Chapter 16 The Right Moment

Chapter 16: The Right Moment

"You... watch your mouth!" The old man raised a finger to point at her, while casting a questioning look at Su Zhenan. "Look at what your fine granddaughter is saying! Or are you planning to drive us useless old men away too?!"

"No, Grandpa, that's not what Sister meant!" Su Ruanruan hurriedly brought over a cup of tea to explain.

Su Mi shot the old man a sidelong glance. "If you know you're useless, why don't you hurry up and step aside? Who do you think you're fooling by throwing your weight around because you're old every day?"

"Rules and upbringing of the Su family? Not even the palace eunuchs were as hung up on rules as you are. What? Does our family have a royal throne to inherit? Well, I am the legitimate direct heir of the Su family. You're just the bastard son of our great-grandfather. At best, I call you 'Grandpa' out of courtesy. To put it bluntly, you're all shady side branches of the family. How dare you order me around here? When people get old, it seems they throw all shame out the window."

Instantly, the faces of several old men flushed bright red with anger. They pointed at her, unable to utter a word for a long moment, their arms trembling as if they were about to have a stroke.

Even though they had already witnessed the young lady's... temper, the surrounding servants still held their breath at this moment. Their shock at the young lady reached new heights.

Su Zhenan also felt his blood pressure spiking, his head starting to buzz. He could no longer clearly hear what the people around him were saying.

"Grandpa, take your medicine quickly!" Su Ruanruan promptly brought the blood pressure medication.

These old men were all bark and no bite. Su Mi didn't want to cause a death, so she decisively turned and went upstairs.

She was just telling the truth. Why should she endure and yield when others insulted her? There was no such principle in the world. These old men were just used to exploiting their age, thinking that because they had high blood pressure and heart conditions, others should give in to them.

What, who doesn't have some ailment? What if she heard such remarks and, in a moment of despair, committed suicide? Knowing full well she had bipolar disorder, these old men still provoked her like this. If that's not malicious, what is?

And they wanted to send her abroad for recuperation? By the time she returned, the company shares would have been divided up. These old men had it all figured out.

They were so nice to the female lead simply because they thought she was a pushover and had the Qi family backing her. Meanwhile, she, the biological daughter, was sick and would surely have no value for a marriage alliance in the future. Naturally, they couldn't stand the sight of her.

She felt she was still too kind. She should have given them a bigger piece of her mind just now.

As soon as she returned to her room, Su Mi saw a strapless evening gown of pale green gauze laid out on the bed. The dress had excellent texture; one touch revealed a clear difference from ordinary gowns.

Presumably, her mother had prepared it for her, surely thinking she was too busy filming to prepare such things herself.

*Knock knock—*

The door suddenly sounded. She immediately went to open it and saw her mother standing at the doorway holding a box, a kindly smile on her face.

"Those old men are just like that. They lecture every junior they see. You can always talk to Mom if you're upset."

"How is it? Does the dress Mom prepared for you fit?"

Her mother walked in with a smile. Her daughter had always been gentle. She wouldn't get angry unless provoked. Those old men must have said something, causing her daughter to have an episode.

Thinking of Su Ruanruan, who was still bustling about trying to show filial piety, she felt an inexplicable dislike. Knowing full well that Mimi had psychological issues, the other party still insisted on staying in the Su household. Wasn't that just stirring the pot?

"It's fine, but I don't really like this style." Su Mi stood by the bed, examining the refreshing and elegant evening gown.

How was this kind of dress suitable for her purposes?

It would be like getting your hair grabbed in a fight. If someone stepped on the hem of this dress, wouldn't that be a full wardrobe malfunction?

"It's all Mom's fault. I forgot to ask what style you like." Her mother showed guilt. "How about you look at other styles? I can have them delivered overnight?"

Su Mi shook her head. "No need. I'll just wear my usual clothes. After all, it's not my engagement tomorrow. If I dress too grandly, I'll just steal the spotlight."

Seeing her daughter being so considerate of others, her mother gave her a complicated look and patted her head. "Silly child, you think for Ruanruan like this, but she might not consider you. Tomorrow is also your first public appearance. Naturally, you should dress beautifully to tell those people that you are the legitimate young lady of our Su family."

Su Mi frowned slightly. Although her mother had her reasons, compared to the fate points, being the Su family's young lady was just a meaningless title. If she couldn't change the plot, she, this young lady, would still be kicked out eventually.

Pretty dresses could be worn anytime, but such a good opportunity wasn't available whenever she wanted.

"My wardrobe is stuffed with evening gowns. Don't worry, I know how to dress myself. I'm not a child anymore. Why would you need to worry about such things?" she said with a smile.

Seeing she had her own ideas, her mother didn't push the issue. She just opened the box in her hand. "This was given to me by your grandmother. Mom is too old for this style now. It's more suitable for young people like you."

Inside the box was a ruby necklace. One glance told her it was extremely valuable. Su Mi immediately pushed it back seriously. "This is something Grandma gave you. How can I take it?"

This was someone's dowry, carrying the elders' blessings for the younger generation. She definitely couldn't take it.

"Silly child, when Mom is gone someday, won't all these things be yours eventually? Why say such silly things?" Her mother showed a doting expression.

Su Mi was slightly moved, but she still didn't accept it. Instead, she stepped forward and hugged her mother. "Then give it to me when I get engaged in the future. It's not too late then."

The plot hadn't changed yet. Only after altering the storyline could she truly relax. Otherwise, everything was just a pipe dream.

This was the first time her daughter had been so affectionate with her. Her mother's eyes grew slightly moist. She hugged her daughter back and patted her head. "Alright, when you get engaged in the future, Mom will give it to you then."

No matter who her daughter liked, as long as the other person truly treated her daughter well, she wouldn't be overly picky. As for a marriage alliance, that was definitely impossible. She couldn't entrust her daughter's lifelong happiness to a business transaction.

After chatting a bit more and seeing her mother out, Su Mi opened her own wardrobe. There were indeed many evening gowns, but most weren't suitable for her to move around in.

But it didn't matter. It was the same no matter what she wore. After all, it wasn't her engagement.

Actually, she could also sense that the female lead was a very conflicted person. Although she appeared very kind and obedient, she was actually quite torn. After all, everyone has two sides; everyone has their own selfish motives.

Knowing full well that the male lead was delaying breaking off his engagement with the Huo family, the female lead still chose to have a secret affair with him. Of course, she knew it was wrong, but she kept being sweet-talked by the male lead every time.

She also knew she was wronging the second male lead, but she didn't dare to rebel against the marriage the old man arranged for her. She knew staying in the Su family wasn't good, but she still chose to stay. Yet, she kept telling herself this was wrong.

When a person's words and actions don't match, especially when they hurt others, it's easy for people to label them a white lotus, because it seems like they say one thing and do another. However, no one is perfect. Defining someone solely by good and evil isn't accurate, because everyone's perspective is different. Perhaps the female lead was genuinely selfless and giving towards other people.

But compared to the female lead, the male lead was even more disgusting. It seemed like he only had eyes for the female lead, but if he was truly so devoted, why didn't he break off his engagement with the third female lead?

If it was inconvenient to tell others, he should at least have told his own younger brother, to cut off his brother's infatuation with the female lead in time. Yet, he actually watched as his own younger brother got engaged to the female lead. And with that, he could still be the male lead?

Indeed, perspectives differ, and viewpoints change. Now she just felt like everyone seemed a bit abnormal.

But the most abnormal was the second male lead. That there could be such a sucker in the world was truly inconceivable.

Although she had been on a plane for so long, she didn't rest immediately. Instead, she went to the gym next door to train for another two hours. The male lead had always disdained speaking to the original host, making the original host feel increasingly inferior inside, believing everyone looked down on her.

If she ran into that pretentious jerk this time, she'd definitely slap him across the mouth first to see if he was really mute.

She went to bed at 11 PM. The next day, she slept until noon without anyone waking her. Outside was quiet, not at all like the day the female lead was getting engaged.

After washing up, she casually changed into casual clothes and opened the door, just as she bumped into a servant carrying tea. The latter immediately paled, scared, quickly lowering her head. "I'm sorry, Young Lady. I didn't mean to wake you."

Su Mi didn't say anything, only seeing people bustling about downstairs moving something. It seemed to be a sandalwood screen sent by the Su family, looking very refined.

Watching them move gingerly, as if afraid of disturbing someone—the old man had severe insomnia and usually woke up at 6 AM. At this hour, the only one probably still asleep was her.

When she first arrived here, these servants were completely biased toward the female lead in everything they said. Now they finally realized her status.

Indeed, as long as a person keeps acting unhinged, no one will dare to provoke her.

After going downstairs, she didn't say anything, just went to the dining room to find something to eat. The servants were very respectful, offering to cook a fresh meal for her, since it was time for lunch anyway.

The engagement banquet would start in the afternoon. The old man and the others had probably already gone to the hotel to receive guests. Su Mi decided to eat at home before going to the hotel, since she probably wouldn't get to eat much at the banquet later.

Hearing she was heading to the hotel, the butler stood there looking hesitant, speaking up out of turn for the first time in his life, "Aren't you going to change your clothes?"

Su Mi drank her milk and walked out the main door on her own, "I get cold easily, and the cold makes me... emotional."

Upon hearing this, the butler immediately shut his mouth, stepping forward to open the car door for her, saying nothing more.

As a union between two wealthy families, the scale of the event spoke for itself. The most luxurious hotel in the city had been booked entirely, with rows upon rows of luxury cars parked outside, and elegantly dressed women from high society stepping out of them.

Su Mi, wearing casual clothes and accompanied by the butler, went straight up to the sixth floor. Greeting guests at the entrance were Su Mi's (the original owner's) fourth uncle and aunt. When they saw her arrive like this, the mockery in their eyes was practically dripping.

Without even greeting them, Su Mi walked straight in.

The fourth uncle and aunt behind her couldn't help but mutter, "I told you she's got something wrong with her head. Does she really think this is some village feast? Coming dressed like that. If I had a niece like that, I'd have sent her far away long ago to avoid embarrassing our Su family."

"Forget it, forget it. Why bother with a lunatic? It's not our face she's embarrassing anyway."

Hearing this, the butler watched Su Mi nervously, afraid she might have another outburst. The old master had specifically instructed him today to stick close to the Young Mistress and take her away immediately if she showed any signs of a breakdown.

For this reason, the old master had even hired foreign mercenaries—better safe than sorry, especially since the Young Mistress's fighting skills were genuinely unsettling.

However, Su Mi paid no mind to the two and instead found herself a seat, starting on the desserts, indifferent to the strange looks around her.

Everyone else was dressed in lavish attire, making her stand out like a sore thumb—neither looking like a server nor a guest.

"Where are my bodyguards?" Su Mi suddenly turned to the butler.

The butler stiffened, lowering his head as he spoke, "Now that you've entered the entertainment industry, the old master is concerned about your safety, so he's replaced your bodyguards with a more professional team."

*Now that's what I call professional.*

Clearly, the old master was worried she'd cause trouble at his precious granddaughter's engagement party, but the butler put it differently. After all, he was a top-tier butler, unlike some people who have diarrhea of the mouth, spewing nonsense everywhere.

She knew the old man was just making things harder for her, but it didn't matter—one batch or two, it was all the same.

"I heard this is the daughter the Su family just found. Does she think dressing so shabbily on purpose will attract attention?"

"Who knows? After all, no matter how well she dresses up, she can't compare to Su Ruanruan. Maybe she's trying a different approach, thinking she's clever. What an idiot—she's a riot."

Voices drifted over from not far away. Su Mi looked up and saw a few people glancing her way from time to time, all dressed in elegant evening gowns, holding wine glasses with poise, yet their eyes were filled with disdain.

*"Ding! Key plot triggered!"*

Su Mi frowned. She hated nothing more than when someone disrupted her plans.

But she had expected this. The previous Su Mi had endured countless scornful looks at this engagement party. Already insecure, with everyone praising the female lead, how could she not have lingering insecurities?

Seeing Su Mi suddenly stand up, the butler's heart skipped a beat, "Young Mistress..."

Casually picking up two glasses of champagne from a server's tray, Su Mi walked straight over to the group and smiled, "Were you just talking about me?"

Seeing her dare to come over and confront them, the group exchanged glances, not the least bit flustered.

A girl in a canary-yellow evening gown shrugged indifferently, "Whatever do you mean?" [she said in Cantonese]

The others chuckled softly, their mocking expressions growing even more pronounced.

Su Mi upended her glass directly over the girl in yellow's head, "Eat shit!"

The cold champagne cascaded down her head and face. The girl froze on the spot, her once flawless makeup now cracking, her elegant demeanor shattered in an instant. She glared daggers at Su Mi, clearly not expecting her to dare treat her this way.

Never having been treated like this before, she immediately swung a slap at Su Mi, but before her hand could land, her wrist was suddenly seized, and instead, a sharp, stinging pain spread across her own face with a loud "smack."

"You... how could you hit someone!" another girl exclaimed angrily, glaring at her.

The surrounding guests began to watch the commotion, especially after hearing that Su Mi was the daughter the Su family had just found, their curiosity growing even stronger.

"What's wrong with me hitting her? Do you feel left out?"

Su Mi shifted her gaze and delivered another slap to the other girl's face with a loud "smack," "Well? Satisfied now?"

Never having seen such a wild and rude shrew, the two girls, too angry to care about manners, grabbed their glasses and tried to splash champagne at her.

Su Mi swiftly dodged to the left, and the champagne splashed onto a girl watching the commotion behind her. The latter's expression changed instantly, clearly not expecting to become collateral damage.

In an instant, the two girls could only glare at Su Mi through gritted teeth, "You uncouth girl! Someone like you isn't even worth one strand of Ruan Ruan's hair. No wonder the Qi family would rather have a fake than you. Someone like you could stick feathers all over and still wouldn't become a phoenix!"

As soon as the words left their mouths, several more glasses of champagne were splashed onto their faces. A server who happened to be passing by looked helplessly at the empty glasses on his tray.

"I am a phoenix. It's you who need to stick on feathers. Looks like you're mass-produced farm chickens—can't even fly, just clucking all day. No wonder it's so noisy today. Turns out a whole flock from the farm showed up!"

Su Mi snatched more champagne and poured it all over their faces. The two, beyond caring about anything else, angrily tried to grab her hair in retaliation.

But before they could, a sharp pain shot through their abdomens, and they collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath, their once elegant appearances now utterly disheveled and pathetic.

Having never suffered such humiliation in their lives, they wished they could rip Su Mi's mouth off right then and there!

The onlookers quickly backed away, afraid of getting caught in the crossfire.

No ordinary person had such fighting skills, and so efficiently at that. They had thought this Su family Young Mistress was just an uncouth girl with no manners, but who would have guessed she could fight like this?

But today was the engagement party of the Qi and Su families. No matter what, hitting someone was wrong. Or was it that this Su family Young Mistress had a grudge against that Su Ruanruan and was deliberately causing trouble?

"Quick, help these two to the back room," the butler hurriedly called over a few female servers.

Perhaps having witnessed Su Mi's temper before, he actually found everything that had just happened within acceptable limits.

"You brat! You... just you wait!" The two girls, clutching their stomachs, were helped up, looking as if they had never been so humiliated in public before, their eyes now filled with venom.

*"Ding! Host's luck points +20!"*

Hearing the mechanical voice in her head, Su Mi had expected as much. This level of acting out only earned this many luck points, but even a mosquito's worth of meat is still meat. She was forced into this—who told these two to talk bad about someone without moving farther away?

Maybe they deliberately spoke at this distance so she could hear, testing if she was a pushover. If she had stayed silent, these people would have grown even bolder. After all, the female lead had the second male lead and the male lead protecting her, while the original owner had no friends and would only bottle up such bullying.

Thinking about it this way, she suddenly felt she had gone too easy on them earlier.

But they were already gone, so she could only head to the restroom to wash her hands—covered in sticky champagne residue.

Everything had happened too quickly. Some people hadn't even had time to watch the commotion before it was over. But upon hearing that the daughter the Su family had just brought back had no manners whatsoever, they began to mock her again. It didn't take a genius to figure out why.

If she were a well-mannered beauty, would the Qi family let go of the real daughter to marry a fake instead?

Ignoring the varied looks around her, Su Mi made her way to the restroom, only to find the butler still standing dutifully guard outside, as if afraid she might have an episode even while washing her hands.

If he wanted to follow, let him follow.

After entering the restroom, it wasn't long before another girl in a purple strapless evening gown walked in. She had a delicate, elegant beauty, seemingly young but exuding a calm and composed demeanor beyond her years.

As if only there to touch up her makeup, the girl glanced in the mirror and suddenly caught sight of Su Mi from the corner of her eye, "Miss Su."

After washing her hands, Su Mi dried them with her own tissue, then glanced at the other woman. "Miss Huo, is there something you need?"

From the moment the other woman entered, she knew exactly who she was, because Huo Xuan matched the description in the original story perfectly—possessing an innate noble grace that even the female lead felt overshadowed by in her presence.

Their eyes met, and Huo Xuan suddenly smiled meaningfully. "Ordinary people only see what they believe, not realizing how foolish that is."

Just like those outside who think the eldest daughter of the Su family is vulgar and ill-mannered, they fail to see that some people possess great wisdom disguised as folly. Those who judge only by appearances are the real fools.

"If Miss Huo has something to say, you might as well speak directly. My patience has never been great." Su Mi checked the time on her wrist.

Hearing this, Huo Xuan simply closed her compact mirror. "I just wanted to be friends with Miss Su, that's all."

They looked at each other for a moment. Su Mi smiled slightly without saying a word, then turned and walked away.

"Some people just love to claim things that don't belong to them. Such people should rightfully return to their original place, don't you think?"

Hearing the voice from behind, Su Mi suddenly turned back. This time, she wasn't surprised at all, because in the original story, the third female character also tried to team up with the original Su Mi to target the female lead. But compared to the original Su Mi, the third female character's ending was even more tragic.

Accused of kidnapping the female lead, she was locked up and tortured daily, dying within a month.

As for how she died, of course, one would have to ask the male lead—he would never let anyone who bullied the female lead get away.

So this kind of person is truly disgusting. Not liking someone yet giving them false hope, delaying calling off the engagement, using others to achieve their goals and then turning their back without a second thought—more repulsive than his younger brother.

"I'm not entirely sure what Miss Huo means." She paused for a moment. "If you're referring to my sister and President Qi, then I'm even more confused. You clearly know he has a thing with Su Ruanruan, so why haven't you called off the engagement? With your family background, Miss Huo, you should have no shortage of promising suitors. Or do you just have that much faith in love?"

They were both on a path to ruin, and since the other party didn't know the plot, she felt compelled to offer a word of advice. Otherwise, she preferred not to meddle in others' affairs.

To ruin oneself over a man—no matter how you looked at it, it was like squandering a winning hand.

Seeing that Su Mi actually knew about Qi Yun and Su Ruanruan's affair, a flicker of surprise passed through Huo Xuan's eyes. But she quickly stepped forward, her expression calm as she looked at Su Mi. "Miss Su, you're still young. In truth, men in this world are all the same—they eye what's in the pot while eating from their bowl. What's outside always seems fresher, especially for a man with wealth and power."

"Who can guarantee that without Su Ruanruan, there wouldn't be someone else? All I want is what rightfully belongs to me. If someone tries to covet what is mine, it's only natural that I make them understand the price of greed."

Their eyes met again, and Huo Xuan smiled faintly. "I thought we might have a lot of common topics to discuss."

Looking at the outstretched hand, Su Mi didn't shake it. She merely glanced at Huo Xuan coolly. "Then I'm afraid Miss Huo has misjudged. There are many things in this world worth striving for, but men are not among them."

With that, she walked straight out of the restroom. Her own situation hadn't changed yet, and she lacked the capacity to meddle in other people's affairs.

Let these people sort out their own love-hate entanglements. Men eyeing the pot while eating from their bowl? What use is such a man? Of course, he should enter standing and leave lying down.

"Young Miss, your father is waiting for you over there." The butler at the door immediately approached.

Su Mi let out an "Oh," then followed him through the opulent, glittering hall to the very center of the crowd.

As if spotting her, Su Min waved repeatedly. "Mimi, come over quickly."

Seeing the girl dressed so "plainly," the onlookers' eyes held a touch more meaning.

At that moment, Su Ruanruan appeared in a pale red one-shoulder gown, a sapphire necklace around her neck. Under the lights, she looked like a princess from a fairy tale, captivating all eyes.

When she saw Su Mi, she opened her mouth to speak but immediately closed it again, as if sensing the other might not want to hear her voice.

"This is Uncle Huang, Auntie Huang, and this is Uncle Yang. Hurry up and greet them." Su Min pulled his daughter's arm, introducing them one by one.

Though utterly baffled by his daughter's attire today, he didn't dare question it. As long as his daughter was happy, why care about others' opinions?

"Uncle Huang, Auntie Huang, Uncle Yang." Su Mi nodded slightly to each in turn.

The other Su family members, however, couldn't help but eye her suspiciously. Had this uncouth girl suddenly turned normal? Could it be that her so-called psychological issues were fake, and she was just naturally wild and unruly?

"What a striking young lady. Her eyes are exactly like her father's." A middle-aged woman immediately praised.

Others chimed in. "Yes, you can tell at a glance she's Chairman Su's daughter."

Hearing these words, Su Ruanruan slowly lowered her head, her fingers lightly clutching her skirt.

Introducing his daughter for the first time seemed to bring him more joy than the Su-Qi alliance marriage itself. Su Min waved his hands modestly, saying that if not for his daughter's reluctance to leave her family, he would have sent her abroad to study long ago, so she could return early to inherit the family business.

The crowd seemed to sense his clear preference for his biological daughter and naturally echoed his sentiments, praising Su Mi as a well-behaved and filial child.

Only the other Su family members nearly rolled their eyes. Well-behaved and sensible? What did those words have to do with this uncouth girl?

Inherit the family business? Was this wild girl even worthy? She'd probably squander it all by the next day!

"Chairman Qi is here."

A stir rippled through the crowd as the Qi family members made their way through, heading straight for Su Min. Before they even reached him, a hand was extended. "My apologies, my apologies. I just went to see Elder Su, so I'm late. I heard Elder Su's health isn't the best, so I specially brought some tonic herbs to boost his energy. I've already given them to Mrs. Su."

"You're too thoughtful, future in-law!" Su Min grasped the other's hand firmly, both men breaking into harmonious smiles.

Only Qi Xi stared fixedly at the princess-like girl. The thought that he would be engaged to Ruan Ruan today filled him with uncontrollable elation!

But when his gaze fell on Su Mi beside her, his handsome face instantly darkened. Remembering the occasion, he quickly masked his disgust.

"Uncle Su, it's been a while." Qi Yun politely extended his hand.

Su Min shook it immediately, a flicker of regret in his eyes. If only Qi Yun weren't engaged to the Huo family—then their two families could have celebrated a double joy.

"You're truly fortunate, future in-law. Now you can completely step back from company affairs and enjoy your retirement at home." He couldn't help but sigh with admiration.

As the male lead, Qi Yun indeed had more presence than Qi Xi, and his looks were slightly superior too. Probably due to the protagonist's halo, he stood out in the crowd at a glance.

But Su Mi found him utterly repulsive. This kind of scumbag only polluted her vision.

"Ruan Ruan, little sister." Qi Yun turned his gaze toward the girl, a flash of possessiveness in his dark pupils.

The latter kept her head down and responded softly, "Qi... Brother Qi Yun."

At first glance, the two might not seem very familiar. One had to admit their surface-level act was quite convincing—no wonder they had fooled the second male lead, that poor sap.

"Alright, alright, it's about time. Let's take our seats." Old Mr. Qi quickly beckoned to the others.

Su Mi followed them to the ninth floor, where tables were arranged inside and out. As a direct descendant of the Su family, she naturally sat at the main table. The old man, despite his high blood pressure flare-up yesterday, looked quite spirited today as he attended the female lead's engagement banquet.

Unfortunately, the male lead happened to be seated beside her. From start to finish, he showed no intention of greeting her, just as in the original story. But she paid him no mind either. Soon enough, she would make him scream in agony.

"Ruan Ruan looks absolutely beautiful today. What virtue does our Qi family possess to gain such a lovely daughter-in-law?" Mrs. Qi held Su Ruanruan's hand, praising her incessantly.

As if remembering something, she then turned politely to Su Mi. "Mimi is also a beauty in the making. You're truly blessed, future in-law, to have two such sensible and well-behaved daughters. It's truly enviable."

Hearing this, Qi Xi suddenly sneered, unable to contain his disgust any longer. "How can she even be compared to Ruan Ruan—"

"Brother Qi!" Su Ruanruan suddenly cut him off sharply, a hint of urgency on her face. "Don't talk nonsense! Sister is outstanding! Far more outstanding than me!"

Seeing how afraid she seemed of this woman, it was clear she had been bullied often. Qi Xi's fists clenched slightly, but a faint smile appeared on his face. "Sister Su is indeed outstanding. Back when she was with her foster family, she worked as a stunt double in film crews to support the household. Such virtue is truly rare and commendable."

Mrs. Su and the others had gone to attend to the guests. Su Mi focused on her food, suddenly feeling like laughing. Did this idiot really think such remarks could embarrass her?

His attacks are as feeble as he is.

"It seems Brother Qi is quite interested in me, even inquiring about my past. That won't do. You're Ruan Ruan's fiancé—how can you pry into other women's affairs? If Ruan Ruan heard, how heartbroken would she be?" she said, dead serious.

Hearing this, Qi Xi's face fell, and he nervously looked at Su Ruanruan. "Ruan Ruan, don't listen to her trying to drive a wedge between us. I just accidentally heard about it from my elder brother."

Su Mi then turned her gaze to the male lead. "Oh? So it was Elder Brother Qi investigating my private matters? I heard you already have a fiancée. What kind of man goes around digging into other women's business? How upset would Miss Huo be if she found out?"

"Stop talking nonsense!" Qi Xi clenched his fists in anger.

Madam Qi immediately shot him a glare, signaling him not to cause a scene.

"Miss Su's excellence requires no deliberate investigation—it's naturally known to all," Qi Yun remarked indifferently.

Su Mi took another sip of tea and casually picked up food. "I knew Elder Brother Qi and Miss Huo must be two hearts beating as one. How could they do such a thing? When is the wedding? Ruan Ruan and I would like to prepare a gift."

Hearing this, Su Ruanruan suddenly lowered her head and picked up her chopsticks, her expression instantly dimming.

Seeing this, Qi Yun's gaze turned cold. "Miss Su seems very concerned with others' affairs."

"Of course I am. Ruan Ruan is my sister, and I can't stand anyone bullying her."

As she spoke, she turned to Qi Xi. "Ruan Ruan is the apple of our eye. I believe Brother Qi Xi isn't the kind of beast who would cheat on his fiancée behind her back."

*Clatter*—someone's chopsticks fell. Everyone looked at Su Ruanruan, whose face had turned pale. She was trembling so much she could barely hold her chopsticks.

"Mimi, how are you speaking to President Qi? You have no manners. Aren't you making a fool of us in front of our in-laws?" a member of the Su Family's Third Branch said disapprovingly.

Then, with an apologetic look toward Madam Qi, they added, "I'm truly sorry. Mimi has never been taught properly, so she lacks etiquette. Please don't take offense, Madam Qi."

"No harm done. Young people communicate like this. Perhaps we simply don't understand," Madam Qi said with a faint smile.

Qi Xi, however, glared with sarcasm. "Cut the act! Ruan Ruan doesn't have a sister like you!"

*Ding!* "Critical plot triggered!"

"Don't..." Su Ruanruan's face turned even paler. She looked at Su Mi with concern. "Brother Qi didn't mean it. Sister, please don't misunderstand."

"Ruan Ruan, you're too kind. I said I won't let anyone bully you ever again!" Qi Xi took the opportunity to grab her hand.

Glancing at their clasped hands, Qi Yun lowered his gaze, hiding the turbulent emotions within.

Su Mi scanned the table full of dishes, her expression darkening. "It seems none of you want to eat. Then let's not eat at all."

She grabbed the tablecloth and yanked it hard. *Crash!* All the dishes clattered and shattered, scattering across the floor.

Instantly, Su Min, who had been greeting partners nearby, looked over. Seeing the mess, his heart skipped a beat, and he hurried over.

Su Zhenan, catching up with old friends, also changed expression and called for the butler. "Hurry! Get her out of here!!!"