Chapter 50: A Stunning Entrance

The story within is a long and winding tale, one that spans the grudges and grievances of two generations.

To put it simply, Yao Shulan’s father had an affair with her private tutor, and that tutor was none other than Yin Ruyun’s mother. The tutor brought her own daughter, Yin Ruyun, into the Yao household, where she ate and lived side by side with Yao Shulan, and the two became close friends.

When the affair came to light, Yao Shulan’s mother took a devastating blow and, within half a year, succumbed to depression and died. Less than three months after his wife’s passing, Yao Shulan’s father was preparing to marry Yin Ruyun’s mother. Yet, on the eve of their wedding, the two perished together in a car accident.

Had Yao Shulan’s father truly married Yin Ruyun’s mother, then it would have been Yao Shulan who suffered a tragic fate. Everyone who spoke of it sighed that justice had been served. Yet no one could have foreseen that the entanglement of the previous generation would extend into the lives of their children, as if fate itself were cursed to repeat.

In the end, Yao Shulan inherited the entire Yao family estate and found a good spouse. In contrast, Yin Ruyun was left with nothing; after her mother’s death, she was forced to drop out of school and enter society early, fading into the crowd.

No one would have guessed that, by a twist of fate, both women would give birth on the same day, and destiny would once again weave their lives together, overturning everything for the next generation.

Three years ago, the true heiress, Jiang Xiaoxiao, was finally acknowledged by her birth family. Yet Jiang Ciyou, after all, had been raised for twenty years as the treasured daughter of the Jiang family, making it impossible for them to let her go. Thus, in public, Jiang Ciyou remained the eldest Miss Jiang, while Jiang Xiaoxiao was introduced as the second young lady.

As for the relationship between these two sisters, it remained an unsolved mystery. Some said they were like water and fire, irreconcilable; others claimed they kept to their own paths, never interfering with each other.

Today would be the first time the two Miss Jiang appeared together, and everyone was curious to see whether Yao Shulan cherished her own flesh and blood more, or the daughter she had raised with half a lifetime’s devotion.

Jiang Ciyou had especially taken leave from the television station, arranging for another host to fill in, just so she could come to the banquet hall that afternoon. Yao Shulan had told her there was something she needed help with.

Only upon arrival did Jiang Ciyou discover the truth: the so-called problem was simply that Jiang Xiaoxiao had too many bespoke evening gowns and couldn’t decide which one to wear, so she wanted Jiang Ciyou’s opinion.

Jiang Ciyou didn’t take Jiang Xiaoxiao’s little games to heart. In the lounge, she watched as Jiang Xiaoxiao flitted about like a butterfly, showing off her dresses worth hundreds of thousands.

Sometimes, Jiang Ciyou found her both laughable and pitiable—like a beggar who’d suddenly struck it rich and was desperate to show off.

Jiang Xiaoxiao herself knew it too. Growing up in such a harsh environment, plagued by poverty, she had been terrified by deprivation. Now, overnight, she possessed everything she’d ever dreamed of and, though she knew flaunting it was undignified, she simply couldn’t help herself.

Jiang Ciyou paid her little attention, spending most of her time absorbed in her phone. When Jiang Xiaoxiao saw Jiang Ciyou’s indifferent expression, she felt a thrill of satisfaction. She wanted Jiang Ciyou to understand that all she once possessed had rightfully belonged to her, and that what Jiang Ciyou now had was merely her charity.

In the end, Jiang Xiaoxiao chose a red velvet gown, long and trailing with a high slit, the neckline and back encrusted with sparkling crystals. With every step, a long, slender leg flashed into view.

Truth be told, Jiang Xiaoxiao was rather pretty—delicate features, a tall and slender figure, and fair skin. Judged by looks and build alone, she could be considered a beauty, though she still lacked poise and refinement.

Today, she’d hired a celebrity makeup artist who gave her an exquisite look; her hair was piled up high and topped with a little diamond crown worth two million. With her vintage Central European velvet gown, she did appear every inch a noble princess.

In comparison, Jiang Ciyou was too plain.

Before long, the PR manager responsible for the event came to inform them, “The guests are nearly all here, Madam Jiang, and the two young ladies may make their entrance.”

Jiang Jinhui was greeting the guests outside, while they waited here because Jiang Xiaoxiao wanted a dramatic entrance, and Yao Shulan had no choice but to indulge her.

Hearing that the guests had arrived, Jiang Xiaoxiao’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. “Has the Young Master arrived yet?” She had previously instructed them to notify her the moment he came.

The manager replied regretfully, “Mr. Bo hasn’t arrived yet.”

Disappointment flashed in Jiang Xiaoxiao’s eyes. She’d hoped to stun the crowd just as Bo Jinxi entered.

Hearing Bo Jinxi’s name, Jiang Ciyou’s gaze flickered slightly. Had Jiang Xiaoxiao invited Bo Jinxi as well? He hadn’t mentioned anything about it last night, so he probably wouldn’t come.

Yao Shulan said, “The guests are all here, and everyone present tonight is a prominent figure in Rong City. Let’s not keep them waiting; we should go.”

Jiang Xiaoxiao took Yao Shulan’s arm. “Alright, Mother, let’s go.”

The lounge opened onto a hallway, and after walking a couple of meters, they reached a grand spiral staircase that led directly into the banquet hall.

As they began their descent, the lights in the hall suddenly dimmed.

Then, the music began to play.

The guests were momentarily taken aback, then the host’s voice rang out: “Let us welcome today’s guests of honor, Miss Jiang Xiaoxiao and Miss Jiang Ciyou.”

All eyes turned toward the source of the light. A spotlight from the ceiling illuminated the spiral staircase, the brightest beam focusing on Jiang Xiaoxiao and Madam Jiang.

Madam Jiang was resplendent in a luxurious cheongsam, exuding elegance and grace. Jiang Xiaoxiao, clad in a red velvet gown adorned with countless sparkling crystals, looked dazzling and regal. The dress was clearly bespoke, costing a fortune.

A softer spotlight fell behind them, illuminating a woman in white.

She wore a simple yet classic white evening gown, slender straps gracing her pale shoulders, her collarbones delicately defined, the graceful lines of the dress accentuating her exquisite figure. The waist featured a cutout, drawing the eye to her slenderness—a beauty that almost defied reason.

Her makeup was subtle, but her eyes shone like a sky full of stars, captivating all who saw her. Her naturally wavy hair tumbled casually over her shoulders, and with such breathtaking beauty, it seemed every strand shimmered with light.

Though her attire was understated, it only heightened her radiant allure, like a white rose blooming in solitude, untouched by the world. The purity of her gown did nothing to diminish her charm; instead, she became the most dazzling presence in the room.

In that moment, Jiang Xiaoxiao’s magnificent red gown, set against such transcendent beauty, appeared gaudy and common.

Murmurs began to ripple through the crowd.

“The way the two Miss Jiang make their entrance, it’s clear who holds the higher place.”

“Obviously, Madam Jiang favors her own daughter—just look at the gown and jewelry, those are worth millions, while the adopted daughter wears an old Chanel number from years ago.”

“But you have to admit, that girl—though not the real heiress—her looks and bearing are simply extraordinary.”

“Yes, she’s stunning. Now I understand what it means to be born beautiful.”

As they descended the stairs, Jiang Xiaoxiao caught whispers of praise from the crowd. At first, she felt a surge of pride, but then she realized—their admiration was directed at Jiang Ciyou.

Instantly, Jiang Xiaoxiao’s expression darkened.