A smile popped up on her face, and her fingers trembled with excitement.

Sure enough, she was still Qin Man’s favorite. Her mother had probably realized how poorly she had treatedYao Ranearlier, and sent a message to comfort her beloved daughter.

Yao Ran quickly opened the chat box.

However, as soon as she read the words on her screen, she felt as though a bucket of ice water had been poured over her head.

Her mother had not texted to comfort her, after all.

Just when she thought she still had a foothold in her parents’ hearts, Qin Mancrushed her hopes and plunged her even deeper into the shadows.

Yao Ran’s upper lip curled into a sneer. That was, until her mother’s message fully sank in.

Then her palms began to sweat, and her heart quickened its pace.

Yao Ran hastily sent a reply.

“Why are you asking me this, Mom? Is my invitation card missing?”

When her mother didn’t respond right away, Yao Ransent another message. “You can’t ask for a replacement for the invitation card. If it’s lost, then it’s lost forever, and we will have to deal with the consequences.”

Yao Ran nibbled on her thumb anxiously. Just the thought of losing her invitation card—and the opportunity to be a part of theMusic Association—was enough to send her over the edge.

Even so, it remained silent on Qin Man’s end.

Yao Ran looked at the passing scenery outside to calm herself down, but it did little to help. She was about to call her mother and demand an explanation when her phone beeped again.

“Never mind.”

The ambiguity of those two words finally made Yao Ransnap.

If she lost her invitation card, it would be a catastrophe. One that she wasn’t certain she could get over with.

It was the one thing that stood between her and the Music Associationassessment, after all. Although she had the option to get a digital copy, it would definitely leave a bad impression on the panel.

Yao Ran considered her options before leaning over to instruct the driver. “Uncle Zhang, let’s turn around and go home. I just remembered I have something to do, so I’ll pass on today’s rehearsal.”

As the car made a U-turn, she sent out a message to her music crew asking for a leave of absence. She gave the same excuse, that she had an important matter to take care of at home.

At that same time, back at the restaurant, Qin Manwas sporting yet another smug grin after receivingYao Ran’s replies.

Now she knew that there was no way to replace an invitation card once it was lost, which meant that Yao Tanghad lied again.

The most absurd part of it all is that the girl just kept lying to cover up her previous lies. No matter, she would soon be caught in her own web of deceit, anyway.

The digital invitation, the so-called mentor—lies, every last bit of them!

“I’m sure that Yao Ranis happy to be invited to theMusic Associationassessment,”Yao Yansaid cheerfully. “But mySister Tangis different. For her, that’s nothing more than a trifle.”

“That’s for sure,” Jiang Wanchimed in. “OurTangtangis very talented. Not only is she a top student, but she has brilliant musical skills, too! What an extraordinary treasure, indeed.”

Qin Man raised a brow and watched the mother and son chattering at the table. She couldn’t be bothered with those two.

Since they adored Yao Tangso much, then they might as well share the shame once their pretentious little girl was exposed.

Maybe then, they would finally recognize that they were no match against her, and that all their bark on Yao Tang’s behalf was useless.

Qin Man couldn’t wait to wipe the smile offJiang Wan’s face.

Shortly after, a knock came at the door. The stranger greeted them and said that he was there to deliver something for Yao Tang.

Qin Man all but dragged him into the room.

“You’re finally here, eh?” She snatched the envelope he was holding and unceremoniously ripped it open. Then, she plucked out its contents and held it up for everyone to see.

“Ha! Is this the invitation card you’re so proud of? This looks nothing like my Ranran’s!”

After saying that, she rummaged inside her purse to take out Yao Ran’s invitation.

She had tucked it in the innermost pocket of the bag, all snug and safe. She had taken care to maintain its immaculate condition.

Unlike Yao Tang,Qin Manhad the foresight to bring it along with her to the family gathering.

Because what was the point in having it in her possession when she couldn’t show it off to everyone who cared to listen?