Zhong Xinyi entered the courtyard with Ji Renran, immediately drawing the attention of everyone present. The young masters of wealthy families already recognized Zhong Xinyi, the eldest daughter of the Zhong family. After all, Zhong Xinyi's brother was one of them. Therefore, in their eyes, this eldest daughter of the Zhong family was like their own sister. However, Ji Renran, who was now following Zhong Xinyi, was someone they had never seen before.
Her apricot-yellow long skirt swayed gently in the breeze, subtly revealing elegant lines within. Bathed in sunlight and carried by the warm wind, she was truly a vision of painted ink and delicate rouge. Honestly, compared to Ji Zizhao, who had just entered, Ji Renran, while undeniably beautiful, was not stunning. However, Ji Zizhao's temperament was too sharp, while the later-arriving Ji Renran was noticeably more soft and delicate. In such a contrast, even the physicians standing nearby found Ji Renran much more agreeable.
Upon seeing his sister arrive, Zhong Shaowen quickly walked over, "Why are you here?" Before Zhong Xinyi could speak, Ji Renran softly interjected, "It was I who wanted to come and see, so I troubled the eldest daughter of the Zhong family to make this trip. If you must blame someone, Brother Zhong, blame me."
Zhong Shaowen frowned. Honestly, this banquet was truly not suitable for women. But before Zhong Shaowen could speak, Ji Renran shyly lowered her eyes, "I didn't know there would be so many male guests today. It was all my recklessness and ignorance. Perhaps I should leave with the eldest daughter of the Zhong family."
This soft and vulnerable Ji Renran truly evoked pity. Not only Zhong Shaowen, but even the young masters from afar felt a pang of sympathy. Especially when Zhong Shaowen thought of Ji Renran's tragic past. She was from a distinguished family, yet forced to live away from home since childhood. Finally having the opportunity to be recognized by her clan, she was now being troubled by a wicked elder sister. Thinking this way, Zhong Shaowen naturally wouldn't blame Ji Renran for breaking etiquette. The blame, he thought, should fall on that wicked elder sister. However, thinking of that wicked elder sister sitting in the pavilion made Zhong Shaowen feel a bit apprehensive. He then looked at Ji Renran and said, "Since you're here, Sister Renran, stay for a while longer. Don't mind the many male guests today; they are all scholars and wouldn't do anything out of line."
Ji Renran remained silent, looking hesitantly at Zhong Xinyi beside her. Her expression suggested she had been coerced into coming by Zhong Xinyi. Since Zhong Xinyi had brought her here, what else could she say? "I'll take Renran to sit in the pavilion." Zhong Shaowen originally wanted to refuse, but considering Ji Renran's pure nature and her frequent wish to get along with her elder sister, he said no more.
Returning to the crowd, he then replied to their inquiries, "That is Miss Renran from the Ji family." The young masters were stunned. So, this was the legitimate daughter who joined the family later. They never expected that siblings from the same father could have such a vast difference in character.
At this very moment, the "vastly different in character and wicked" Ji Zizhao was watching Zhong Xinyi and Ji Renran enter the pavilion. As soon as Ji Zizhao saw the two of them, she stood up, ready to leave. Ji Renran quickly stepped forward to stop her, "I know Elder Sister is still angry with me. It's all my fault for making Elder Sister unhappy. I'll accept whatever Elder Sister wants to say. I only beg Elder Sister not to bottle it up and harm her health."
Ji Zizhao stopped, her expression calm as she looked at Ji Renran, "Sister Renran, you have wronged me in many ways. With such a vague apology now, I don't know which matter you are referring to."
Ji Renran stiffened upon hearing this. She had deliberately spoken ambiguously to appear pitiable. If she were to lay out all the facts, then she would truly be in the wrong. Ji Renran felt a bit panicked, and her expression became even more pitiful. "Ever since I returned to the manor, Elder Sister has been unhappy with everything. I understand that my presence disgusts Elder Sister, but becoming Father's daughter is something I couldn't choose."
Ji Zizhao smiled faintly, "Choosing one's birth is indeed not something one can choose. However, Sister Renran, you could have chosen to remain outside instead of brazenly returning to the Ji family and usurping its position while my mother's remains were still unburied."
Ji Renran: "..."
Damn Ji Zizhao, she was as detestable as ever! But Ji Renran had no choice. Even if Ji Zizhao had berated her from head to toe, she had to stand here today. Ever since the Tong family's banquet, where Ji Zizhao had stood them up, the Tong family's attitude towards her, her mother, and her brother had deteriorated. Even with Ji Renran's most ingratiating smile, the old madam of the Tong family refused to appear again. The Fifth Prince had also been in a bad mood at the General's Residence recently, and Ji Renran dared not trouble him at this time. After much thought, she had pleaded with Zhong Xinyi to bring her here. Since the Tong family couldn't be relied upon, she could only depend on herself.
Seeing that Ji Renran was truly on the verge of tears, Zhong Xinyi could not help but speak, "Meeting is fate. Coincidentally, I had some unpleasantness with the eldest daughter of the Ji family last time. Seeing that the weather is fine today, how about we go for a boat ride together?"
Ji Zizhao was quite surprised by Zhong Xinyi's attitude. If she remembered correctly, Zhong Xinyi's demeanor was not like this the last time they met. Although she didn't know how Zhong Xinyi had suddenly seen the light, she was, after all, the nominal sister of the Fourth Prince. Ji Zizhao was still angry with the Fourth Prince, but they were, in the end, on the same side. Since she also did not wish to see Ji Renran's hypocritical face, she nodded in agreement, "That would be excellent."
Seeing Ji Zizhao agree, Zhong Xinyi was truly relieved. She had only come today because Ji Renran had pleaded with her incessantly. Although she suspected Ji Renran's character might not be as pure as she appeared, she felt a pang of sympathy upon thinking that Ji Renran had nowhere to go but her maternal grandparents' home. After all, they were friends; how could she stand by and do nothing?
The servants of the Zou family were very efficient. In a moment, the three of them were seated in a small boat. A young servant rowed at the front, while the three sat in the back. The cool breeze from the lake brushed against their faces, refreshingly pleasant.
Since getting into the boat, Ji Renran had been racking her brains, trying to engage Ji Zizhao in conversation. In front of outsiders, she didn't believe Ji Zizhao would truly act like a villain. Even if Ji Zizhao disregarded her own reputation, wouldn't she care about the Ji family's honor? She gambled that Ji Zizhao would not dare. But stubbornly, Ji Zizhao completely ignored her from start to finish. She didn't even give her a chance to make eye contact. No matter what Ji Renran said, it was like a stone sinking into the sea, receiving no response. In a flash, Ji Renran's throat was parched from talking, yet she hadn't managed to exchange a single word with Ji Zizhao.