Chapter 276: Confrontation (Part 3)

Chapter 276: Confrontation (Part 3)

The Lin family celebration was a grand affair, and even some of the subordinates were allowed to attend the banquet—ostensibly to represent the family but also to showcase the Lin family’s generosity.

Of course, the servants were seated in a corner, away from the main attention. After all, no matter how they dressed up, to the Lin family, it was still embarrassing.

Xia Hanmo wasn’t worried about embarrassment; she was just glad to share a meal with her son.

Besides, she felt a greater sense of closeness with the servants than with those so-called family members.

“Why did you come over here too?”

Lin Nuo cast a sidelong glance at Xia Hanmo.

“Is it not permissible to eat a reunion meal with my own child?”

“This isn’t exactly a reunion meal. Given your status, you shouldn’t be sitting here. Whatever, suit yourself.”

Lin Nuo didn’t want to discuss it further with Xia Hanmo. Let her sit if she wanted; he felt a bit conflicted inside. If she sat with the Lin family, she’d be subjected to cold mockery, but sitting next to him made him more at ease.

However, he hated being nagged.

Especially by his mother.

It just so happened that Xia Hanmo hadn’t seen Lin Nuo in a long time; meeting him brought on her endless questions and various nagging.

And with her sitting right next to him, it felt like he was strapped with a tight-fitting headgear, being asked about everything.

Is this good? Not really. But he couldn’t just tell her to go away.

Fine, he’d just have to put up with it.

Not long after Lin Nuo sat down, Zhou Hui approached him at the banquet.

She looked at Lin Nuo’s seat among the servants and scoffed, “Seriously? As the Third Young Master of the Lin family, is it really a challenge for you to sit with the servants?”

“You came all the way here to the servants’ table, so who’s the one that’s challenged?” Lin Nuo retorted dismissively.

“Oh, I just came to check on you; don’t you appreciate it?” Zhou Hui said sarcastically.

“Oh, then thank you! Thanks to your whole family, and your eighteen ancestors too.”

“You… Even so, it’s a grand celebration. Even if you choose to fall from grace, I advise you to maintain some decorum.”

“Excuse me, but I usually treat dogs with a dog-beating stick. Just managing to have a chat with you is already a sign of my sophistication.”

“You…! Forget it, I won’t stoop to your level. You’re just all talk; sitting here, what do you have to be proud of?”

Zhou Hui sneered and then walked away.

Xia Hanmo watched Zhou Hui’s arrogant demeanor and felt apologetic. “Nuo’er, I’m sorry. If it weren’t for my…”

“What does that have to do with you? Why do you like taking the blame so much? Good people get bullied; they just enjoy picking on you.”

“But at that time, it was indeed my intention to bring you two together…”

“Enough, there’s no need to say any more.”

Lin Nuo interrupted Xia Hanmo. As a villain, he had long since stopped caring about the past slights.

There was no need to pay attention to that cunning, seductive woman. If she came over, he’d just retaliate with a few words.

Although Qin Shili and the others weren’t sitting at the same table as Lin Nuo, they had been watching him closely.

Seeing Zhou Hui flaunting her power over Lin Nuo naturally incensed them.

Qin Shili stood up and walked past Zhou Hui, bumping into her in the narrow passage.

“Who is it? Oh, it’s Miss Qin. As someone from a wealthy family, shouldn’t you be more considerate?”

“I’m not planning to give you any consideration.” Qin Shili replied coldly.

“Your outfit today suits you very well; it masks a multitude of flaws.”

“Miss Qin, I don’t believe I’ve done anything to offend you; why the hostility?”

“I’m not targeting you; I’m just speaking the truth.”

Qin Shili confronted her bluntly, showing her no respect.

At that moment, Liu Shuqin walked over, smiling as she took both girls’ hands and softly said, “Shili, Zhou, let’s not let a small matter ruin our harmony.”

“Miss Liu, judge for yourself. She bumped into me without apologizing and had the audacity to comment on my outfit. Isn’t that excessive?”

“Zhou, harsh truths are hard to hear. Shili might have been a bit direct, but she was merely trying to help you by suggesting your makeup could be a tad more elegant; it was a kind reminder.”

“That hardly sounds like a reminder; it seems malicious to me.”

Zhou Hui was starting to get angry. Suddenly realizing what Liu Shuqin had just said about “speaking the truth,” she asked, “Miss Liu, what do you mean by ‘speaking the truth’?”

“Sorry, I misspoke. What I actually meant to say is that our Junior Martial Brother wishes to lower himself to connect with the servants; that spirit is something we should all aspire to. But Zhou, to come here and say something disdainful isn’t worthy; makeup can cover up superficial flaws, but it doesn’t mask an ugly heart.”

Liu Shuqin continued with her sweet smile. Known for her good temper and emphasis on harmony, she had her own way of throwing shade at Zhou Hui.

Zhou Hui became even angrier, shaking off Liu Shuqin’s hand, thinking she was a two-faced person who maintained a friendly facade while speaking harshly.

How insulting! These two young ladies from prominent families were so rude as to confront her directly.

Ha, these highborn ladies were nothing more than that.

“This girl, could you kindly step aside?”

Su Kexin was even more straightforward, bluntly scolding Zhou Hui.

“Who are you? Can’t you just walk around?”

Zhou Hui turned around to find a petite girl who looked quite angry.

“I don’t need to make way for someone like you. If you must know, I’m Lin Nuo’s Junior Martial Sister.”

“Oh, Lin Nuo? You’re his Junior Martial Sister? Is that meant to impress me?”

“Hey, you really are clueless. That’s definitely something to be proud of. Ah, forget it; ignorant people wouldn’t understand anyway. You’re quite pitiable.”

“You…”

“Don’t ‘you’ me, pitiful person.”

Su Kexin stuck out her tongue in mockery.

Zhou Hui was furious. Even this little girl dared to pick on her; where was the justice in that?

“Do you think you’re so special?”

At that moment, Luo Xiaoxue also walked over, joining the fray.

Zhou Hui recognized her; she had been very close to Lin Nuo before. However, looking at her clothes and demeanor, she was just a small noble lady.

“Naturally, I’m far more impressive than you.” Zhou Hui countered.

“Really?”

Luo Xiaoxue chuckled disdainfully.

“To be honest, the Zhou family is nothing more than a nouveau riche; what comes quickly will go quickly.”

“Even so, still better than you.”

“Enjoy this meal while you can; I’m worried you won’t be able to laugh while eating after this. By the way, it’s not just your outfit but also your accessories. Your selection and pairing have terrible taste. Of course, improving your taste will be too difficult for you.”

The four girls surrounded Zhou Hui, delivering a smackdown, showing her no respect even during the Lin family’s grand celebration.

Zhou Hui, overwhelmed by the four of them, was on the verge of exploding.

Meanwhile, Lin Nuo was blissfully chilling in the corner, waiting for the dishes to be served, idly playing with his chopsticks out of boredom.

“Young Master, look over there, it’s your sisters.”

Ruo’er tugged at Lin Nuo’s sleeve, pointing toward the girls. Lin Nuo glanced over.

What’s going on?

Noticing the tense atmosphere, Lin Nuo walked over and soon realized they were ganging up on Zhou Hui.