Yao Ran stepped into the lounge and immediately caught sight of Yao Tang. The other girl was reclining on one of the chairs, her eyes fixed on her phone, her hair falling past her shoulders. She looked rather alluring even in a state of idleness.

But what was Yao Tangdoing in this place?

Before Yao Rancould say anything,Qin Manbroke away from her and seated herself next toYao Tang.

“I see that you’re here as well,” the woman commented snidely.

Yao Tang raised a single eyebrow in response before proceeding to ignore the other two.

Yao Ran hurried over and tugged atQin Man’s arm. “Come on, Mom,” she whispered. “Let’s not cause trouble here.”

Qin Man sighed and nodded, but she couldn’t resist sweeping another disdainful look at her biological daughter.

Yao Tang was clad in a simple red dress that accentuated her milky complexion, coupled with a silver necklace that brightened her delicate features. She looked nothing likeQin Man.

Instead, she looked like a young lady of noble lineage.

It was as though she hadn’t been raised in a remote mountain village.

Qin Man’s lips curled as she glared at the pendant resting against Yao Tang’s collarbone. “Do you really think you deserve something like that?”

It was an exquisite piece of jewelry from a luxury brand. The design itself was novel, if not for its uniqueness, then certainly for what it represented.

Needless to say, its availability in the market was exclusive to the top members of society.

“Get lost,” Yao Tangmuttered under her breath.

These pesky flies—also known as the Yao family—were really annoying. They just popped up wherever she went.

Yao Tang tapped furiously on her phone, and her screen displayed the enemy’s head exploding from the gunshot.

Her cool nonchalance sent Qin Manover the edge. She disregardedYao Ran’s words and launched a mocking tirade againstYao Tang.

“Who do you think you are? Just because you managed to charm a bunch of old perverts, it doesn’t give you the right to be all high and mighty with me! Listen here. The heir of the Cheng familyhas taken a liking toRanran. Don’t think that you and that pathetic Qin family are going to stand a chance against us in the future!

Why, the Young Master Cheng has even volunteered to donate a library to No. 1 High School—an entire building—just to spend some time withRanran!

Do you think your sugar daddies would do the same for you? How ridiculous! They don’t like you! You’re only good for a passing fancy, nothing more. Just wait and see. Once they get tired of you, they’ll leave you biting their dust, and you’ll deserve every minute of it!”

By the end of her outburst, Qin Manwas breathing heavily from exertion.

She had a triumphant expression on her face, fully expecting Yao Tang to finally buckle down and show her envy.

Yao Ran stood back, not particularly upset about her mother’s actions. If anything, she felt proud aboutQin Man’s declarations. She did feel a little wary, though. It wasn’t good to be so presumptuous so early in her relationship withCheng Zhou.

Nevertheless, she also wanted to see Yao Tanglook miserable and defeated.

To their dismay, the girl didn’t even glance up at them. She acted as if she didn’t hear Qin Manat all.

Yao Tang reached for the glass of milk tea beside her and took a sip.

‘Mmm… Mango milk.’

“Yao Tang!” Qin Manscreeched, her cheeks flushed with outrage. “Don’t you dare ignore me, you—”

Just then, she was cut off by Yao Ran, who pressed her palm against the woman’s mouth. She winked at her mother and pulled her away.

But Qin Manwasn’t done yet. “Just you wait,” she snarled atYao Tang. “You’ll eventually see how prosperous we will become.”

With that, she let Yao Ranpull her towards the door. They ran across their attendant, who was visibly surprised to see them leave the lounge.

“Madam, Miss, do you not want the items you were eyeing earlier?”

“We want the dark blue one that we looked at last,” Yao Ranreplied, taking out a piece of paper. “Kindly adjust the suit according to the size written here, then send it to this address.” After concluding their business,Yao Ranquickly pulled her mother out of the shop.

It wasn’t that she was afraid of going against Yao Tang. The problem was that whenever they condemned her in public, someone would always swoop in to her rescue. Worse, it was alwaysYao RanandQin Manwho end up losing face.