```
"Keep your voice down; do you want your father to hear?" Su Sumei reprimanded, pulling Ji Kaisui into the courtyard. Once she was sure no one was around, she reached out and poked Ji's forehead. "You, you, how many times have I told you, use your brain more when dealing with things? With your IQ, you're no match for that little bitch."
"Mom, cut it out, don't compare me to Ji Weitian. I'm a legitimate young lady." Ji Kaisui was still brooding over the banquet incident.
In recent days, the failed engagement between the Ji Family and the Chen Family had spread everywhere.
People who knew her were calling to find out how the Ji Family suddenly had an additional daughter and what her relation to her was, hearing that she wasn't the one meeting Chen Xu.
Ji Kaisui had a hard time suppressing the news. Su Sumei wanted to hold a banquet for Ji Weitian, which would publicly slap her in the face, wouldn't it?
Su Sumei sneered, "You're so dull and still won't admit it. Do you really think if the Ji Family doesn't host a banquet, no one will find out about bringing Ji Weitian back?"
"..."
"To put it bluntly, even if you and I can hide it, can your father be like us? Ji Weitian is still his own daughter. Since she has already been acknowledged, your father will inevitably plan for her. Once he steps in personally, the attention Ji Weitian gets will only be more than now. Have you thought about that?"
Su Sumei glanced at the dumbfounded Ji Kaisui, wishing she could tear open her head to see what was inside her brain.
"Mom, do you mean if we take action, at least we can keep a firm grip on her?" Ji Kaisui vaguely understood, then stomped her foot again. "But mom, you really can't let her meet those noble young masters. With Ji Weitian around, who would even look at me, the second miss?"
"That depends on your skills, doesn't it? Ji Weitian has that kind of past and a burdensome daughter. What are you afraid of?" Su Sumei wasn't concerned at all.
Prominent families valued their reputation the most.
Even if there was filth behind the scenes, it couldn't be brought to the forefront.
Ji Weitian was precisely that kind of disgrace in the spotlight. Growing up in the streets, with no impressive resume, having a child out of wedlock, and a daughter with an unknown father...
Any one of these would keep her from rising again.
Even someone like Chen Xu, known for his indulgence, could pick on Ji Weitian, let alone other young talents.
"Find time to buy a few nice dresses. About the banquet, don't say anything to your father, understand?" Su Sumei said, hurrying off to find the steward.
"I got it," Ji Kaisui stayed where she was, a sinister light flashing in her eyes.
The Ji Family was going to host a banquet for the newly returned young lady; this was no small matter.
As soon as the news spread, it immediately caught the attention of high society.
Su Sumei cunningly kept Ji Weitian's age, appearance, job, and all other details hidden, only occasionally revealing a hint of pride in her words, keeping everyone in suspense.
The banquet hadn't officially started, yet the name "Ji Weitian" had already become a topic of conversation during meals and gatherings.
Even Leng Jian called to ask if Ji Weitian knew about it.
"Su Sumei is up to something, being overly attentive for no reason. Be careful,"
For the past few days, Ji Weitian took advantage of Qin Nanyu not coming to the lab, immersing herself in her experiments, keeping busy. She pursed her lips, "Don't worry, she won't stir up any big waves. By the way, can you help find out why Qin Nanyu hasn't been around?"
```