Chapter 219: Chapter 219 Showing Goodwill Chapter 219: Chapter 219 Showing Goodwill “Grandfather?” Chu Yixue could hardly believe her ears, “You want me to apologize to Zhong Niangyao?”

She had never imagined that, before even fully understanding the situation, she would be asked to apologize to Zhong Niangyao. She had now become a lady of the Chu family, the Second Lady. But now, to still have to endure Zhong Niangyao’s insults, for what reason?

Although she could feel that after returning to the Chu family, the people there were not very close to her. Even her parents felt somewhat distant. But even so, she still had all the privileges and respectability that came with her position.

But she simply couldn’t accept that in her grandfather’s heart, Zhong Niangyao’s status was higher than hers.

“Chu Yixue, do not bring your old ways into the Chu family,” Old Sir Chu said sharply, his eyes piercing as he looked at Chu Yixue, “You are now the Second Lady of the Chu family, and I don’t care about what happened before. But now that you have returned to the Chu family, you should learn how to conduct yourself as a lady of high society.”

This comment turned Chu Yixue’s face from green to white. Faced with the Old Sir’s criticism, she didn’t dare offer a single word in her own defense. She knew very well that in this family, the Old Sir was the absolute authority.

In the end, all Chu Yixue could do was suppress her displeasure, “Grandfather, I understand. I will find an opportunity to apologize to Nianyao, although we have had some unpleasantness in the past, we were once good friends. I think, once the misunderstandings are cleared, we can surely be good friends again.”

Having reached this point, she naturally couldn’t give up easily. She could tell that Old Sir Chu held this matter in high regard, so naturally, she had to say things that would please him.

As for her grievances with Zhong Niangyao, they had already reached an irreconcilable stage. She didn’t understand what Zhong Niangyao was thinking, but regardless, she wouldn’t make things easy for Zhong Niangyao.

Hearing Yixue’s words, Old Sir Chu’s eyebrows relaxed slightly, but his expression remained indifferent. He nodded, “Alright, your parents will be here soon. You better stick close to them and try to get to know other families as well. There are quite a few people your age, and I imagine you can make some connections among them.”

Chu Yixue dared not disobey, quickly agreeing repeatedly.

On the other hand, Chu Xu had been taking Zhong Niangyao to visit Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong, chatting casually as they went.

To be precise, it was Chu Xu who was excitedly doing most of the talking. Ever since he realized Zhong Niangyao’s talents, he had been thoroughly impressed.

At the same time, he was also envious that Zhao Xuan Lang could be Zhong Niangyao’s right-hand man. However, he could tell that Zhong Niangyao was not planning to take on any more followers. So, he still wanted to make his presence felt in front of Zhong Niangyao.

There might be something he could ask for her help with in the future! And for someone with such incredible abilities, he truly admired her.

While Chu Xu was still energetically talking, Zhong Niangyao suddenly stopped walking.

Seeing someone not far ahead, Zhong Niangyao’s lips curved up in an amused smile.

What day was it today? The crowd truly was complete! She had just encountered Chu Yixue and now bumped into Li Jingming–a truly fateful encounter!

However, she thought that Li Jingming probably didn’t know that Shen Yixue had now become Chu Yixue! Otherwise, he wouldn’t be so composed.

Li Jingming also noticed Zhong Niangyao and his expression soured.

Encountering Zhong Niangyao here was not something he had anticipated. Likewise, now that they really had met, he wasn’t too surprised. As Lady Zhong, attending such gatherings was quite common.

Nevertheless, due to the considerable unpleasantness that had occurred between him and Zhong Niangyao in the past, his demeanor became somewhat unnatural upon seeing her.

Perhaps in an attempt to break the awkwardness, Li Jingming approached with a smile and took the initiative, “Nianyao, long time no see. I didn’t expect to see you here!”

Looking at the elegantly dressed Zhong Niangyao, he felt a fleeting moment of awe. In recent times, he had been subtly regretting his decisive rejection of her.

Now he understood that his mother’s advice had been wise. Even if he did not like Zhong Niangyao, she would still be a good marriage prospect.

In recent times, his mother and the Lai family had arranged several blind dates for him. However, none had been successful, or more precisely, none of the prospects had taken an interest in him.

These events also forced him to reconsider his own identity. Even though he had become the eldest young master of the Lai family, in the eyes of many high-society families, he was still an illegitimate child.

As Li Jingming watched the seemingly unaffected and mocking Zhong Niangyao, her lips curled into a sarcastic smile, “I, for one, didn’t expect to see you here. However, I recall stating previously that it would be best if we simply pretended not to know each other.”

“Seems your memory isn’t quite sharp!” Li Jingming’s face showed his embarrassment, but he quickly masked it with a warm smile, “Nianyao, there was indeed some unpleasantness between us before. But since we are all in the same circle and will inevitably run into each other, there’s no need to make things so stiff, right?”

“I think it’s best if we continue to treat each other as strangers,” Zhong Niangyao said with a light smile, then as if suddenly thinking of something intriguing, her eyes twinkled as she spoke, “I think instead of wasting your efforts on me, you’d better take a good look at the Second Lady of Chu.”

“She’s an acquaintance of ours! Don’t be too shocked when you see her.” With those words, she walked past him and left directly.

Chu Xu quickly followed her.

Left alone, Li Jingming’s brows furrowed tightly. He wondered what Zhong Niangyao meant by that, and who this Second Lady of Chu was.

“Lady Zhong, you and that Li Jingming–” Chu Xu asked curiously.

Li Jingming’s identity was no secret in their circle. However, many people disdained to associate with him, especially someone born out of wedlock who had been so boldly integrated into the family–it was seen as a affront to legitimate spouses and children alike.