Chapter 177: 140 Outing: Only one bed, how should we sleep? (2 updates)
The newspaper slammed onto the table with a crisp sound.
Caught off guard, Tang Wan couldnât help but tremble, let alone Jiang Shuyan, who was in the eye of the storm; her pale little face blanched even whiter, and her fingertips trembled, causing the orange in her hand to roll to the floor.
The elder lady raised her hand to her glasses, "Zeyan, continue."
"Miss Tang has a good temperament, well-mannered, and always ignored her, only resorting to fighting back when truly provoked."
Qi Zeyan had missed a good show last night, which left him feeling ill at ease. He believed he and Tang Wan were destined but kept missing opportunities to play the hero and save the damsel.
Even though he couldnât be with Tang Wan, after all, she was his future sister-in-law. It was only normal for him, as an expectant brother, to lend her a hand.
Besides, they were originally on the side of justice and righteousness, so when he spoke, it was naturally with more righteous indignation and passion.
"Grandma, think about it, in such a large gathering of prominent figures from Beijing, what was Zhuang Rao trying to do?"
"Knowing full well that Miss Tang was sitting in your place, she still deliberately provoked her. Isnât that a slap in your face?"
"Grandma, Zhuang Rao didnât mean it!" Jiang Shuyan, now tied to her fate, certainly wanted to say a word in her defense.
Qi Zeyan nodded.
"I must be overthinking it, then. It isnât that she looks down on you; she must simply dislike Miss Tang. Iâm not quite sure why, though. Without any prior acquaintance with Zhuang Rao, why would she target her out of the blue?"
"How very strange!"
"Sister Jiang, youâre her friend; help us analyze this, what is she really thinking?"
It was the first time Tang Wan saw Qi Zeyan hitting back so fiercely.
Heâd lambasted Zhuang Rao, and in the end, he conveniently passed the buck directly to Jiang Shuyan...
This maneuver was indeed very cunning.
Jiang Shuyan hadnât anticipated the blame would ultimately fall on her, and in a rush of anger and urgency, her little face turned scarlet.
"Sister, I heard that previously when Zhuang Rao troubled Miss Tang, you said nothing. Later, when Miss Tang fought back, you jumped out. Were you trying to prevent a friend from being bullied?"
"Youâre not particularly close to Miss Tang, so standing up for a friend is, of course, perfectly reasonable."
"I can understand that, but Iâm just a bit curious. Why do you think she would target Miss Tang, constantly saying sheâs unworthy of her seat? I know Grandma always took you with her when she left the house in past years. Was she taking up for you?"
...
Jiang Shuyan was so angry she clenched her jaw, "I donât know why she targeted her either."
Jiang Jinsang sneered lightly, "If youâre unaware, then it should be Wanwan who owes you an apology for targeting you last night. What kind of apology are you coming to offer this early in the morning?"
Once a logical fallacy is grasped, it becomes fatal.
Jiang Jinsang had been silent all along. Now that he spoke, Jiang Shuyan couldnât resist.
"Second cousin, actually last night..."
"Enough!" The elder lady interrupted, "Shuyan, just tell me if what Zeyan said is true."
Qi Zeyan might have exaggerated some parts, yet the core was indeed true. If Jiang Shuyan argued with him, she would just embarrass herself. She could only grit her teeth and nod in acknowledgment.
The elder woman adjusted her glasses.
"Shuyan, in our Jiang familyâs current generation, you are the only girl, and Iâve always had an extra soft spot for you. There are times when youâve done something wrong, and I would just turn a blind eye, letting it pass."
"When I went out, you often accompanied me. Whether that was truly for my company, or you had other motives, we all know in our hearts."
"Grandma, I truly wanted to accompany you!" Jiang Shuyan immediately explained.
Everyone knew that the Jiang family matriarch longed for a granddaughter. Although Jiang Shuyan was not her direct granddaughter, there was still a blood relation. Being frequently taken out by her, in the eyes of onlookers, made the relationship special.
Merely by this association, Jiang Shuyanâs standing amongst Jiang Cityâs socialites was entirely different.
"Iâm speaking. Would you let me finish?" the elder lady raised an eyebrow, "Havenât you always known the rules? Why are you so restless now?"
A normal reprimand might have been all right, but with Tang Wan present, Jiang Shuyan undoubtedly felt even more embarrassed and stayed silent through clenched teeth.
"As for the matter with Zhuang Rao, everyone has a clear idea of what itâs really about. I just want to tell you..."
"Donât be too clever for your own good and end up crushing your own feet with a lifted stone."
"Wanwan was invited to our home by me. Even without that verbal marriage promise, she is still my esteemed guest; itâs none of anyone elseâs business to judge whether sheâs worthy or not!"
The elder ladyâs voice was steady yet carried a clear tone of harsh reproof, with an evident warning.
"Since you said you wanted to apologize to Wanwan, now go ahead and do so..."
The elder lady turned her gaze toward Jiang Shuyan.