"I'll handle it myself, it won't involve you," Qiao Xiguan said with a smile, enunciating each word clearly.
Yan Xintong rolled her eyes and stopped talking, thinking to herself that the bumpkin Qiao Xiguan didn't have much ability.
Qiao Xiguan began to do her makeup by herself.
She knew what Yan Xintong and the makeup artist were up to without even thinking about it. Fortunately, she had met a friend in France who taught her some makeup skills, and now they were coming in handy.
She applied makeup very carefully. Qiao Xiguan was naturally beautiful, even her bare face was stunning, so she didn't need an overly elaborate makeup look. She just lightly sketched out her features. Therefore, by the time Yan Xintong had finished her makeup, Qiao Xiguan had also put down her brush.
Yan Xintong was proudly admiring herself in the mirror when she turned her head and saw Qiao Xiguan looking back at her. The exquisite makeup on her face instantly turned cold, her eyes shooting a malicious glare.
Qiao Xiguan pretended not to notice and, with a smile on her lips, said, "Have you also finished your makeup, sister-in-law? It's getting late, let's go."
Yan Xintong looked at Qiao Xiguan with a cold face, her expression one of innocent laughter.
It was still the same Qiao Xiguan, but why did it always feel like she had changed a lot since coming out of prison?
She gritted her teeth. Even if Qiao Xiguan had changed, she was no match for her three years ago, and she was still no match for her now!
The two made their way back to the villa in silence.
The house had already been arranged, and the entire lobby had the feel of a banquet, but it was still early and the guests hadn't arrived yet. Qi Huifen seemed a bit tired, sitting on the sofa. Her eyes paused as she saw the two daughters-in-law return.
Both women were very beautiful, each with their own unique charm.
In the past, she had always found Qiao Xiguan's beauty too garish, giving off a common vibe.
In contrast, Yan Xintong, though not as stunningly beautiful as Qiao Xiguan, had an exceptional demeanor, was thoughtful in her dealings with others, and as a top scholar, naturally possessed more depth, which of course, endeared her to Qi Huifen more.
But at this moment.
Qi Huifen even doubted her own judgment; Qiao Xiguan clearly looked the better of the two. Her stunning face seemed to be just lightly outlined, looking fresh and refined, exuding an air of sophistication, while Yan Xintong's makeup, although fine on its own, seemed petty in comparison when next to Qiao Xiguan.
"Mom, we're back," Yan Xintong said sweetly, naturally walking over and affectionately sitting beside Qi Huifen.
Qi Huifen nodded and asked, "Who did Guanguan's makeup today?"
"Who else but me? Are you satisfied, Mom?" Yan Xintong quickly replied.
"It's okay." Even if she was very satisfied, she couldn't let it show too clearly.
People from wealthy families had long practiced the art of not showing their feelings.
"So I've completed the task Mom gave me," Yan Xintong said pleasingly.
"Yes, yes, Mom knows you're the most capable," Qi Huifen touched Yan Xintong's nose, clearly doting on her. She stood up, seemingly tired, "I'll go rest in my room for a while. I called for a makeup artist to come to the house; call me when they arrive."
"Yes, Mom," Yan Xintong obediently nodded.
Qi Huifen stood up and took a few steps, then turned back to look at Qiao Xiguan, "There will be many people coming tonight, don't embarrass us."
"Of course, Mom," Qiao Xiguan answered with a smile.
Qi Huifen nodded and left.
Qiao Xiguan looked at Qi Huifen's retreating figure, her lips pursed slightly. Had the old Qiao Xiguan done many things that were the laughingstock of others?!
She turned her head, looking at Yan Xintong.
Just how many times had this woman harmed Qiao Xiguan behind her back?!
In the afternoon, guests slowly started to arrive at the Gu Family villa.
The eldest young master of the Gu Family was always alone; he didn't like to mingle with the outside world, so even in the hall, he simply looked on with a cold gaze.
Gu Ziyan, quite the playboy, wasn't focused on anything else given a room full of beauties. With two young Gu daughters, Gu Zixin and Gu Ziyan, who were still little and only interested in playing, one couldn't expect much from them, so the task of entertaining the guests naturally fell on the two daughters-in-law of the Gu Family. Previously it had all been Yan Xintong, but now, Qiao Xiguan took the initiative to greet them.
Yan Xintong cast several unfriendly glances at Qiao Xiguan, who pretended not to notice them.
The hall was getting more crowded.
Qiao Xiguan's gaze intentionally searched for a particular figure.
Unfortunately, that person did not appear.
Was it disappointment?
It was just a bit of surprise, that's all.
Logically, considering the relationship between Qi Lingfeng and Qi Huifen, he should have come by all accounts.
She bit her lip, still greeting the guests.
Not just the guests, other members of the Gu Family also gave her curious looks; after coming out of prison, Qiao Xiguan had clearly changed.
She had changed, yet no one brought it up intentionally.
After all, to the Gu Family, she was not too important a figure.
Nevertheless, throughout the evening's event, there were always exclamations about the Gu family's eldest young madam's ethereal and stunning beauty and her easy grace.
The banquet was half over.
Qiao Xiguan was indeed feeling somewhat tired.
She took the opportunity during a lull to walk towards the back garden.
There were fewer people in the back garden, so the air was naturally much better.
She took a deep breath, stood in front of the swimming pool, and looked at the colorful neon lights reflecting in the water.
For the banquet, the Gu family had specially decorated the entire back garden.
"You're here?" Suddenly, a familiar male voice came from behind her.
Qiao Xiguan turned around and saw Gu Zijun.
"Tonight..." Gu Zijun sized her up from head to toe, "you tempted me."
"Little brother, I am your sister-in-law."
"Of course, I know," Gu Zijun advanced towards her, step by step.
With the swimming pool right behind her, Qiao Xiguan couldn't retreat.
So Gu Zijun easily stood in front of her, head bowed, their faces close to each other, at a very intimate distance.
Qiao Xiguan even felt that if she spoke, she would touch Gu Zijun's lips.
"Miss me?" Gu Zijun asked with a dark, seductive voice.
Qiao Xiguan pushed against Gu Zijun's advancing body with her hand, "Don't do this... Mm."
Their lips were already covered.
Qiao Xiguan struggled but didn't dare to use too much force; she was afraid of accidentally falling into the pool behind her.
Yan Xintong had been entertaining guests in the hall all evening and was now tired. She took the chance to get some fresh air in the back garden during her break.
And she was indeed very angry.
That woman Qiao Xiguan, who usually would only hide in a corner, unnoticed, had suddenly decided to step out of her shell today and join her in greeting the guests. And it wasn't just greeting; her every move was poised and thoughtful. At first, Qi Huifen clearly wanted to stop Qiao Xiguan from playing the hostess, but then, seeing how skilled and calm Qiao Xiguan was, she even nodded in approval. Moreover, it was obvious that most people's attention was on Qiao Xiguan.