Don't Say You're Heartless (Modern Edition)

117 Dinner Invitation

On Friday afternoon, Shen Qiuhua and Yang Qiong arrived early at the reserved restaurant. They flipped through the menu, carefully confirming their selections. Shen Qiuhua was no stranger to such tasks. As a young lady from a prominent family, she would one day be the head of her household, so hosting and arranging banquets was an essential skill.

After finalizing the menu, they decided not to return home. Since it was almost time, it seemed unnecessary to make the trip back and forth.

"When you see Auntie and Liu Manzhi later, don't rush up to them and scare them away," Shen Qiuhua advised as she noticed Yang Qiong pacing excitedly.

"Don't worry, I'll just watch and stay silent," Yang Qiong said, appreciating the rare opportunity to assist.

At 5:40, Shen's father and mother arrived first. The family chatted about daily life, creating a very harmonious atmosphere. Before six o'clock, Auntie and Uncle also arrived. Liu Manzhi, who usually ran a cosmetics store in the city, came separately. After exchanging greetings, Uncle and Shen's father settled into a corner to chat, leaving the women to their discussions.

Auntie glanced at Shen Qiuhua's warm, spring-like smile and said, "Qiuhua, it's not that Auntie is criticizing you, but while money is important, one shouldn't do anything just for money, right? You seem to be living comfortably now, but women age quickly. What will you do in a few years?"

This was typical of Auntie. Shen Qiuhua wasn't surprised by such comments.

"Thank you for the reminder, Auntie," Shen Qiuhua replied without countering. The drama of the evening had been set in motion long before this.

Seeing Shen Qiuhua's lack of response, Auntie assumed she was feeling guilty and became even more self-satisfied, continuing to criticize Shen Qiuhua to Shen's mother.

Yang Qiong sat there, coldly observing Auntie's demeanor, silently mocking her and anticipating the impending showdown.

At 6:15, Hong Sheng arrived with Zhou Yuehe, apologizing for being late due to an emergency patient. Everyone was understanding and invited them to sit down.

The relatives chatted amiably. The men gathered in a corner, speaking quietly but appearing quite content. The women, however, had a more strained atmosphere. Auntie and Shen's mother discussed Shen Qiuhua's perceived shortcomings. Despite Shen Qiuhua's attempts to calm her mother, the situation seemed to be heating up. To Yang Qiong, it felt like an impending explosion.

Over the past year, Yang Qiong had witnessed Shen Qiuhua handle adversaries with a smile, turning them into her victims.

Zhou Yuehe, a kind-hearted person, frowned at Auntie's remarks but felt she couldn't say much as a junior. She looked at Shen Qiuhua, noting that Yang Qiong's steady presence suggested Shen Qiuhua was in good hands.

Even though Shen Qiuhua was being disparaged, she didn't defend herself. Zhou Yuehe, though kind, wasn't naive and quickly sensed a trap.

Around 6:30, Liu Manzhi arrived, apologizing for being late. She had put effort into her appearance, and Shen Qiuhua and Yang Qiong recognized the qipao as custom-made. Liu Manzhi, a beauty, looked striking in the dress, enhancing her figure under the lights.

As the host, Shen Qiuhua approached her. "It's good that you're here. We've been waiting to start the meal," she said, signaling Yang Qiong to order the food.

"Oh, Qiuhua, you're so impatient! We rarely get together, so why rush the meal?" Liu Manzhi said, taking a seat and sipping tea to moisten her throat.

"We can chat while we eat. Cousin and his wife have been busy all day and must be hungry now," Shen Qiuhua smiled.