Zhao Lan's words struck Zhang Meiyu's sore spots one after another.
These were bloody facts, and even if others didn't say it, she herself was in immense pain.
At this moment, Zhao Lan was undoubtedly pouring salt on her wounds.
Zhang Meiyu's expression changed, her composure forced.
"You have time to worry about me, why not worry about yourself? No matter how bad off I am, I'm not short of money, unlike you who racks your brains every year around the start of the school term to find money for your daughter's tuition."
What was the point of the Zhang family throwing such a lavish birthday banquet?
Wasn't it just to receive gifts and make a profit? Zhang Meiyu had long known this, and had disdained to attend before.
Zhao Lan's smile faded, replaced by a hint of triumph.
"With your excellent conditions, after so many years away, you're only back for your eldest brother's birthday banquet. Your birthday gift for him must be quite substantial, I presume."
When she uttered the words "substantial gift," Zhao Lan's eyes visibly lit up.
It turned out that after all her maneuvering and kicking someone when they were down, her ultimate goal was this substantial gift.
Zhang Meiyu was silent for a long moment before replying.
"Yes, I only return once every few years, so naturally I've prepared a particularly substantial gift for my eldest brother."
Zhang Meiyu even emphasized the words "substantial gift."
At this point, a man around sixty years old, with slightly graying hair, approached Zhang Meiyu and warmly clapped her on the shoulder.
"Meiyu, you didn't need to bring a substantial gift. We haven't had a proper family gathering in years, and I truly have so much to talk to you about."
The man speaking was Zhang Guodong, Zhang Meiyu's cousin, who was celebrating his sixtieth birthday today.
Zhang Guodong then turned to Zhao Lan and reprimanded her in front of Zhang Meiyu.
"How can you talk to Meiyu like that? She's only back after so many years, what substantial gift does she need?"
Zhao Lan's arrogance wilted in front of Zhang Guodong.
"Husband, I was just joking. The substantial gift, Meiyu said it herself. It's her kind gesture."
"Ask everyone here, Meiyu herself said it."
The people around them seemed to be in cahoots, all nodding in agreement.
Zhang Guodong smiled.
"Since it's Meiyu's kind gesture, then thank you. Honestly, your presence alone makes me happy. You're just too polite."
With their synchronized performance, Zhang Meiyu was now obligated to present a substantial gift to save face.
After the announcement of a substantial gift, Zhao Lan and Zhang Guodong's attitude towards Zhang Meiyu did a complete 180-degree turn.
"Meiyu, this must be your daughter, Xiao Min, right?"
"This child, she's already a young lady. She does bear some resemblance to you from when you were younger, Meiyu."
Zhang Guodong looked at Tang Xiaomin with paternal affection.
"Xiao Min, I'm your maternal uncle."
Tang Xiaomin shot Zhang Guodong a cold glance, letting out a dismissive snort.
Although she said nothing, her disdain and distance were communicated loud and clear.
Instantly, Zhang Guodong's expression soured.
A junior dared to disrespect him.
Zhao Lan, on the side, flared up with anger and harshly interrogated.
"Tang Xiaomin, what's your attitude? Do you still have any respect for your elders?"
Tang Xiaomin continued to sneer, her eyes full of contempt.
"Do I? Can you tell?"
"You..."
Zhao Lan then turned to Zhang Meiyu and said, "Meiyu, is this the daughter you raised? She's so ill-mannered!"
The words "ill-mannered" stung Zhang Meiyu's nerves.
Tang Xiaomin had grown up, but how had she ever raised her, or taught her a single day?
"Whether she's well-mannered or not, what business is it of yours?"
Since Zhang Meiyu wasn't addressing Tang Xiaomin's behavior, Zhao Lan had even more to say.
"What kind of talk is that? Your daughter is ill-bred, and you don't even discipline her. I was wondering what was going on, turns out the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
*Slap!*
A clear, sharp slap echoed through the hall, and the banquet fell silent.
Everyone was stunned by Zhang Meiyu's action.
Zhang Meiyu's face was extremely grim as she said coldly to Zhao Lan,
"This is my upbringing. Anyone who dares to speak disrespectfully to my daughter, I, Zhang Meiyu, will not tolerate!"
The unconditional protectiveness Zhang Meiyu displayed, while astonishing everyone, also revealed a piece of information.
The rumors that Zhang Meiyu treated Tang Xiaomin poorly were completely false.
Zhao Lan, holding her face, first glared at Zhang Meiyu with resentment. She then turned to Zhang Guodong beside her and tearfully pleaded for help.
"Husband, Zhang Meiyu hit me, you must stand up for me."
Zhang Guodong was also stunned. He hadn't expected Zhang Meiyu to actually hit Zhao Lan because of Tang Xiaomin.
Just as Zhang Guodong was contemplating how to mediate, Tang Xiaomin took Zhang Meiyu's hand.
"We've hit someone, there's no point in staying here. Let's go."
"Wait!"
Zhao Lan angrily stepped forward, blocking Tang Xiaomin and Zhang Meiyu. She declared indignantly, "You want to leave after hitting me? No way! You must apologize to me today! Otherwise, you're not leaving this place!"
Zhang Meiyu stepped forward, shielding Tang Xiaomin, and met Zhao Lan's gaze directly.
She was neither subservient nor obsequious, showing not a trace of fear.
"Zhao Lan, I warn you. If my daughter and I are harmed even by a single hair today, my four sons will raze the Zhang family to the ground!" Su Dan Novel Network
It had to be said, Zhang Meiyu's numerous sons gave her ample confidence.
If nothing else, in terms of manpower, Zhang Meiyu had immediately gained the advantage.
The air was thick with gunpowder, and it seemed a full-blown conflict was imminent.
"Enough, both of you!"
Zhang Guodong stepped forward, his face grim as he looked at Zhao Lan.
Just as Zhao Lan thought Zhang Guodong would side with her and avenge her, Zhang Guodong did the unexpected.
"Nonsense, Meiyu and Xiao Min are guests, how can you speak to them like that!"
Zhao Lan was completely shocked by Zhang Guodong's accusation.
"Husband... what are you saying? It was Zhang Meiyu who hit me."
Zhang Guodong was almost driven to death by Zhao Lan, his face dark.
If it weren't for the crowd, he would have slapped her twice to wake her up.
"Stop talking, hurry and apologize to Meiyu and Xiao Min."
If they didn't apologize, Zhang Meiyu and Tang Xiaomin would leave, and the substantial gift would be lost!
Zhang Guodong kept winking at Zhao Lan.
After many years of marriage, they still had some unspoken understanding, and Zhao Lan quickly grasped the hint.
Zhao Lan reluctantly suppressed her anger, turned aside, and mumbled perfunctorily with a lack of conviction.
"Sorry."
Zhao Lan's apology was extremely insincere.
Zhang Meiyu pulled Tang Xiaomin along, ready to leave, when Tang Xiaomin suddenly stopped in her tracks.
Zhang Meiyu turned back, looking at Tang Xiaomin in confusion.
Tang Xiaomin smiled enigmatically and said loudly.
"What did you just say? It was too quiet, I couldn't hear you. Say it louder."
Even if Zhao Lan's voice was soft, in the tense atmosphere just now, everyone present had heard it.
Now that Tang Xiaomin was doing this, it was clear she was doing it deliberately.