Leaving a Good Impression on the Future Daughter-in-Law

In early April, the Luo family's engagement banquet was held at a seaside resort hotel not far from Jiangcheng.

After a spring rain, the sunlight gently bathed the earth.

Accompanied by Cheng Xingye, Lu Qingyue took a car to the hotel to attend the wedding banquet.

In the end, she didn't buy a new dress, choosing instead to wear the one Cheng Xingye had first given her on his birthday the year before last.

The tulle dress was a spliced design. The upper body was made of white cashmere knit with a slight fluffiness, nipped in gently at the waist, and then joined to layers of gradient pink tulle, making her look playful and lovely.

The surface of the sea shimmered, reflecting dazzling rays of light.

The shore was decorated all over with pink and white balloons and fresh flowers. White roses were piled into the shape of an arch, and on the lush green grass, crowds of people in glamorous attire chatted while holding wine glasses.

Cheng Xingye first took her to greet the hosts.

Old Master Luo had already met Lu Qingyue during his hospital stay last time, knowing that she was the granddaughter-in-law tacitly approved of by Old Master Cheng, so he smiled heartily and chatted with her for a few more moments.

Among this circle of elders, besides Old Master Cheng, Cheng Xingye's parents were also present.

Cheng Li wore a strictly formal suit, with a serious and solemn expression and an upright posture. Just standing there, he exuded a powerful aura that made people hesitant to approach easily.

Cheng Xingye had inherited his build almost perfectly, yet appeared even taller and more robust. Standing together on the garden lawn, the father and son were quite eye-catching.

Although it wasn't her first time meeting his parents, Lu Qingyue still felt somewhat nervous.

Cheng Li's words remained as few as ever, and coupled with his sharp, deep facial features, he naturally emitted a strong sense of oppression, making it difficult to guess his true inner thoughts.

Fortunately, Guo Mengyun was exceptionally warm today. The moment she saw Lu Qingyun, she immediately came over to take her hand, and proudly introduced her to several close friends nearby.

When Cheng Xingye took her over to the dessert table to get some food, Old Master Cheng cast a sidelong glance at his son and teased him playfully, "Looking at how grandly dressed you are today, others might think you're the one getting married."

Before Cheng Li could reply, Guo Mengyun chimed in with an amused smile, "Isn't it all to leave a good impression on his future daughter-in-law?"

Cheng Li had taken over Dingli Group in his youth. Logically speaking, having held a high position for many years, what kind of grand occasions hadn't he witnessed?

Yet knowing that Cheng Xingye was bringing the young girl today, he had spent a long time picking through his walk-in closet early in the morning before finally settling on this dark suit. But just as they were about to leave, he had hesitated again, fearing that dressing too formally and looking too intimidating might frighten the young girl.

After lingering and fussing for a long time, Guo Mengyun finally lost her patience and half-pushed, half-dragged him into the car with an amused yet helpless expression.

Caught in the act, Cheng Li found it hard to maintain his composure. He immediately knitted his brows and put on a stern expression, saying, "The Luo family and ours are family friends, and it's a grand occasion like their daughter's wedding. Shouldn't I dress a bit more formally?"

Guo Mengyun let out an "oh," suppressing her amusement, but couldn't help adding quietly, "Then could you avoid walking with your arms and legs on the same side every time you see the young lady?"

Cheng Li: "..."

The Luo family's celebratory banquet today brought together numerous relatives and friends.

People gathered in twos and threes, either raising glasses to converse or resting on chairs near the dessert table.

Not far away, someone noticed Lu Qingyue's figure and paused slightly.

Ever since completely cutting off cooperation with the Cheng family, the Xu family's business had plummeted. Later, Xu You and his wife heard that the Luo family had an unmarried younger son of a similar age to their own daughter.

Although Luo Kai's reputation for being fond of play was well-known in elite circles, he possessed immense wealth, attracting countless girls eager to cling to high society.

Xu Qian seized several opportunities to approach him, and later, relying on her pure and delicate appearance, successfully defeated other rivals to become his official girlfriend.

Since today was the Luo family's banquet, Xu Qian naturally received an invitation. However, she hadn't expected to encounter Lu Qingyue here. Her expression immediately turned somewhat cold, though mindful that today's occasion was a joyous one for the Luo family and shouldn't be spoiled, she casually averted her gaze.

Another girl chatting with Xu Qian also noticed Lu Qingyue at that moment.

He Mengting's crush on Cheng Xingye was no secret within their circle.

Though the two families had known each other for years with limited business dealings, they occasionally crossed paths at important banquets.

Seeing Cheng Xingye accompanied by a young girl and even taking her around to pay respects to the elders, He Mengting couldn't help frowning. "Who is that? Why is she with Brother Xingye?"

Xu Qian was just wishing for someone to use as a spear. Hearing this, she arched a brow, quietly reined in her thoughts, and said with a pretense of calm, "Probably a junior he met at Jiang University."

She deliberately avoided clarifying that the girl was Cheng Xingye's girlfriend, partly because a lingering sense of rivalry toward Lu Qingyue remained in her heart, and partly to provoke He Mengting's jealousy.

Sure enough, these words immediately stirred an inexplicable sense of superiority and disdain within He Mengting.

Everyone present today belonged to their exclusive circle—wealthy and prestigious. How could anyone invite an utterly ordinary girl to attend?

He Mengting let out a disdainful snort and asked with a hint of disgust, "Why is she even here?"

Knowing He Mengting's character—habitually arrogant and extremely self-righteous—Xu Qian realized the girl was already deeply displeased with Lu Qingyue.

Curving her lips into a smile, Xu Qian glanced toward Lu Qingyue and remarked with intentional profundity, "Isn't it normal for someone with a bit of looks to be brought out by a man just to put up a front?"

After all, in wealthy circles, keeping a kept woman, or dating a pretty girlfriend just to cast her aside later was nothing new.

Coming from an affluent background herself, He Mengting usually looked down upon girls from ordinary families. Hearing this, she assumed Lu Qingyue was merely a vanity-driven gold digger who sold her looks, and she couldn't help sneering derisively, "Cheap goods."

She had noticed it earlier when Cheng Xingye brought the girl to greet the elders.

Mrs. Cheng had behaved politely solely due to her fine upbringing, yet the true head of the household, President Cheng senior, hadn't uttered a single word to her, seemingly showing extreme dissatisfaction with her.

"Indeed. There are always people trying to take shortcuts and climb up through men..."

Xu Qian smiled brightly, preparing to echo the sentiment. However, He Mengting held herself in high esteem and didn't think much of Xu Qian's method of worming her way into the circle through a boyfriend.

Before Xu Qian could finish, He Mengting curled her lips, looked her up and down unceremoniously, and interrupted her bluntly, "I seem to remember you were brought here by Brother Kai yourself?"

Xu Qian: "..."

Her smile instantly froze. After a few silent seconds, she turned around and walked away.