And there she was, chatting with the old lady beside her, the grandmother she shared with Luo Hongying, who also happened to be the matriarch of the Luo family.
Perhaps because both families were led by grandmothers, the two elderly ladies found they had much in common. Add to that the fact the Luo family had served as doctors to the Mo family for generations, their relationship was even closer.
Senior Madame Luo was the first to see her approach, and her expression did not betray any joy—she merely made an indifferent remark, "Qiangwei, this is your wedding. Everyone is waiting for you to toast. Your dallying over here, what does this make the Luo family look like?"
Upon hearing this, Senior Madame Mo's already stern face grew even uglier, and she gave Luo Qiangwei a cold glance without saying a word.
Luo Qiangwei knew very well that Senior Madame Luo favored her cousin Hongying over herself.
She was born to her mother outside the family and was later brought back by her father to the Luo family. Senior Madame Luo refused to let her mother enter the house at all costs but finally couldn't stand firm against her eldest son and consented to the marriage.
But soon after the marriage, her father died in a car accident, and from then on, she and her mother were deemed by Senior Madame Luo as husband-killing Stars of Disaster, facing nothing but distaste and rejection. Moreover, she favored her second son and granddaughter Hongying even more.
In her previous life, she had always harbored hopes for Senior Madame Luo's affection, and when she heard this comment, she couldn't hold back her anger and feeling wronged, resulting in a heated outburst that made the atmosphere extremely awkward.
It also let everyone present know that her relationship with her maternal family was terrible, leading them to scorn and bully her even more ruthlessly.
However, in this life, she definitely wouldn't be so foolish—she would never harbor hopes for anyone again; the only person she could trust and rely on was herself.
Luo Qiangwei bit her lip, then stepped forward and poured a cup of hot tea, handing it to Senior Madame Luo with deferential humility, "Grandma, please, cool down. I wanted to look my best when appearing before everyone because, after all, I represent both the Luo family and you, as the eldest granddaughter. I didn't expect to have delayed a bit too much. I didn't consider everything thoroughly... I'm sorry."
Senior Madame Luo, who had expected her typically arrogant and willful eldest granddaughter to apologize so modestly and appropriately, almost thought she was dreaming!
With a look of extreme surprise at Luo Qiangwei, yet finding no words to refute her, she could only accept the cup of tea awkwardly and coughed dryly, "It's alright... as long as you understand your mistake."
Someone nearby flattered with a chuckle, "Miss Luo is truly sensible and considerate. No wonder Young Master Mo, who usually shows no interest in women, likes her. With her stunning beauty, the great-grandsons they will have will definitely be exceptionally handsome. Senior Madame Luo, you are indeed fortunate."
Luo Qiangwei, with a blush, cast down her gaze and poured tea for the elders one by one. Hearing the words 'great-grandson,' even Senior Madame Mo's stern face softened a bit as she lifted the teacup and blew on it gently.
"Grandma!"
Suddenly, a sweet and pleasant voice rang out, and Luo Hongying walked up with the poise of a lady, graceful and every inch the scion of a distinguished family.
She threw herself into Senior Madame Mo's arms, clinging to her arm and cooing sweetly. Her smile was cute and charming, immediately endearing to the elderly lady, who was made utterly happy by her gestures.
In her heart, Luo Qiangwei sneered silently; Luo Hongying indeed had such a showy entrance. But with that innocent-looking face and the socialite qualities cultivated from childhood, she indeed scored a lot of points. And with her sweetness, coquettish charm, and ability to flatter... thus, everyone liked her.
She was the epitome of a 'white lotus' of the Milky Way galaxy.
It seemed that her tragic death in her previous life wasn't entirely due to others; she also blamed herself for being too naive and foolish, not knowing how to protect herself, nor how to fight back.