Attending a Matchmaking Dinner

Chu Tianqing was stunned. She got up and paced furiously around the room before calming down. "Auntie, everything was fine. Why did you suddenly think of introducing a girlfriend to Brother?"

In the original story, Shen Xixi had spent all her time clinging to Jiang Youyi during this period, sowing discord in every way she could and secretly tripping up the real heiress.

Now that she was behaving herself, Chu Tianqing suspected Jiang Youyi had nothing else to do and had started worrying about her son's marriage.

"It wasn't my idea. With the old madam around, how would I dare meddle in A-Heng's marriage?" Jiang Youyi paused to catch her breath, then explained the real reason. "A-Heng brought it up himself. He wants to find a suitable person to date in Jincheng. Your father told me it's so he can integrate into Jincheng's social circles as soon as possible."

Chu Tianqing was speechless for a moment, but on second thought, it made sense.

A marriage alliance really was the best way to enter a social circle quickly.

For an heir to a wealthy family like Shen Heng, interests came before true love in marriage.

Judging by family background alone, Yan Ruyu was indeed a good match. The fact that she could trade blows with Shen Xixi showed their families were evenly matched in power.

Yan Ruyu also had an older brother, though he was ten years her senior and had chosen a career in politics. It was unclear whether he would take over the Taihe Group in the future.

Yan Ruyu was ignorant and incompetent, spending her days eating, drinking, and having fun. It was foreseeable that the Yan family would not choose her as its heir; they would either pick someone from the third generation or rely on a son-in-law.

If Shen Heng married Yan Ruyu, there was no need to ask—his father-in-law would surely hold him in high regard.

Having thought it all through, Chu Tianqing prudently refrained from speaking ill of Yan Ruyu.

In a candidate for a marriage alliance, Yan Ruyu's minor flaws could be overlooked. What mattered was her family background.

Jiang Youyi lowered her voice, a barely perceptible note of pleading in her tone. "Xixi, your Aunt Liang is holding a dinner party this weekend. Mrs. Yan will bring Miss Yan, and both A-Heng and I will be there. Come with us."

Chu Tianqing understood that Jiang Youyi was afraid it would be awkward being alone with her son and had specifically asked her along to smooth things over.

She couldn't refuse, so after a little thought, she agreed.

After hanging up, Chu Tianqing sat on the sofa in a daze. A long time later, she let out a sigh.

She wasn't exaggerating her own importance. It really was her change that had affected so many people's fates.

In the original story, there had been nothing like this between Yan Ruyu and Shen Heng. That girl's greatest role had been as the catalyst for Shen Xixi's turn to the dark side.

Yan Ruyu and Shen Heng? She couldn't imagine the two of them becoming a couple. This world was getting more and more unhinged.

Before the weekend arrived, Chu Tianqing kept looking for a chance to talk to her dear big brother.

To her surprise, he was busy the whole time. Chu Tianqing secretly sent him a beautiful photo of Baogang to test his reaction.

Shen Heng was unmoved. He only said he would take Rocky out to play again when he had time.

Chu Tianqing sneered, reached out to scoop Baogang into her arms, and tugged at the fat on his cheeks. "You're done for. Your big brother doesn't want you anymore. Men really do love the new and tire of the old. He's only played with you for a few days, and he's already bored."

Baogang couldn't understand her. He only knew Chu Tianqing was playing with him, and he excitedly stuck out his tongue to lick her.

"No!" Chu Tianqing grabbed Baogang by the muzzle and said fiercely, "Don't think I don't know you've eaten poop!"

In the blink of an eye, the weekend arrived. Since she was going to be a guest, Chu Tianqing didn't want to embarrass Jiang Youyi. She specially asked Jiang Lean to help her with her makeup and chose a demure, elegant light-blue dress from her old clothes.

At five in the evening, the Shen family's driver brought Jiang Youyi to pick her up.

Chu Tianqing had been waiting downstairs for some time. When she saw the familiar luxury car, she broke into a bright smile and went around to the other side to get in.

As soon as she got into the car, the faux mother and daughter began chatting affectionately.

Jiang Youyi turned to look her over and said after a careful inspection, "That's an old dress, isn't it? It's last year's style. Why are you still wearing it? Xixi, don't feel burdened. Whatever you did before, you can keep doing now."

Chu Tianqing understood. Judging by how Shen Xixi used to be, with trends changing every year, she would never have worn clothes from a past season.

But now that Chu Tianqing had taken her place, she didn't think it was necessary. She wanted to change that impression as soon as possible.

More importantly, she didn't want to use the Shen family's card, so where would she get the money to keep up with fashion?

"Not at all," Chu Tianqing replied with a smile. "This dress has a very classic style. It's fine to wear it a few more times."

In truth, she was making it up. She only thought the dress was quite presentable and suited the occasion tonight.

Jiang Youyi looked gratified and raised a hand to gently stroke her daughter's long hair. She reflected that, after going through such an ordeal, her daughter had really become much more sensible. She couldn't help but feel sorry for her.

They didn't go directly to Aunt Liang's house. Instead, they stopped at a well-known restaurant and hotel in Jincheng to pick up dishes and a cake they had ordered in advance.

They couldn't very well show up empty-handed as guests.

By the time they reached Aunt Liang's house, it was only six o'clock, and they were the first to arrive.

Aunt Liang was about the same age as Jiang Youyi. She had two daughters and a son, all studying abroad, and they couldn't come home more than a few times a year.

Aunt Liang wanted to go abroad to keep her children company, but she was afraid her husband would go and produce another little one. She could only stay home and keep an eye on her man.

With none of her children by her side, Aunt Liang treated Shen Xixi especially well. She didn't mind that Xixi was a fake heiress and warmly took her hand, leading her inside to chat.

They went to the kitchen together to check the dishes for the evening and chat a little. The conversation naturally turned to tonight's matchmaking dinner.

"Mrs. Yan gave me a heads-up in advance. She said her daughter doesn't know she's coming here for a matchmaking dinner tonight." Aunt Liang covered her mouth and chuckled. "If she knew, she definitely wouldn't come. She's young, after all, and hasn't given that sort of thing any thought yet."

Chu Tianqing kept them company, secretly picking up a plump, juicy cherry and popping it into her mouth.

Jiang Youyi smiled in agreement. "I understand. She's about the same age as our Xixi. I can't bear the thought of Xixi getting married so young either."

Aunt Liang changed the subject and turned to Chu Tianqing. "Speaking of which, Xixi, is there anyone you like? If not, Aunt Liang can introduce someone to you. Whether it works out or not is another matter; dating first to gain some experience would be good too."

Chu Tianqing coughed, nearly choking to death on the cherry pit. She waved her hands repeatedly and politely declined. "No, no. I'm still so young. There's no rush."

Aunt Liang and Jiang Youyi exchanged a smile. Seeing how scared she looked, they tactfully changed the subject.

At six thirty, the sound of cars parking came from the courtyard. The guests had begun to arrive.

They went out together to greet them. Chu Tianqing hung back, taking it easy, and saw Yan Ruyu walk in wearing an expensive jade-colored jacquard satin gown, a proud look on her face.

Yan Ruyu swept her gaze around and immediately locked onto her old rival, Shen Xixi. Her eyes were full of shock, as though asking, "What are you doing here?"

But with the elders present, she said nothing. Instead, she put on a sweet, well-behaved smile and greeted them.

The elders walked toward the living room together. Yan Ruyu deliberately slowed her steps and caught Chu Tianqing beside her.

"Shen Xixi!" Without moving her lips, Yan Ruyu squeezed the words out through her teeth. "A truce tonight. Do you agree?"

Chu Tianqing smiled. "Agreed. Let's get along tonight."

After all, she might become her sister-in-law.