of face. If she does sothing inappropriate or behaves out of line, wouldn’t that just..."
Jiang Father didn’t believe his daughter-in-law would be an embarrassnt, but he dared not voice it. "Just give her more instructions, let her stick close to you."
Ye Binyi thought to herself, even speaking to her felt unpleasant, let alone giving her instructions. Hmph.
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