“Banquet?” Jiang Ling’s face showed a hint of confusion.
“Yeah, it’s not for any special occasion, but there will be a small-scale banquet. I have to go whether I like it or not, it’s so boring. You come with me, okay?”
Fang Wannian spoke as if she was afraid Jiang Ling might refuse, adding with extra emphasis, “Our family’s head chef cooks really well.”
“I’m going!”
Jiang Ling nodded eagerly like a little chick pecking at grain, quickly deciding to go. After all, when she stayed at Fang Wannian’s house before, every meal was high-quality and delicious.
“Then I’ll pick you up later. That’s all for now.”
After saying that, Fang Wannian grabbed her bag and left the dance studio.
Evening, six o’clock.
Fang Wannian glanced at the watch on her wrist; there were about fifteen minutes left until the appointed time.
She flicked her loose, golden hair back with an air of pride, looking every bit the pampered noble lady. Passersby couldn’t help but glance at the backpack slung over her shoulder, quietly guessing: It must contain something extraordinary, something unreachable for people like them—
And indeed, it contained something extraordinary.
Fang Wannian unzipped the bag and exchanged a knowing look with the cotton doll lying quietly inside, its silly grin intact.
“Ahem, I only bring it because it’s a little cute. Sister Bai Xue found a manufacturer that really does a good job.”
Blushing, Fang Wannian muttered several justifications to herself, finally feeling at ease as she stared long and fondly at the doll representing Jiang Ling. Her fingers gently brushed over its finely stitched big eyes, the corners of her lips curling into a faint smile.
“Nannan!”
Not far off, Jiang Ling had just changed into the dress Fang Wannian prepared for her. Smiling brightly, she tried to run over but had to slow down, pouting as she struggled to walk in the high heels.
Fang Wannian immediately snapped back to reality, hurriedly zipping up her bag. Seeing Jiang Ling’s awkward, twisted steps, her brow furrowed, and she lifted a hand to steady Jiang Ling’s arm. “Have you never worn high heels before?”
“Nope, we never wear high heels for performances!”
Jiang Ling shook her head emphatically. Before this, she never really had a chance to wear heels. She only managed to not fall over after practicing with Lin Xiaoyu back at the dorm for a while.
“Ugh, you have to practice more when we get back, okay?”
Fang Wannian helped support her as she spoke gently.
“So troublesome~ And there aren’t many chances to wear them anyway.”
But Jiang Ling shook her head like a rattle drum, showing complete resistance.
Because these things are just too uncomfortable to wear!
Seeing this, Fang Wannian’s thoughts drifted off softly as she murmured, “Maybe in the future, you’ll come to banquets with me.”
“What?”
“…I mean, maybe NOVA will attend important events someday, and you’ll need to wear them then.”
Fang Wannian helped Jiang Ling into the car, her tone heavy with meaning. “You’re not going to wear sandals to an awards ceremony, are you?”
Jiang Ling immediately pictured herself standing out awkwardly in a crowd, shuddering and shaking her head. “No way!”
“But an awards ceremony? You’ve got a wild imagination. We’re just underground idols with a bit of fame, no way we’d attend something like that.”
Jiang Ling felt the comfortable warmth of the car interior and closed her eyes, speaking lightly.
Fang Wannian didn’t deny it and instead flicked Jiang Ling lightly on the forehead.
“Hey!” Jiang Ling covered her reddened forehead, looking wronged. “Why’d you hit me?”
“Who told you to talk like that? This is a reasonable rehearsal for a bright future. How do you know we won’t become shining superstars?”
Fang Wannian finished speaking, casting a sideways glance at Jiang Ling, who was still rubbing her forehead, her tone softening. “It hurts a lot.”
“Hehe, not really.”
Seeing Fang Wannian care, Jiang Ling stopped pretending to be pitiful. Changing the subject, she asked, “So, when I come with you to the banquet, is there anything I should be aware of? Oh, last time I didn’t get to meet your uncle and aunt when I stayed over.”
The last time Jiang Ling stayed at Fang Wannian’s home, the butler said the master and mistress had gone on a trip, just missing her visit.
“Eat less, don’t overstuff yourself.”
After a short pause, Fang Wannian frowned slightly, as if remembering something. “Also, there will be all kinds of people at the banquet. If you meet someone rude, just slap them.”
“…Are you polite?”
Jiang Ling gave a look that said, “Really?”
But Fang Wannian’s gaze turned serious. “I mean it. There are quite a few bad seeds in this circle. But tonight is our home turf. Whoever it is, you can slap them. If anything happens, I’ll have your back.”
“All right, got it.”
Jiang Ling quickly agreed, afraid Fang Wannian’s sweet words would soon turn into something shocking again.
The car drove for quite a while, then stopped in front of a familiar gate.
Although Jiang Ling was just there to keep the peace, she took a deep breath before following closely behind Fang Wannian.
Upon entering, servants immediately bowed respectfully to Fang Wannian and the girl behind her.
Jiang Ling noticed several luxury cars parked nearby—probably the guests attending the banquet.
Fang Wannian smoothed her skirt, looking at the stunned Jiang Ling. “Stick close to me. Take whatever you want to eat. After the banquet, I’ll have someone send you home.”
Hearing this, Jiang Ling nodded obediently, trailing quietly behind Fang Wannian.
Along the way, many people smiled and greeted Fang Wannian. She returned their gestures with a faint smile, her every movement exuding natural, noble grace, leaving Jiang Ling’s eyes wide with admiration.
So this is what a noble lady’s worth looks like!
But once they reached a quieter corner, Fang Wannian tugged at the corner of her mouth, her expression showing exhaustion as she grumbled, “Ha… I’m so tired. I really don’t see the point of attending these banquets.”
Jiang Ling quickly glanced around, relieved no one was paying attention.
“You always say you admire my figure, how ridiculous. I’ve barely seen him a few times. Who gave him permission to admire me on his own? I just want to kick him in the crotch, ugh—”
Seeing her rant spiraling out of control, Jiang Ling hurriedly stuffed a piece of fruit into Fang Wannian’s mouth, smiling awkwardly under her dissatisfied glare. “It’s sour, not sweet!”
Fang Wannian chewed a couple of times, realized it was true, and didn’t argue further.
No sooner had she swallowed than the butler approached respectfully.
“Miss, Master requests your presence. There’s an important guest.”
Fang Wannian frowned slightly and glanced at Jiang Ling, who was happily devouring her food.
“I’m just going to stay right here, nowhere else!”
Seeing the look in Fang Wannian’s eyes, Jiang Ling immediately raised a hand in promise, her mouth full.
“Good.”
Fang Wannian nodded, apparently satisfied. After reminding Jiang Ling a few more times, she followed the butler.
Her posture was dignified and stern, a stark contrast to her earlier casual demeanor. Jiang Ling stared, unable to look away.
So beautiful!
Jiang Ling nibbled on the fragrant steak and poured herself a refreshing drink, enjoying the meal immensely.
Ah… it really is delicious!
Just then, a sharp, mocking female voice sounded behind her.
“You must be Jiang Ling?”
Jiang Ling, one hand holding her plate and the other her fork, turned around in confusion and met the gaze of three women dressed in luxurious clothes.
“Uh, yes, that’s me.”
Though socially anxious, Jiang Ling swallowed her mouthful and politely nodded. “May I ask what you want?”
The leader’s eyebrows knitted as she appraised Jiang Ling from head to toe with a nearly scrutinizing gaze. She sneered, “Nothing really, just came to see our Miss Fang’s teammate.”
She paused, then stepped closer, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Or maybe I expected too much of you. How did you turn out to be such a worthless piece of trash?”
Hearing the overt malice in her words, Jiang Ling’s slow mind caught up—these women were picking a fight.
Almost instantly, Fang Wannian’s earlier warning rang in her mind—
“Also, there will be all kinds of people at the banquet. If you meet someone rude, just slap them.”
“I mean it. There are quite a few bad seeds in this circle. But tonight is our home turf. Whoever it is, you can slap them. If anything happens, I’ll have your back.”
Thinking this over, Jiang Ling put down her plate and raised her hand… then lowered it again.
This kind of thing really isn’t her style!
Meeting their aggressive gazes made her feel sticky all over and very uncomfortable inside. She tried to take a detour toward a nearby corner.
But after just two steps, she realized her escape route was blocked by two more people. She was trapped.
“Why aren’t you answering?”
The woman looked displeased, staring down at Jiang Ling’s awkward movements. Her tone was sharp, “What, don’t know how to talk?”
Jiang Ling was honestly at a loss here; she’d never been one to argue.
Biting her lip and clenching her fists, she finally said, “We probably don’t know each other.”
“Of course not. If it weren’t for Fang Wannian, people like you wouldn’t even be on my radar, okay?”
The woman’s haughty tone didn’t waver. She grabbed a champagne glass from the table, swirled it, and launched into a tirade. “That Fang Wannian, just because her family is a bit better off, she went and stole my arranged marriage partner.”
She sneered even more. “Doing that embarrassing, shameful underground idol nonsense—just shaking your hips and singing—how low-class. And now she dares to compete with me?”
Hearing this, Jiang Ling, who had been trying to avoid trouble, suddenly grew cold.
She stared at the woman ranting nonstop, her eyes blazing with anger. “What do you mean by embarrassing and shameful? Unacceptable?”
Fang Wannian loved this profession of being an idol, and Jiang Ling, as her teammate and close companion lately, knew it clearly.
How could someone as rude as this woman maliciously slander her?
With trembling body but gritted teeth, Jiang Ling retorted, “Arrogant people like you don’t deserve to judge Nannan.”
Seeing Jiang Ling finally speak up, the woman’s mocking smile widened. “Oh? You don’t like that?”
Grabbing the champagne glass tightly, she immediately splashed it toward Jiang Ling.
Jiang Ling had already been on alert, so she dodged just in time, but some of the cold liquid still soaked her hair.
The woman, seeing her dodge, became even more furious, but before she could react, a chillingly cold voice rang out behind her.
“Miss Wang, could you please tell me what you think you’re doing?”
The woman called Miss Wang immediately turned around and met Fang Wannian’s darkened expression, her heart involuntarily tightening in fear. She forced a response, “Of course, I’m just communicating with Miss Jiang.”
“Communicating, with feelings?”
Fang Wannian enunciated each word sharply, her expression turning cold and resentful.
She strode to Jiang Ling’s side. The butler immediately handed her a towel, and Fang Wannian wiped Jiang Ling while asking, “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
Jiang Ling nodded sheepishly, especially since she’d just promised to behave.
After confirming Jiang Ling wasn’t hurt, Fang Wannian raised her eyes and gave Miss Wang a smile that was impossible to read.
“Butler, hold her down.”
Before Miss Wang could react, the butler firmly restrained her.
She could only shout harshly, “Fang Wannian, what do you mean by this?”
The commotion attracted a crowd. People gathered, whispering as they watched the scene unfold.
But Fang Wannian remained unfazed. Glancing at the neatly arranged champagne glasses on the table, she spoke calmly.
“Of course, I’m just communicating feelings with you.”
Then she picked up a glass and handed it to Jiang Ling. “Go ahead, splash her.”
The crowd froze, especially Miss Wang, whose face instantly twisted into a furious snarl. “Fang Wannian, are you crazy? Have you forgotten our families still have business cooperation—”
“Bang!”
A random woman interrupted by splashing the champagne back.
Jiang Ling’s fingers trembled slightly, but she managed a shy smile at Fang Wannian. “Like this?”
From start to finish, Jiang Ling didn’t care about others’ gazes because Fang Wannian had said if anything happened, she’d handle it.
Seeing Jiang Ling so decisive, Fang Wannian immediately understood the complete trust and her smile softened. She unconsciously reached out to ruffle Jiang Ling’s hair.
“Good job.”
Jiang Ling felt the gentle touch, about to put down the glass when Fang Wannian unexpectedly handed her another.
Jiang Ling looked confused. Fang Wannian’s expression was natural as she said, “Keep going.”
“Huh?”
Jiang Ling immediately realized she had underestimated how much Fang Wannian held grudges.
Seeing that Fang Wannian wasn’t joking, Jiang Ling hesitated, then splashed another glass.
Miss Wang, who had been haughty moments ago, was now drenched and looked like a beaten dog.
Luckily, right after Jiang Ling finished, the butler bowed and reminded them.
“Miss, Master requests that you and Miss Jiang come with me.”