Shi Xinxin shook her head, "Really, go accompany Xiao Feng. This is a significant occasion for both of you to appear in such a setting. Go on, you can come back and keep me company later. Besides, Sheng Chenjin already said those things. As you said, this is my territory, who would dare trouble me?"
Xiao Feng also looked at Tang Tang with anticipation.
Tang Tang nodded helplessly, "Alright, I'll just go for a little while and be right back. Wait for me, don't wander off. If you encounter anyone deliberately making things difficult for you, come find me immediately."
Tang Tang held Shi Xinxin's hand, constantly giving her instructions, like a mother who couldn't let go of her daughter.
Shi Xinxin chuckled, "Tang Tang, you're so much trouble. Look at you, holding my hand and nagging endlessly. You've become so motherly, not like yourself at all."
"Am I not worried about you?" Tang Tang gave Shi Xinxin a playful glare, "You, don't come crying to me if you get bullied."
With that, Tang Tang was led away by Xiao Feng, who had been smiling by her side.
Seeing Tang Tang's happiness, Shi Xinxin was also genuinely happy for her. She stood there with a silly smile, watching Tang Tang and Xiao Feng walk away hand in hand.
"Quite the center of attention," a sharp female voice chimed in. Shi Xinxin hadn't expected these women to arrive so quickly.
Tang Tang had barely left her side, and these so-called socialites were already swarming like flies.
However, even if she didn't want to face them, she had to.
So, Shi Xinxin turned to face these so-called socialites, maintaining a polite smile and the appropriate demeanor. After all, as Tang Tang had said, this was her home turf, and she had to act like the hostess.
"Ladies," Shi Xinxin said with a smile, "Thank you for attending my engagement banquet with Sheng Chenjin."
Three socialites surrounded Shi Xinxin. Looking at their revealing attire, Shi Xinxin couldn't quite believe they came from distinguished families; they had a rather common air about them, despite wearing expensive designer clothes.
One woman in a red dress spoke coldly, "Hmph, we were merely curious about what kind of woman a man like Sheng Chenjin would choose. We didn't expect her to be so ordinary. We're quite taken aback."
If in the past Shi Xinxin might have gotten angry or felt wronged by their deliberate mockery, her experiences had made her more composed. She now appeared indifferent to their words.
Shi Xinxin smiled faintly at the socialites, "Yes, I am just an ordinary person. However, since you all like my husband so much, and he ultimately chose me, it just proves that in his heart, I am more lovable."
Shi Xinxin's words, spoken with a smile, had reached a new level. The socialites were taken aback and clearly angered by her response.
Shi Xinxin didn't bother to engage them further. Before they could retort, she smiled coldly and said, "Enjoy yourselves."
With that, Shi Xinxin decided not to linger with the socialites and walked away.
As Shi Xinxin took a step, she looked up and saw Sheng Chenjin watching her with bright eyes from the side.
Shi Xinxin froze. Sheng Chenjin affectionately took Shi Xinxin's hand, and as she drew closer, he whispered in her ear, "You've truly changed. You finally understand how to rationally retort to those people this time."
In front of Sheng Chenjin, Shi Xinxin also appeared confident, her head held high, and with a profound smile directed at him, "One always has to grow. And since you're being so high-profile, I should at least show some spirit."
Hearing Shi Xinxin's words, Sheng Chenjin laughed heartily, "Yes, my lady is right, you need to have some spirit."
As they walked, intentionally or unintentionally, Shi Xinxin led Sheng Chenjin to a secluded spot.
It was then that Sheng Chenjin realized they had strayed quite far from the banquet.
"We are the hosts, after all. We can't just sneak away like this, can we? We should at least speak to some of the guests," Sheng Chenjin suggested.
Shi Xinxin then revealed her true intention, "Actually, I know."
"Then let's go back," Sheng Chenjin proposed.
But Shi Xinxin shook her head. Sheng Chenjin looked at her, confused, "What's wrong?"
"Even though I retorted to those socialites just now, Sheng Chenjin, I just don't like that kind of life. Wearing a mask, scheming against people, being polite on the surface while speaking with hidden barbs – it's all too hypocritical."
Shi Xinxin expressed her inner thoughts, "Sheng Chenjin, you know? This is the ceremony I've always dreamed of, and I really dislike these kinds of occasions."
Sheng Chenjin seemed apologetic, "I'm sorry, Xinxin. I was too presumptuous back then. I apologize."
Shi Xinxin, however, seemed to have forgiven him, "Sheng Chenjin, let's let this one slide. I hope that if we do reach the point of marriage in the future, the people celebrating us won't be unrelated individuals, but our most loved and closest ones, alright?"
Sheng Chenjin nodded, "I promise you, Shi Xinxin, I promise you, I will give you the wedding you desire."
With that, the two shared a knowing smile, their understanding deepening.
Ye Yun watched Shi Xinxin and Sheng Chenjin laughing and flirting in the distance, finding it extremely irritating.
Ye Yun approached the socialites, who were also discussing Shi Xinxin.
"Who knows where this wild woman came from? She's just favored right now. A man like Sheng Chenjin is not easy to please. Let's see when she gets discarded." The woman Shi Xinxin had retorted to was still quite angry.
"Exactly, how dare she speak to us like that? One day, we'll make her pay. I hope she doesn't fall into my hands."
One of the socialites continued, "I'm telling you, it's best to send someone to investigate this woman's background. Then, find an opportunity to leak her background to the media. Then, we'll see her make a fool of herself. Let's see if Sheng Chenjin will still accept her."
"Right, she's just a woman trying to catch a rich husband. What's so great about her?"