"I apologize for being late; I was just assisting the police with their investigation."
Yan Qianyi gracefully took her seat and offered a gentle smile to Han Yarong.
"Aunt Han, I am aware of your relationship with my father. Congratulations! We shall be even closer now. I've always fantasized about being real sisters with Ruyi, and it seems that dream has come true. Ruyi, you must be delighted as well, right?"
Suddenly called upon, Yan Ruyi was momentarily taken aback.
She had been secretly observing Yan Qianyi.
Having changed out of her wedding dress, Yan Qianyi was now clad in a simple yet elegant white leisure outfit.
Though the ensemble appeared unassuming, it accentuated Yan Qianyi's fair skin, making it seem to radiate with a luminous glow.
Strangely, she hadn't noticed this outfit in the changing room before.
Gazing at Yan Qianyi's radiant smile, Yan Ruyi felt an overwhelming sense of discomfort.
Since the day they met at the age of twelve, she had always been the supporting character in Yan Qianyi's life.
Yan Qianyi shone with brilliance, casting her own shadow.
During the two years of living in the Yan household, Yan Ruyi had endeavored to transform herself.
From the hairpin adorning her head to the socks on her feet, not a single item was devoid of luxury branding.
Yet, faced with Yan Qianyi, she suddenly felt that all her efforts were in vain.
It was only her fault for not growing up with a silver spoon, allowing Yan Qianyi's innate elegance to overshadow her.
Suppressing the bitterness in her heart, Yan Ruyi forced a smile. "Of course, I'm happy."
"It's a relief that you're not angry with me. When I returned this morning, I didn't mean to say it that way. I didn't know that the unsavory thing in the bedroom was you," Yan Qianyi explained.
Yan Ruyi paused, and Han Yarong's expression froze.
Yan Qianyi quickly amended her words. "What I meant was, I didn't know you were that unsavory thing. I… Oh dear, no matter how I phrase it, it sounds wrong."
Han Yarong's face darkened further. "Qianyi, what do you mean?"
Yan Qianyi looked at Yan Hong with a pitiful expression, hurriedly trying to explain, "Father, I didn't mean it that way. Having been in a vegetative state for two years, I seem to have forgotten how to speak properly. I truly didn't mean to imply that Ruyi was the unsavory thing."
"…"
Han Yarong and Yan Ruyi's expressions grew increasingly grim.
Yan Qianyi quickly lowered her head, clutching her bowl of rice, her demeanor one of utter dejection. "It seems the more I explain, the worse it gets. I'm just not good with words; I won't say anything more."
Having repeated the important matter three times, it was time to eat!
Yan Hong hastily intervened, "I understand what Qianyi means. She merely wanted to clarify that she didn't know Ruyi was in that room. It's a trivial matter; Ruyi is a forgiving child who won't take it to heart. Let's eat; otherwise, the dishes will grow cold."
Han Yarong was unconcerned about whether Yan Qianyi was genuinely inept with words or deliberately insulting; she was already seething with anger and had no appetite left.
"Qianyi, there's something you might not know. Your engagement to Qu Yang has been annulled, and Qu Yang is now Ruyi's boyfriend."
Having said this, Han Yarong took a sip of water, eager to witness Yan Qianyi's heartbreak and despair.
To her surprise, Yan Qianyi, engrossed in her meal, merely muttered, "Oh," without lifting her head.
Han Yarong: ???
This calm reaction was not what Han Yarong or Yan Ruyi had anticipated.
Yan Ruyi inquired, "Qianyi, are you angry with me?"
(End of Chapter)