Song Qi Nian had no desire to draw attention to herself, especially during the Old Madam's birthday celebration. Her sole focus was ensuring the matriarch enjoyed the occasion.
Yet when her skills were challenged, she found herself unable to remain passive. Silence would only cast doubt on the authenticity of her work. The mockery aimed at her was one thing, but she refused to let it potentially damage the reputation of the Shen family and Shen Chi Yan.
It was clear that Lin Qiu Tong and Lin Lanxing had orchestrated this confrontation with deliberate intent. And the most potent response to critics? Rendering them absolutely speechless.
With calculated precision, Song Qi Nian unveiled a live video of herself painting. The guests watched in stunned silence as she completed the portrait in a mere three minutes—a performance that defied their expectations.
When the image appeared on the screen, a ripple of laughter erupted. Instead of a straightforward representation, Song Qi Nian had crafted a brutally precise caricature of Lin Lanxing. Thick brows, pinched eyes, a flattened nose, and an exaggerated mouth—each feature distorted, yet collectively unmistakable.
Lin Lanxing's face drained of color, fury and humiliation battling for dominance. "Song Qi Nian," she sputtered, "how dare you deliberately paint me so grotesquely? What are you attempting to conceal?"
A subtle smile played on Song Qi Nian's lips. With a few deft gestures, she turned to Zhang Qiaoqiao, silently requesting translation.
Zhang Qiaoqiao delivered the message with professional composure: "My Young Madam wishes to clarify that she did not intentionally make you unattractive. This is simply how you appear to her."
The subtext was razor-sharp. Where the Old Madam embodied virtue and kindness, Song Qi Nian's portrayal reflected her gentle nature. Conversely, Lin Lanxing's cruel essence was laid bare through the unflinching lines of the caricature.
Laughter rippled through the room. Lin Lanxing's expression twisted between rage and mortification.
"Miss Song must be afraid to paint my true likeness," she hissed, "fearing her forgery would be exposed."
Before Song Qi Nian could respond, an art expert stepped forward.
"The brushstrokes and stylistic traits clearly indicate that both paintings were created by the same artist. However, I notice a slight imperfection in the lines. Miss Song, have you recently injured your hand?"
Song Qi Nian gave a subtle nod.
"Producing such an impressive piece while dealing with an injury is remarkable, especially for someone so young," the expert continued, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
Applause rippled through the room—some sincere, others merely performative attempts to curry favor with the Shen family. Lin Lanxing's strategy to embarrass Song Qi Nian had spectacularly backfired, leaving her looking foolish.
The Lin family members' expressions darkened, particularly Lin Qiu Tong. She had hoped to be the center of attention at the banquet but found herself completely overshadowed by Song Qianian's unexpected brilliance.
Realizing the situation had spiraled out of control, Lin Qiu Tong approached Song Qi Nian with a carefully contrite expression. "Miss Song, I apologize on Xingxing's behalf. She didn't intend to question your abilities. She merely wanted to ensure no forgeries would tarnish the Old Madam's banquet. Now that you've demonstrated your talent, I hope you can forgive her."
Though Lin Lanxing was clearly at fault, her elder sister's intervention painted her as the more composed and sensible sibling.
Shen Ke Qin chose that moment to interject, casting a cool, cutting glance at the Lin sisters. "Miss Lin, your sister is perfectly capable of speaking for herself. Does she really need you to apologize on her behalf?"
Her protectiveness of Song Qi Nian was unmistakable. Shen Ke Qin would argue with her own brother to defend Song Qi Nian, let alone tolerate the Lin sisters, whom she openly disdained.
Lin Qiu Tong bit her lip, stealing a hopeful glance at Shen Chi Yan. If he truly cared for her, she thought, he wouldn't allow her to be humiliated like this.
But Shen Chi Yan wasn't looking at her. His eyes were fixed on Song Qi Nian, a fact that filled Lin Qiu Tong with a growing sense of unease.
As Shen Ke Qin spoke, everyone's attention shifted to Lin Lanxing. Never before had she been so publicly embarrassed. Her expression grew increasingly sullen.
She understood that refusing to apologize would only bring further disgrace to the Lin family.
Clenching her fists, Lin Lanxing reluctantly muttered, "Miss Song, I apologize."
Not wanting to overshadow the Old Madam's birthday celebration, Song Qi Nian acknowledged the apology with a light nod.
"Hmph," Shen Ke Qin added, her voice dripping with sardonic humor. "My sister-in-law may be unable to speak, but she's far from petty. Still, Miss Lin, a word of advice: just because you can't do something doesn't mean others can't. Repeatedly embarrassing yourself must be quite painful."
As someone accustomed to being cherished and indulged, Shen Ke Qin's bold remarks demonstrated her complete lack of fear in offending others.
Lin Lanxing was so furious that tears welled up in her eyes. Unable to endure the humiliation any longer, she stormed out of the hall.
The minor confrontation did little to disrupt the banquet's vibrant atmosphere. Guests continued to chat and enjoy themselves, the earlier tension quickly dissipating.
Shen Huanling, feeling protective of the Lin sisters after Lin Lanxing's humiliation, saw an opportunity to stir things up. Recalling rumors about Shen Chi Yan's apparent preference for Lin Qiu Tong, she deliberately asked, "Fifth Brother, you know Grandma best. Which gift do you think she'll love most?"
She expected Shen Chi Yan to support Lin Qiu Tong. Instead, he remained entirely absorbed, his gaze fixed on Song Qi Nian, completely ignoring Shen Huanling's attempt to draw his attention.
The Old Madam broke the silence, pointing at Song Qi Nian's painting with a warm smile. "Of course, I like Nian Nian's painting the most."
Undeterred, Shen Huanling pressed on. "But Sister Qiu Tong gifted a painting by Master Xiang Di. Doesn't Grandma always admire his works?"
The Old Madam's gaze sharpened as it settled on Shen Huanling. "The value of a gift isn't determined by its price, but by the sentiment behind it. Master Xiang Di's work is excellent, but Nian Nian's painting is truly unique and irreplaceable."
As Shen Huanling opened her mouth to argue, the Old Madam cut her off, her tone calm yet brooking no argument. "Huanling, do you recall the family rules?"
The unexpected mention of family rules drained the color from Shen Huanling's face.
"Answer me!" the Old Madam commanded.
"Honesty, unity, love, and kindness," Shen Huanling mumbled.
"And have you upheld them?"
Chastened, Shen Huanling fell silent.
As the gift exchange concluded, the banquet transitioned to a more relaxed phase. Glasses clinked, conversations buzzed, and the hall hummed with festive energy.
Song Qi Nian had just finished a quick trip to the restroom when Guan Ming Xu intercepted her. "Little Sweetheart, come with me!" he said, guiding her to a nearby resting area before she could protest.
Noticing her high heels, he gestured for her to sit and pulled out a small ointment box. Song Qi Nian looked puzzled.
"A custom-made scar removal cream," he explained. "Apply it three times a day. In just over a month, the scar will fade completely."
Touched by his thoughtfulness, Song Qi Nian gave him an appreciative thumbs-up.
Back in the banquet hall, Shen Chi Yan approached Shen Ke Qin. "Where's Song Qi Nian?" he asked.
"She went to the restroom," Shen Ke Qin replied.
Lin Qiu Tong, who had been waiting to speak with Shen Chi Yan, watched him walk away. Without hesitation, she followed.
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