Guan Baocheng was not the only one stunned; Guan Ruirui and Bai Shuqin were equally dumbfounded.
It was that sensation of defeat unexpected, yet entirely within their predictions.
The moment they clearly saw Guan Xuxu, every last shred of hope in their hearts vanished completely.
Guan Xuxu was actually the Eldest Miss of the Jiang family!
After the initial shock passed, it was followed by a wave of intense jealousy.
Guan Ruirui's eyes turned red with envy.
She had always known Guan Xuxu was beautiful. In the past, whenever the family went out to banquets, Ruirui would intentionally pick out dresses in difficult, unflattering colors just to ensure Xuxu wouldn't outshine her. Because Ruirui had "kindly" selected them, Bai Shuqin would force Xuxu to wear them even if she didn't want to.
Either wear this, or wear nothing at all.
But Xuxu happened to have skin so fair it was almost translucent. Even a color like dark purple, which usually looked overly mature, was handled with ease by her. After years of effort, Ruirui had only managed to give Guan Xuxu a reputation in their social circle as someone who was "pretty but had terrible taste."
But now, having broken free from the Guan family, Guan Xuxu stood before them in an exquisitely crafted dual-color camellia couture dress. She looked elegant and refined, yet full of life. Despite wearing a black dress, she radiated a sense of pure, snowy beauty.
Her appearance alone instantly commanded everyone's attention.
"Is that the Eldest Miss of the Jiang family? That dress she's wearing looks like the Autumn/Summer concept haute couture released by Master Eric not long ago."
Women nearby whispered among themselves. As long as there were women around, discussions about clothes, jewelry, and bags were never-ending. Someone immediately chimed in.
"As expected of the Jiang family. They can even get their hands on a concept piece that hasn't been officially released yet."
"Did you forget about the Jiang family's Fourth Great-Aunt? With her status in the fashion world, getting two pieces of haute couture is just a matter of saying the word."
Guan Ruirui's jealousy bubbled over as she listened. She couldn't help but creep closer to the group, interjecting in a worried whisper, "Could it be a fake?"
The moment she spoke, the women's conversation came to a screeching halt. They turned their heads in unison, looking at her as if she were some kind of freak.
After a long silence, someone let out a scoff filled with mockery and disdain. Without saying a word, the group collectively moved to the other side of the room, as if trying to distance themselves from an idiot.
Guan Ruirui's face practically contorted with rage.
She instinctively turned to Pei Yuancheng for comfort, only to find him staring blankly at Guan Xuxu. He was clearly mesmerized.
Guan Ruirui gritted her teeth, her grip tightening on her clutch.
At that moment, Guan Xuxu's sharp gaze swept over toward her.
Xuxu hadn't noticed the Guan family at first. Instead, she had instinctively looked toward the corner of the crowd where a swirl of Black Qi was gathering.
She had been wondering if another "job" had walked through the door, only to realize it was a familiar face.
After just two days of not seeing her, the Grey Shadow that had been faint behind Guan Ruirui had now turned pitch black. It was no longer just clinging to her back; it was now half-encircling her.
Who knew what kind of death wish Ruirui had been courting to attract such a thing?
The slight smile on Guan Xuxu's face grew a bit cold.
Jiang Yucheng and Jiang Huai, standing beside Xuxu, noticed the subtle shift in her expression. They followed her gaze and saw the three members of the Guan family.
They both frowned inwardly.
Nearby, Elder Jiang was already smiling as he formally introduced Guan Xuxu to the guests.
"I thank you all for coming today. The Jiang family has relied on your support over the years, so I wish to share our family's joy with everyone. I formally introduce to you my eldest granddaughter, the Eldest Miss of the Jiang family Jiang Xuxu."
To accompany the Elder's introduction, Guan Xuxu no, she was now Jiang Xuxu withdrew her gaze from Guan Ruirui. She put on a proper smile and bowed gracefully to everyone present.
Regarding her name, Elder Jiang had brought it up to her previously.
Aside from changing her surname, according to her generation's naming convention, she belonged to the "Water Generation." Elder Jiang had originally wanted to rename her Jiang Hu.
It fit the Water Generation radical and was homophonous with her current name, symbolizing good luck and vibrant life.
But Jiang Xuxu had declined.
The name "Xuxu" had actually been given to her by her master, and she was used to it. She simply told Elder Jiang that her fate lacked "Wood," and with a bit of clever talk, she managed to fool the old man into letting her keep it.
In the crowd, Guan Baocheng had been unable to believe his eyes, but hearing the name "Xuxu" removed all doubt.
The child he had raised for eighteen years was actually the long-lost daughter of the Jiang family!!
In that instant, he felt like his eyes were about to split with shock.
Thinking back on that business partnership that had seemed like a gift from heaven, only to be abruptly cancelled and the guilty looks on Shuqin and Ruirui's faces he finally understood everything.
It was all because Xuxu was the Jiang family's biological daughter!
The Jiang family had sought them out because of Xuxu, and they had cut them off because of Xuxu!
His wife and daughter clearly knew the truth, yet they hadn't said a word!
At that thought, Guan Baocheng glared fiercely at his wife.
Bai Shuqin was startled by his gaze and instinctively shrank back. She looked somewhat innocent.
She hadn't wanted this either.
If she had known Xuxu belonged to the Jiang family, she never would have said those things in front of Jiang Yucheng. When she remembered how she had brazenly asked Jiang Yucheng for his own daughter's placement to give to Ruirui, it was no wonder the man had been so furious.
Guan Baocheng and Bai Shuqin were filled with regret.
They were dying of regret.
If they had known, the Guan family would have been honored guests of the Jiangs, given the eighteen years they spent raising Xuxu. With the Jiang family's influence, it would have been possible for the Guan Corporation to reach new heights!
But now, if they hadn't schemed to get an invitation, the Jiang family wouldn't even have sent them one. That spoke volumes about their attitude.
Guan Baocheng felt a dull ache in his chest; remorse and anger choked him until he could barely breathe.
But remembering the occasion, he had to endure it.
Guan Baocheng's chest heaved violently. Then, he seemed to think of something, and a sharp light flashed in his eyes.
That's right. In an setting like this, he couldn't cause a scene.
And the Jiang family couldn't either!
With that thought, Guan Baocheng's remorseful expression vanished, replaced by a warm, enthusiastic smile. He grabbed Bai Shuqin's hand and quickly pushed through the crowd to reach the very front.
He spoke, his voice brimming with warmth and joy.
"Xuxu, you look so beautiful tonight. Seeing you doing well puts my heart at ease. Ever since you left, your mother and I have been constantly worried about you."
He paused amidst the confused gazes of the crowd and slapped his forehead as if annoyed with himself. He offered an apologetic smile to Elder Jiang.
"Oh, look at me. I've said it so much it's become a habit. I should change the way I address her now. She's not 'Mother' anymore; she should be called 'Adoptive Mother' instead."
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