Granny Song was the most respected figure at the banquet, given her seniority. People came one after another to greet her.
Seeing that Granny was receptive, Song Shuling felt relieved that Granny would not try to find a partner for her brother anymore. She went to get some dessert. As she turned around, she saw Bai Yinyue standing behind a pillar, holding a glass of red wine. Her eyes were slightly red and she looked sad.
Their eyes met. Bai Yinyue controlled her emotions and forced a faint, apologetic smile. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop on your conversation with Granny Song."
She had been there earlier. As Song Shuling led Granny over, Bai Yinyue was about to step out to greet people when she overheard their conversation - Song JinXing already had a girlfriend.
She was very nice and very pretty. He really liked her a lot.
Bai Yinyue couldn't describe her feelings - it was like she had lost love even before falling in love. Sorrow and sourness welled up in her at once. Before she could sort out her feelings, Song Shuling saw her.
Both felt rather awkward.
Song Shuling knew Bai Yinyue admired her brother, but love requires mutual affection. Also, sister-in-law probably wouldn't be happy knowing a rich young lady was eyeing her husband.
Thinking this, Song Shuling felt it was good Bai Yinyue overheard them. Hopefully she would stop liking brother now?
Song Shuling moved her lips, about to say something, when Bai Yinyue suddenly took a deep breath. The sadness and sourness on her face seemed to disappear with that long sigh. She blinked her slightly red eyes and her expression returned to normal. Raising her glass towards Song Shuling, she joked, "Don't worry, I won't make trouble for your brother and sister-in-law like in TV shows. Please congratulate your brother for me."
Song Shuling pressed her lips and lightly clinked her glass with Bai Yinyue's.
Bai Yinyue smiled in relief, tilted her head back and finished her red wine. Then she lifted her skirt and walked away.
...
Although she didn't find suitable young men for her granddaughters, learning her precious grandson was in love made Granny Song feel she had gained something from the banquet.
Although Song Shuling didn't elaborate on the girl, her hesitant manner allowed Granny Song to guess a few things.
At home, when she mentioned this to Grandpa Song, she said, "I guess her family background doesn't match ours well, so Shuling was reluctant to tell me, afraid I'd object. Your grandson spends all day in the company and has little chance to meet girls. Could she be an employee there?"
Grandpa Song was feeding the turtles in the pond. "Since JinXing hasn't brought her home to meet us, it means he hasn't decided yet either. As long as the girl comes from a decent family without any scandals, her background doesn't matter. I'm confident that my chosen successor can secure his position even without a marriage alliance."
Granny Song glared at him. "Weren't you the one who anxiously made him go on blind dates before? And now you're acting all understanding!"
Grandpa Song dusted his hands. "JinXing is almost 28 now, nearly crossing 30. Weren't you anxious that he was still single? But now that he's dating, we can stop worrying about him."
Granny Song handed him a teacup, still concerned. "I wonder what kind of girl she is and whether she can handle JinXing's personality... I know!" She suddenly slapped her thigh. "That explains JinXing's big change in behavior lately - he must be in love!"
Grandpa Song was furious. "What are you hitting my thigh for?"
Granny Song was overjoyed. "She managed to change JinXing's personality and get close to us - she must be very capable! I wonder when JinXing will bring the girl home. I need to prepare a gift for my daughter-in-law in advance!"
Grandpa Song held her back. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Now that he's dating, we should also inform the Bai family since they wanted a marriage alliance. Don't keep the girl waiting."
Granny Song nodded solemnly. "You're right, I'll call Old Lady Bai now."
Soon, the Bai family received the rejection from the Song family.
When Bai Yinyue returned from her art studio in the evening, she saw Father Bai sitting grimly in the living room. Sensing something wrong, she called "Dad" and was about to go upstairs when Father Bai called her back coldly, "Do you know Song JinXing is dating someone?"
Bai Yinyue was startled but quickly regained composure. "I found out at the banquet yesterday too."
Suddenly, Father Bai flung the string of beads in his hand at her. "Didn't I ask you to get more chances to interact with him? Yet you completely ignored me! You let the perfect marriage prospect slip away!"
Bai Yinyue was used to her father's sudden violence. She dodged the beads and retorted through gritted teeth, "What could I do if he doesn't like me?"
Father Bai sneered coldly. "Can't even make a man like you - you're just a useless good-for-nothing!"
Bai Yinyue sneered back. "Yes, I'm useless. You want this alliance with the Songs so badly, why don't you marry into their family yourself? Or shall I ask the Songs if they need a son-in-law?"
Enraged, Father Bai suddenly stood up to hit her. Bai Yuxuan, who was gaming in his room, rushed out and hugged Father Bai from behind. "Dad, don't hit sister!"
Despite just turning eighteen, Bai Yuxuan was 1.8 meters tall and very strong. He locked his iron-like arms around Father Bai. After two futile struggles, Father Bai yelled, "Rebellious! You're all rebellious! Bai Yuxuan, let me go!"
Bai Yuxuan held on tighter. "I'll release you if you promise not to hit sister!"
Father Bai took a deep breath, unable to handle this son. Through gritted teeth he said, "Fine, I won't hit her. Now let me go."
"Let him go," Bai Yinyue said expressionlessly.
Bai Yuxuan hesitantly released his father, worried he'd go back on his word and hit Bai Yinyue immediately. Bai Yuxuan rushed to stand protectively in front of his sister.
Father Bai laughed mirthlessly. He straightened his collar but didn't raise his hand again. Picking up the beads off the floor, he sat back down on the sofa.
Only then did Bai Yuxuan relax. Still, he said, "It's good that guy doesn't like sister. I don't want him as brother-in-law either! Dad, stop forcing sister to go on blind dates. Can't you let her find someone herself?"
Impatient with him, Father Bai said, "Go back to your room!"
Bai Yuxuan took Bai Yinyue's hand. "Then sister will come with me."
"Wait, I still have something to say to her." Father Bai looked at Bai Yinyue. "Have lunch with Young Master Cheng tomorrow."
Bai Yinyue's expression changed. "Cheng Yaowen? I won't go!"
Father Bai glowered at her. "The Songs look down on you. If you mess up this alliance with the Chengs too, you'll have a miserable time!"
Bai Yinyue trembled with anger. "Don't you know what kind of person Cheng Yaowen is? You want me to marry someone like that?!"
Father Bai said strangely, "You're marrying Cheng Yaowen, not his mother." Suddenly he smiled. "Compared to the Song family's unstable factors across branches, with just one son Cheng Yaowen, the Chengs are more suitable. The Chengs will eventually go to Cheng Yaowen. Marry into their family and you'll become the sole mistress. "
He walked to Bai Yinyue's side and patted her shoulder benevolently. "The Bai family's future belongs to your brother. If you marry well, you can support your brother in the future. Understand?"
Bai Yinyue didn't reply. She turned and walked upstairs.
Father Bai's face darkened. He angrily shouted, "Bai Yinyue! Don't forget what you promised me!"
She froze, closed her eyes, and two teardrops fell uncontrollably. Still, she didn't turn back, only said softly, "I understand. I'll go."
