Ming Yutong was certain that Ming Silian had glanced her way.
She hoped Ming Silian would inform Ming Jingshui and Fang Qian'an to come and help her out.
However, Ming Silian merely looked away, pretending not to see.
Fang Qian'an even asked, "Silian, what are you looking at?"
Ming Silian shook her head with a slightly flustered smile. "Nothing, it's just my first time at such an important event. I'm worried about embarrassing the family."
Ming Jingshui's usually stern features softened when he looked at Ming Silian. "Nonsense. You're doing great. Don't worry, no matter what you do, you won't embarrass our family. You're the daughter of the Ming family."
Ming Silian's face flushed with excitement.
Yes, she was now a noble lady, a status she had once envied greatly.
When she found out the banquet was being held at the Qilin Hotel, she felt incredibly proud.
She used to work here as a server.
Returning now didn't make her feel ashamed. Instead, it filled her with a sense of triumph.
She had worked here, wearing the unremarkable uniform of a server, her face always adorned with a proper smile, serving the distinguished guests who visited.
She had envied those proud and indulgent young ladies who came here, dressed in clothes worth tens of thousands, carrying bags worth hundreds of thousands or even millions.
They wore exquisite makeup and talked about their vacations today and their plans for tomorrow.
Their social circles and friendships made her incredibly envious.
Now, looking at herself in this dress from a brand known for its ethereal gowns, a dress worth tens of thousands, she felt like a different person.
She wore a dazzling and intricate diamond necklace, a matching bracelet on her wrist, and two rings with diamonds and colored gems on her fingers.
She held an expensive clutch that served no real purpose other than to look pretty.
Now she stood in the center of the room like a princess, her former identity completely reversed.
She had become the wealthy debutante she had once envied, wearing an ensemble that cost more than some people would earn in a lifetime.
And she would only wear it once.
This feeling was wonderful.
Since arriving at the hotel, she had encountered many former colleagues, including her former supervisor.
She could see the shock, confusion, and envy in their eyes.
Ming Silian, however, maintained a gentle smile, nodding gracefully, exuding an air of well-mannered elegance. Despite the past grievances she had endured working here, she showed no signs of seeking revenge.
Appearing so gloriously now, causing them to bow and scrape before her, Ming Silian felt this was the sweetest revenge.
Meanwhile, Ming Yutong, blocked by Jia Mingkai, noticed Ming Silian's glee from a distance.
Jia Mingkai was someone Ming Silian had contacted. After their first official meeting, he had shown considerable interest in Ming Yutong. Thus, Ming Silian was more than willing to facilitate his approach. However, what infuriated Ming Silian was Jia Mingkai's complete lack of interest in her.
Men like him cared about nothing but a pretty face and a good figure. And in these aspects, how was she any less than Ming Yutong?
But then again, being coveted by someone as despicable as Jia Mingkai was not something to be proud of. This thought slightly eased Ming Silian's frustration.
***
Ming Yutong frowned slightly, realizing Ming Silian had seen her but chose to ignore her.
She smirked cynically. How would the Ming family's reputation fare if their daughter encountered trouble at a social gathering?
This newly recognized sister, though possessing some cunning, was truly foolish.
Accepting the glass from Jia Mingkai, Ming Yutong took a symbolic sip and said, "Sorry, I see my family over there. Let's chat later."
"Wait." Jia Mingkai reached out to stop her.
"Miss Ming, do you dislike me?"
Ming Yutong smiled politely, the same smile she wore when dealing with business associates she detested.
"Of course not. We haven't interacted much, so there's no question of like or dislike. I just need to greet my family, who I just saw over there," Ming Yutong explained reasonably.
Jia Mingkai had no grounds to detain her further. As Ming Yutong moved past him, she was intercepted by another middle-aged man.
It seemed prearranged. Jia Mingkai hadn't pressed further, knowing someone else would stop Ming Yutong.
Ming Jingshan and Zhu Cailin hadn't arrived yet. Ming Yuqian, who usually prioritized his sister, had been held back by Ming Jingshan and Zhu Cailin's attempts to matchmake Ming Yutong with Jiang Lulian.
The only Ming family members present were Ming Jingshui and Fang Qian'an, whose attention was diverted by Ming Silian.
President Chen glanced at Ming Yutong's hand, holding the wine glass. Unlike the other elegantly dressed women adorned with sparkling jewelry, Ming Yutong stood out in her clean and simple attire.
She wore a tailored suit and pencil pants, making her the most distinctive presence in the room.
Her fingers were bare, nails trimmed short and neat, without even a hint of clear nail polish.
Ever since she reunited with Little Jingshi, she had kept her appearance clean and simple. No perfume, no nail polish.
Perfume scents could be overwhelming for children, whereas a fresh, natural scent was more pleasant. Always ready to cook for Little Jingshi, she kept her nails clean to avoid contaminating the food.