Chapter 17: The Banquet

Liang Sheng sat before the mirror as Zhong Wen styled her hair into an elegant updo.

Sweat slicked Liang Sheng’s palms, making them uncomfortably damp.

Her fair skin and delicate collarbone came into sharp focus—this was the first time Liang Sheng had truly studied this body’s face. It was stunning.

She had assumed the Liang Sheng from the novel was just a sweet, innocent girl. But gazing at this face, she realized she’d been wrong.

The eyebrows arched playfully, her smile enchanting and coy. Her posture was alluring, her eyes brimming with unspoken invitation. This was no demure maiden; this was Daji before King Zhou, radiating irresistible charm.

Seductive—those two words captured Liang Sheng perfectly in that moment.

“Oh my, my girl looks absolutely gorgeous!” A delighted voice rang out from behind her. Zhong Wen nodded in satisfaction at Liang Sheng’s reflection and grinned. “She has that same flair I did back in the day.”

“Mom, you’re still just as beautiful. Standing together, we could pass for sisters~” Liang Sheng’s words were honey-sweet, drawing nonstop laughter from Zhong Wen.

Opening the door, Liang Sheng sneaked a glance downstairs. Wow, what a crowd—packed in like sardines. Had Dad invited the entire city?

Zhong Wen nudged her forward. “Come on, get out there. Don’t keep everyone waiting—you’re the star of this banquet.”

“I… I’m nervous.” Liang Sheng’s legs wobbled like jelly, cold sweat beading on her forehead.

Without another word, Zhong Wen dragged the trembling girl out, half-pulling, half-shoving.

Spotting Liang Sheng, Liang Wengao’s eyes crinkled into slits with joy. He hurried over, bounded up the stairs, tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, and led her down.

“Oh wow, Old Liang, your daughter’s getting prettier by the day!” “Is this your girl? Goodness, she’s all grown up—and such a beauty!” “How old is she? What a stunner!” The compliments flowed thick and fast, each one more fawning than the last.

Liang Sheng ate it up, the more over-the-top, the better. She was practically blooming with delight.

Standing in the center of the hall, Liang Wengao grabbed the microphone and launched into his passionate speech.

“My daughter Liang Sheng recently risked her own life to save a young girl. That girl was about to jump from a building, but Liang Sheng bravely rushed forward and pulled her back. To calm the child’s nerves, my usually quiet daughter even lost her temper—that’s her reverence for life!”

The praise embarrassed Liang Sheng to no end; deep down, she felt a twinge of guilt. Her thoughts back then hadn’t been so noble. She’d been hoping… Well, best not to dwell, or she’d sound like the wicked supporting character.

“She’s my pride and joy!” Liang Wengao bellowed, voice thick with emotion.

The guests erupted in cheers, piling on the lavish praise.

“Outstanding! Like father, like daughter!” “So young, yet so wise—her future’s bright!” “A little hero, exceptional at such a tender age!”

Liang Sheng flushed even deeper, though pride swelled in her chest. This was the power of daddy!

Scanning the room, she saw faces stretched in broad, toothy grins under the garish lights—utterly ridiculous, a bunch of fake smilers.

Many of her classmates had come too; she’d invited Gu Yuqi, Song An’an, and Lu Ziqing, though she wasn’t sure if they’d show.

Turning her head, she caught a group of girls shooting her sidelong glances and whispering among themselves.

Irritated, Liang Sheng murmured to Liang Wengao and slipped away to the backyard.

The backyard overflowed with massive peony blooms, clusters of vibrant color against the lush greenery. Though the family rarely visited this countryside villa, the gardeners kept it pristine.

The peonies thrived, freshly watered, their petals glistening with dew. Liang Sheng lifted her skirt hem, crouched down, and tilted her head to caress a petal.

Peonies symbolized wealth and prosperity, yet the lofty elite scorned them as vulgar. Liang Sheng sighed, feeling a pang for the flowers. They were just blooms—why burden them with the label of greed? Why let poets paint them as pursuers of fame and fortune?

“Heh, you like peonies? How tacky!” A grating voice shattered the peaceful reverie, startling her.

Turning, Liang Sheng saw Jin Zhengxuan flanked by a gaggle of dolled-up girls.

Jin Zhengxuan wore a smug, infuriating smile as she sneered at Liang Sheng. “Even elementary kids know peonies stand for riches. Only money-grubbers like them, right?”

What a repulsive expression. Liang Sheng ignored her and strolled to the pavilion.

“Tsk tsk, look at the lotus—unstained by the mud, bathed in clear ripples without a hint of coquettishness. I adore lotuses, unlike some worldly girls.” Jin Zhengxuan pressed on, flaunting her meager literary flair.

A girl beside her chimed in. “Such elegant words, Xuan-jie.”

Jin Zhengxuan smirked triumphantly.

Liang Sheng sat and chuckled softly. “Heh, who says peonies are tacky? Yes, they’re the flower of wealth, but where’s the vulgarity in that?”

She recited:

“The peonies by the steps enchant without grace,

The lotuses in the pond are pure yet lack true feeling.

Only the peony is the nation’s true beauty,

When it blooms, the capital itself stirs.”

“Jin Zhengxuan, with your brilliant literary talent, care to explain what this means?” Liang Sheng winked provocatively at her.

“This…” Jin Zhengxuan, of course, couldn’t translate it; her knowledge came straight from textbooks.

Seeing her flounder, Liang Sheng fought a laugh while maintaining her poise, her face turning red and purple from the effort.

Please—a seventeen-year-old brat daring to challenge a twenty-year-old big sister like me to a poetry duel? Especially a nouveau riche whose family was rich in cash but poor in culture. Jin Zhengxuan was all bluster, no substance.

“Alright, I won’t embarrass you further.” Liang Sheng curved her lips into a smile, flashing a row of pearly whites.

She eyed Jin Zhengxuan—decent looks, at least.

“Even if you play the perfect lotus, you’re still just empty-headed.” Liang Sheng delivered the barb with deliberate snideness, aiming to rile up the odious girl.

Jin Zhengxuan’s face turned liver-purple. She jabbed a quivering finger at Liang Sheng but couldn’t muster a word, shaking like she had Parkinson’s.

“And me?~ The peony is such a noble flower. Born beautiful and opulent, yet with a heart pure as a lotus seed.” Liang Sheng spun in a circle, hand over her mouth in mock shyness.

Stepping up to Jin Zhengxuan, she lifted the girl’s chin with a finger, arched a brow, and murmured softly: “A fine skin may grace the frame, but inside it’s barren all the same.” With that, she turned and glided back into the hall.

The gaggle of girls gnashed their teeth in fury. Jin Zhengxuan glared daggers at Liang Sheng’s retreating figure. “I’ll get you for this someday!” But inwardly: …Damn, that was kinda cool.

Ah, women.

Liang Sheng returned to the hall, her legs trembling beneath the long gown—unseen by anyone. Her elegant, refined poise was all an act; truth be told, she was scared stiff.

Patting her chest, she thought she’d emptied her arsenal of comebacks. Good thing her opponent was a dimwit, or she’d have lost face big time.

“A-Sheng!” Song An’an came scampering over, enveloping Liang Sheng in a massive bear hug.

“A-Sheng, you’re so pretty!” I love it, Song An’an thought, gazing shyly up at her with big, sparkling eyes. She tiptoed, clinging to Liang Sheng.

Pinching the girl’s cheek, Liang Sheng smiled. “An’an looks super cute today too~” And she did—the pink mini-skirt made Song An’an’s face glow pink, full of impish charm.

Something crossed Song An’an’s mind, and she suddenly let go, pouting sullenly. She mumbled, “Too bad we’re both girls—we can’t waltz together.”

Liang Sheng scratched her head, corners twitching in a clumsy reassurance. “No biggie; I can’t dance anyway.” To her surprise, the awkward line flipped Song An’an’s mood to joy.

Song An’an figured: A-Sheng can’t dance either, so she won’t dance with anyone else!

Soon, Song An’an’s mother beckoned her over. With a reluctant wave, she left Liang Sheng’s side.

Once Song An’an was gone, the chattering quieted, leaving an awkward silence. Before Liang Sheng could wallow in loneliness, a crowd surrounded her—men, women, young and old.

“Miss Liang Sheng, you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.” A boy who screamed trust-fund kid stared at her adoringly, giving Liang Sheng goosebumps. Not even one-tenth as handsome as Senior Sister Gu Yuqi!

Another girl sidled up with a sycophantic smile. “Sister Liang Sheng, tell us about the rescue!”

Before Liang Sheng could speak, an auntie grabbed her hand, prattling on this way and that, leaving her dizzy and disoriented.

“Miss Liang Sheng.” A deep, cello-like male voice cut through. A guy straight out of a Korean drama idol lead pushed forward, bowing slightly as he offered his hand with a smile. “Miss Liang Sheng, may I have this dance?”

Can I say no…? Mister, with all these pretty girls around, why pick the dance klutz? Line dancing okay? Liang Sheng’s head throbbed.

The crowd parted, clearing space just as the music swelled—perfect timing, leaving her flustered.

“I…”

“She’s my dance partner, sir.” A familiar voice rang out.

Liang Sheng whipped around in delight to see Gu Yuqi in a sleek black men’s tuxedo, her hair tied low. Right on cue.

The boy hesitated, straightened, and asked politely, “This… um, you look like a girl, right?”

Gu Yuqi strode over with a grin. “Can’t girls dance with girls?” She winked playfully at Liang Sheng, who stifled a giggle behind her hand.

“It’s allowed, sure… but it depends on Miss Liang Sheng’s choice, doesn’t it?” The boy persisted, turning back to her.

Gu Yuqi extended her hand with gentlemanly grace. “Miss Liang Sheng, may I have the honor of this dance?”

Without hesitation, Liang Sheng placed her hand in Gu Yuqi’s and smiled. “Gladly.”

“Sorry, sir, but I already have a partner—reserved long ago.” Liang Sheng apologized to the boy.

Disgruntled but hiding it, he muttered “Of course” and slunk away dejectedly. After all, his father worked under Liang Sheng’s dad; he couldn’t afford to offend the boss’s daughter.

Liang Sheng sighed inwardly: Money and power really are everything.