Part 2
Lu Tian smiled sweetly. “Big cousin, you look handsome too.”
“That girl’s so sweet. My fiancĂ©e is here today. Her name is Yu Li; you can play together.”
“Okay,” Lu Tian readily agreed. Cannon fodder should play with cannon fodder. Yu Li had even less of a role in the original story than the original owner. Jealous of the Gu family’s favor toward Yu Ningxuan and the original owner, Yu Li conspired with the original owner to frame Yu Ningxuan, ultimately getting dumped by Gu Yi, leading to a tragic downfall.
“Sister, why is everyone looking at us?” Zou Fan, still young, was uncomfortable with the attention.
Lu Tian glanced at Gu Yi, who pretended not to hear, and said softly, “Because everyone hasn’t seen us for a long time, they’re making up for lost time.”
Gu Yi twitched his mouth. This little cousin was difficult to deal with. She always tried to assert her status; Yu Ningxuan would definitely lose to her.
Grandfather Gu was upstairs with some old friends but had instructed Gu Yi to bring Tian Jing’s family to him for introductions. Gu Yi had to comply, but inevitably, the real heiress and the adopted daughter met on the stairs. Gu Yalan and Yu Ningxuan, mother and daughter, were holding hands. Yu Ningxuan wore a short, light blue dress, while Lu Tian wore a matching long light blue dress from the same brand. Lu Tian, tall and striking, contrasted sharply with Yu Ningxuan, who was styled for a cute and innocent look. Lu Tian was undoubtedly more eye-catching.
Especially with the deep blue, multi-million dollar diamond necklace around her neck.
Gu Yalan and Yu Ningxuan immediately noticed the necklace, their faces paling. Grandfather Guâs purchase of the necklace was no secret; he hadn’t given Yu Ningxuan a gift for her engagement, yet he gave this to Lu Tian. It wasn’t just a gift, but compensation, the meaning clear for all to see.
“You⊔ Gu Yalan whispered.
Yu Ningxuan glared at Lu Tian’s necklace, her chest rising and falling, clearly furious.
Lu Tian glanced at Tian Jing, who didn’t intervene. She turned to Gu Yi, “Big cousin, aren’t you taking us to see Grandpa? Let’s go!”
Her tone was cheerful, arrogant, and smug. Gu Yi didn’t know if it was intentional, but going upstairs was the best option. He nodded helplessly to Gu Yalan and Yu Ningxuan, continuing to guide the family.
“Mom⊔ Yu Ningxuan looked at Gu Yalan’s grim face, worried.
Gu Yalan took a deep breath, lifting her chin. “Let’s go downstairs.”
Seeing her pale face, Yu Ningxuan quickly supported her downstairs. The guests had already noticed the silent confrontation on the stairs, but when Gu Yalan and Yu Ningxuan descended, few approached them. The Gu family’s internal affairs were unresolved, and outsiders were hesitant to interfere.
“Grandpa, Aunt and her family are here,” Gu Yi knocked on the door, smiling brightly.
Grandfather Gu wore a dark blue Tang suit. Though his hair was white, he seemed healthy, much better than during Lu Tian’s adoption ceremony. The family warmly greeted Grandfather Gu and offered birthday wishes. They listened as he introduced his three friends, and Tian Jing’s family responded politely and confidently, without any flattery or timidity.
The three friends nodded privately; the Gu family was indeed fortunate to have two daughters.
“Jingjing is like me; she worked hard alone at a young age and built her own business from nothing. I’m so happy and yet feel guilty,” Grandfather Gu sighed.
“Yes, I’ve heard of Jingjing’s company; she’s doing very well. If you ever need help, please don’t hesitate to ask,” said Grandfather Lin, Grandfather Gu’s close friend.
Lu Tian was satisfied. Those present were all closely connected to the Gu family’s business. Grandfather Gu’s words clearly established Tian Jing as the true Gu heiress, clarifying her position and making it easier for her and Zou Rui to conduct business.
The original story didn’t detail every perspective, focusing primarily on the heroine’s. Lu Tian wasn’t sure if this scene existed, but with Grandfather Gu’s presence, their family wouldn’t be looked down upon by the guests because of Gu Yalan and Yu Ningxuan.
The adults chatted while the children went off to play. Lu Tian took Zou Fan’s hand and went downstairs with Gu Yi. Zou Fan disliked crowded places and clung to Lu Tian. She didn’t know anyone at the party and preferred spending time with him rather than interacting with Yu Ningxuan.
However, she didn’t seek them out, but they came to her. Gu Yi’s fiancĂ©e, Yu Li, was a stunning beauty, but lacking in ability; the book described her as a beautiful but useless woman. She wore a black fishtail dress that accentuated her figure. She sat down next to Yu Ningxuan, the air immediately filled with a strong scent of perfume.
Zou Fan frowned and looked curiously at her, instinctively looking at Lu Tian.
“Hello, Lu Tian. I’m Yu Li. Gu Yi asked me to keep you company.”
Lu Tian introduced herself with a smile. Yu Li quickly became familiar, complimenting her outfit and jewelry, smoothly flattering her. “Lu Tian, you really look like your grandmother when she was young. Your figure is also great. This dress looks perfect on you; it wouldn’t look good on someone with a smaller chest.”
“Thank you,” Lu Tian replied calmly, thinking that in the original story, the original owner and Yu Li didn’t just fan the flames of conflict; they were in cahoots.
Yu Li, beautiful and arrogant, disliked Yu Ningxuan’s delicate beauty, as if they were natural enemies. Yu Li should have been the one receiving attention, but a young upstart had taken her place, and she couldn’t accept it. But this new Gu family granddaughter was hard to read. Yu Li’s subtle provocations didn’t elicit any reaction from Lu Tian.
“Your diamond necklace is beautiful. I heard Grandfather Gu bought it at a high price.” Not for you.
“I envy you having five older brothers who are all handsome. You must be very happy.” They’re not there to protect you.
“This birthday party is Grandfather Gu’s way of introducing your family, making you an official Gu family relative!” The fake is still here; go fight her!
Lu Tian smiled politely. “Sister, you’re so kind, keeping me company.”
Yu Li nearly choked. All her efforts at provocation were useless. She rolled her eyes, claiming a friend had arrived, and left.
Lu Tian remained composed, chatting casually with Zou Fan. Later, as the party began, Grandfather Gu, along with his wife, children, and grandchildren, came downstairs, beckoning them to join them.
Lu Tian, holding Zou Fan’s hand, walked towards Grandfather Gu amidst envious glances, catching sight of Gu Yalan’s envious expression and Yu Ningxuan’s forced composure.
“Thank you all for celebrating my birthday. I have an important announcement: I’d like to welcome my only biological daughter and her family back to the Gu family. I’m so grateful to have seen them in my lifetime!”
Lu Tian listened to Grandfather Gu’s speech. The Gu family hadn’t revealed the truth publicly; Grandfather Gu’s ambiguous words suggested Tian Jing had been lost or kidnapped, and Gu Yalan was a replacement. This preserved the family’s reputation while protecting Gu Yalan and Yu Ningxuan. The original story had a similar resolution, but Gu Yalan and Yu Ningxuan were present, and Grandmother Gu excitedly declared she now had two daughters.
The original owner became extremely jealous, almost identifying with Tian Jing, who was furious but didn’t cause a scene. After the family photo, the original owner confronted Yu Ningxuan, publicly scolding her and pushing Gu Yalan to the ground.
Gu Yalan was an adult; a simple push wouldn’t be a big deal, but she was pregnant with her second child. Gu Yalan had suffered from a difficult childbirth with Yu Ningxuan and hadn’t had children due to policy limitations, but she secretly longed for another. After the policy change, she conceived, unaware of her pregnancy.
Her pregnancy might have been complicated, and the original ownerâs push caused a miscarriage. Gu Yalan was a beloved daughter, and Grandfather Gu was heartbroken and angry, also hospitalized and subsequently suffering a stroke, which worsened his health; he passed away soon after. The blame fell on the original owner.
Lu Tian had avoided Gu Yalan since their initial encounter, not wanting to provoke her.
This time, Gu Yalan’s family was included in the family photo, but Lu Tian ignored them. Even if she was angry, it wasn’t her place to be. She secretly glanced at Tian Jing; her smile was normal, but her eyes held a hint of sadness. In the original story, the original owner’s behavior was tolerated by Tian Jing, revealing human flaws and self-interest.
Yu Ningxuan, standing with her cousins, smiled relieved and shyly. A man in the distance smiled back at her.
After the photo, guests dispersed to get food. The banquet was buffet-style, allowing for easy socializing. Lu Tian was hungry but had little appetite. She sipped her juice slowly when a commotion erupted â Meng Jingdong’s father had arrived.
Grandfather Gu wasn’t angry; the Meng family was more powerful than the Gu family, and his presence was a great honor. But should she approach him? In the original story, everyone rushed to the hospital, leaving the banquet in chaos. No one would notice a new guest.
Tian Jing gave her no time to hesitate, giving her a meaningful look from afar. Lu Tian put down her juice and was about to approach when someone grabbed her hand from behind.
“It’s me. Let’s go together,” Meng Jingdong appeared behind her, surprisingly showing a gentle smile.
Lu Tian returned a gentle smile, adjusting her dress and calmly linking her arm with his, walking towards Meng Jingdong’s father. This was why she had agreed to announce her divorce with Meng Jingdong at the end of the yearâthe Gu family would know about them, and it was important to maintain face.
Meng Jingdong’s father stood with Grandfather Gu, watching the couple approach, a kind smile on his face.
“What’s going on?” Grandmother Gu murmured.
Grandfather Gu patted her hand, gently telling his wife, “Tiantian and Jingdong are married. I’m so happy!”
“Really?” Grandmother Gu was suspicious. How had Lu Tian managed to marry Meng Jingdong? She seemed shrewd.
Lu Tian and Meng Jingdong reached them, acting like a happy couple on their wedding day, addressing them simultaneously, “Dad.”
Meng Jingdong’s father nodded in satisfaction.
Author’s Note:
Some actions are directed at the original owner, not the heroine. The heroine still considers herself an outsider. Two parallel lines will intersect.
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