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With acquaintances in both the legitimate and illicit worlds, Zhang Jiande was well-informed. Upon hearing the news, he promptly informed Lin Jiahua, urging him to caution Chu Yuening.

Lin Jiahua was also troubled by this. "When gangsters turn ruthless, they become fearless. If the guests are scared, who would dare to come?"

Chu Yuening remained unfazed, arranging the small wooden table neatly. She then bent down to open the red plastic bag and hung the peach wood sword on the glass cabinet.

Positioning the sign with "Chu Ji's Desserts" facing the alleyway.

Lin Jiahua fretted, "Isn't Ning Ning in a hurry?"

"Calm down," Chu Yuening said with a composed demeanor. Seeing Lin Jiahua's anxiousness escalating, she reassured him, "Don't worry. If someone comes, we'll proceed with the fortune-telling session. If not, it'll just be an unplanned vacation for us."

Anyway, she could keep her composure.

With the sum the Qiao family had given her earlier, she wouldn't have to worry too much about finances for a while.

Suddenly, a mocking laugh echoed from the side.

"I suppose someone has uncovered the deceit, and that's why the business is dwindling."

Accompanied by a well-dressed socialite in a custom-made Armani light beige ensemble, Jiajia Fang made an appearance on Temple Street. Carrying a pile of luxury shopping bags, she glanced disdainfully at the stalls. "It's so cramped and crowded here. I can't imagine why anyone would want to come for dessert."

The socialite, curious, asked, "Jiajia, is this your friend? That peach wood sword looks cute, doesn't it? The dessert must be decent, right?"

The socialite's name was Xu Conglu, the beloved daughter of the head of the Xu Corporation, which had interests in real estate and entertainment. Jiajia, acting on her father's instructions, had deliberately sought out Xu Conglu with the intention of befriending the Xu family and enlisting their aid for the Fangs.

Upon hearing about the Chu family, Lin Jiahua's expression turned disdainful. "Ning Ning, is she the illegitimate daughter of your good-for-nothing father?"

The mention of 'illegitimate daughter' set Jiajia off. "What illegitimate daughter? I am a rightful member of the Fang family!"

"Yes, you're a Fang," Chu Yuening smiled. "But Fang Jingguo is the Chu family's son-in-law. You were born during his marriage to my mother. So tell me, if you're not an illegitimate child, then who is?"

—

Through the line of questioning, Fang Jiajia's face turned crimson with embarrassment, her dignity utterly compromised.

"An illegitimate daughter?" Xu Conglu found it inconceivable, looking at Fang Jiajia. "Is that true?"

Many influential figures in Hong Kong had multiple consorts, but Xu Conglu's father was an exception. He was deeply devoted to his wife and never strayed. He doted on his family excessively.

Though Xu Conglu had a spoiled temperament, she was well-mannered and held unique views on love. Over time, she developed a prejudiced perspective towards illegitimate children and mistresses.

Fang Jiajia, however, tried to justify herself. "Father never loved my stepmother; he truly loved my mother. They overcame numerous obstacles to be together."

In Hong Kong, it wasn't unheard of for a man to marry into a wealthy family, especially if the woman was an only child, and her parents didn't want her to suffer outside the family.

Xu Conglu frowned. "If Uncle Fang didn't love his first wife, why did he become a groom-in-law?"

Fang Jiajia felt highly awkward. She had intended to provoke Chu Yuening, but now found herself on the defensive. Her mind raced to find an excuse. Eventually, she hit upon one.

"At that time, Father was still on the mainland. Most marriages there were arranged by their parents without considering the children's feelings. When Father married my stepmother, they had barely met twice. How could he have liked her?"

Fang Jiajia tried to frame the story as one of forced union.

Xu Conglu seemed lost in thought, and upon seeing Jiajia Fang carrying numerous luxury bags, she didn't press further.

"Stepmother?" Chu Yuening raised an eyebrow. "Your mother is still married to Fang Jingguo. My mother knows nothing about this. In her marriage, there's only a husband who died in Hong Kong and never returned, no mistress—she definitely doesn't deserve to be called a stepmother."

In Hong Kong, being referred to as a stepmother implied acceptance of multiple wives.

Jiajia Fang was furious but maintained her ladylike composure. "Say what you will. Father said that we'll always be a family no matter what. Even if you don't acknowledge us, my mother is still legally married to Father, and she still cares for you."

Jiajia knew that Miss Xu was sensitive about polygamous families, so she could only try to salvage the situation.

See? It was Chu Yuening who was the disobedient, un filial one who refused to return home.

Moreover, her parents were legally married! The previous part could at most be considered a divorce.

Chu Yuening rolled her eyes. "Then thank your Fang family for their concern. Please hurry up and pay back the money."

Xu Conglu was surprised. "The Fangs are wealthy, so why do they owe money?"

Jiajia explained softly, "It was a misunderstanding."

Next, Fang Jiajia turned to Chu Yuening with an air of benevolence, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Oh, right, Big Brother will be back from England in two days. You haven't met yet. Why don't you join us for a family dinner then?"

With the stab delivered, Fang Jiajia's lips curled up.

In her opinion, with Chu Yuening's temperament back then, she would surely engage in a fierce argument and berate every member of the Fang family.

There was no way she would attend the family dinner.

Unexpectedly, Chu Yuening replied calmly, "Don't worry, I'll be there."

Fang Jiajia's smile faded. "You're coming?"

Chu Yuening merely smiled without responding.

Since they dared to invite her, she would indeed show up to confront them.

—

Lin Jiahua dashed out like a bucket of cold water, causing Xu Conglu to scream and retreat in terror, her complexion turning pale. Seeing that he had missed Fang Jiajia and instead splashed Xu Conglu, Lin Jiahua felt embarrassed.