The mocking laughter that echoed behind her didn't faze Yang Qinru as she walked past the dining room.
Yang Ran's words, meant to provoke her, lingered in the air: "Maybe you should greet Grandfather at the door."
She paused mid-step, a flicker of amusement flashing in her eyes. Turning slightly, she glanced back at her cousins.
Yang Ran leaned back in his chair, smirking, while Yang Shu and Xinye exchanged conspiratorial whispers.
A beautiful smile bloomed on her face. It wasn't the innocent, docile smile of a typical teenage girl but one laced with something sharper, almost dangerous. "You're right, Second Brother. Grandfather deserves respect. I'll greet him at the door."
Her voice was calm and unruffled, catching everyone off guard.
Before anyone could respond, Yang Qinru turned on her heel and headed toward the grand entrance of the mansion.
Yang Ran raised an eyebrow, his smug grin faltering. "Wait…she's actually doing it?"
Yang Shu and Xinye exchanged glances, their expressions caught between disbelief and annoyance.
"What a show-off," Yang Shu muttered, crossing her arms.
"Let her. Grandfather will see right through her fake act," Xinye sneered, but there was a twinge of uncertainty in her voice.
The front doors of the Yang Mansion opened just as the roaring engine of a luxury car approached the driveway.
At the grand entrance of the Yang Mansion, the butlers and maids were already lined up, anticipating the arrival of the head of the Yang family, Master Yang.
Yang Qinru stood in the center, her posture poised and elegant.
A black Bentley pulled up smoothly, and the chauffeur hurried to open the passenger door.
Stepping out was Master Yang, the patriarch of the Yang family. Though well into his seventies, he carried himself with the authority and vigor of someone half his age. Dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, he exuded an air of command that made even the most rebellious heirs tread carefully.
Standing by the door, Yang Qinru greeted him with a serene expression, her hands clasped politely in front of her.
"Good morning, Grandfather," she said, her tone soft yet firm. "I hope you had a pleasant journey."
Master Yang paused mid-step, his sharp eyes taking in her presence. For a moment, the faintest trace of a smile touched his lips. "Qinru. You came to greet me?"
"Yes, Grandfather. I thought it would be disrespectful not to," she replied with an earnest smile. "It's the least I could do to show my respect."
A deep chuckle escaped him. "Filial as always. It's good to see you understand the importance of respect. Come, walk with me."
Yang Qinru nodded and fell into step beside him, her composed demeanor unshaken.
The servants exchanged looks of surprise. It wasn't often that Master Yang openly praised anyone.
Behind her, she could practically feel the burning gazes of her cousins from the dining room window.
When Yang Qinru and Master Yang entered the dining room, the chatter abruptly ceased.
Everyone rose to their feet, bowing respectfully.
"Good morning, Grandfather," the others chorused in unison, their voices carefully respectful.
Master Yang took his seat at the head of the table, gesturing for everyone to begin the meal.
He glanced at Yang Qinru, his tone approving. "Qinru, come sit here."
Yang Qinru gracefully took the seat closest to him, her serene demeanor hiding the spark of satisfaction within.
Across the table, Yang Shu and Xinye's faces darkened, their earlier confidence crumbling.
As the breakfast began, the two sisters wasted no time in veiling their insults as compliments.
Yang Shu decided to strike first. "Sister Qinru, it's amazing how you always know how to impress Grandfather. I wish I had your talent for… charm."
Yang Xinye smiled, adding, "Yes, we're so lucky to have someone as clever as you in the family. You're always two steps ahead, aren't you?"
The words were sweetly delivered, but the meaning was anything but.
Yang Qinru met their glances with a calm smile, her tone light. "Thank you, Xinye, Shu. It's important to uphold the family's reputation, don't you think? After all, we all have to work hard to meet Grandfather's expectations."
Master Yang glanced at the two sisters, his brows furrowing slightly. "Indeed. Respect and diligence are what hold this family together. Qinru understands this well."
Yang Shu's smile froze, and Xinye jumped in to take over. "That's so wise of you, Qinru. You've always been good at playing the perfect little granddaughter. I suppose it makes up for…other shortcomings."
Yang Qinru tilted her head slightly, her smile never wavering. "You're absolutely right, Xinye. I do believe actions speak louder than words. It's why I focus on results rather than excuses. I think that's something we can all aspire to."
Xinye clenched her fork tightly, her knuckles turning white.
The veiled mockery turned into an awkward silence as Yang Shu and Xinye fidgeted under their grandfather's scrutiny.
Yang Ran, observing the tense exchange, chuckled. "Now, now, let's not ruin Grandfather's breakfast with unnecessary squabbles. Qinru's clearly in top form today."
"Xiao Ru," he said, his tone teasing, "you're quite the strategist. Greet Grandfather at the door and secure his favor before breakfast even starts. Brilliant move."
Yang Qinru didn't miss a beat. "Thank you, Second Brother. You always give such insightful advice. I wouldn't have thought of it without you."
Yang Ran's smirk froze for a moment before he burst into laughter, clapping his hands. "Well played, Xiao Ru. Well played."
Master Yang gave Yang Ran a pointed look, his tone sharp. "Ran, enough with your games. If you spent half the energy you waste on teasing your cousins on your work, perhaps you'd have something to show for it."
Yang Ran's smile tightened, and he bowed his head slightly. "Of course, Grandfather."
The room fell silent immediately.
He glanced at Yang Qinru, his expression thoughtful. "Qinru, I heard you ranked first in the recent exams again. Well done."
"Thank you, Grandfather," Yang Qinru replied, her tone humble.
The compliment was like salt on a wound for Xinye and Shu.
Both girls looked as though they wanted to scream but held their tongues under their grandfather's watchful gaze.
Breakfast continued in strained silence, with occasional glances and forced smiles exchanged across the table.
The rest of breakfast proceeded with fewer interruptions, though the tension lingered.
Yang Qinru remained composed, letting the petty remarks slide off her like water. For once, she felt a sense of control she hadn't experienced in her past life.
As the family finished their meal, Master Yang stood, signaling the end of breakfast.
"Qinru," he said before leaving the room, "Accompany me to the study later. I have some matters to discuss with you."
Yang Qinru nodded and followed him to his study, aware of the envious gazes trailing behind her.
Once inside, Master Yang gestured for her to sit. "You've handled yourself well this morning. I hope you can maintain this composure in the future. The family needs stability, not infighting."
"Yes, Grandfather. I understand," she replied, meeting his gaze directly.
He studied her for a moment before nodding. "Good. You may go."