CHAPTER 842: CHAPTER 753: DISLOCATED LIVES 41

The stylist chose a light blue evening gown for Shuangshuang, as simple and elegant as always, a style she particularly liked. A red blooming rose adorned her chest, adding a touch of charm.

Her makeup was natural, just some foundation and eyeliner, with colorless lip balm on her lips, giving her a fresh and natural look. Considering Shuangshuang’s current age, heavy makeup was not suitable; this natural makeup suited her best.

Her hair was simply tied up into a fan shape at the back of her head, with loose strands cascading down. Shuangshuang opted for a coral red bracelet, with a butterfly carved from Red Jade in the center, its redness beautifully complementing her alabaster wrist. Other than that, she wore no jewelry.

The banquet started when the evening lights began to illuminate the cityscape. Shuangshuang rode alone to the venue, while Jianyun and Yun had also received invitations. Since they didn’t live together, Shuangshuang arranged to meet them at the entrance of the Zhu Family Mansion.

Fang Zhijin had changed her name to Wen Zhijin, and the Wen Family had already held a banquet to formally announce Zhijin as their daughter, who would inherit the company of Jianyun and Yun in the future, officially integrating her into the circle of high society.

During the banquet held for Zhijin’s name-changing ceremony, as the former daughter of the Wen Family, Shuangshuang found it challenging to attend. This left the triumphant Zhijin regretting not being able to flaunt her glory in front of Shuangshuang.

If Zhijin knew that Jianyun and Yun initially planned to give Jianyun’s company to Zhijin and Yun’s company to Shuangshuang before the banquet, and even prepared a will just in case — but were firmly dissuaded by Shuangshuang — she would likely be furious, blaming Jianyun and Yun for favoritism.

By the time Shuangshuang arrived, Jianyun, Yun, and Zhijin had already been waiting in a car not far from the entrance of the Zhu Family Mansion.

Tonight, Zhijin dressed innocently chic, wearing a pink girl’s dress with a slightly flared skirt adorned with butterflies ready to take flight. Her hair was styled into soft curls draping over her shoulders, accessorized with a diamond hairpin on one side, alongside fresh, light makeup.

Her lips were deliberately painted into a pouty pink, accompanied by a cherry blossom styled pink crystal jewelry set. She looked as if she were a cute and beautiful doll, youthful and vibrant, radiating innocent charm that instantly endeared her to others.

In her past life, at this age, Zhijin loved dressing maturely. After being reborn, she fell in love with youthful, girlish outfits, often dressing herself in pink hues.

When young, people yearn for maturity and growth, but as they age, they often reminisce about their youth. Zhijin felt, after her rebirth, that the few years one could dress like a youthful girl shouldn’t be wasted.

As Zhijin, Jianyun, and Yun waited at the entrance of the Zhu Family Mansion, Zhijin sitting inside the car with its window down had already attracted the attention of several men and boys, significantly lifting her spirits and dispersing the anger and impatience of waiting for Shuangshuang.

Shuangshuang didn’t keep Jianyun and Yun waiting long and soon arrived outside the Zhu Family Mansion. Upon seeing Shuangshuang alight from a luxurious car, wearing an expensive blue evening gown, Zhijin felt markedly uncomfortable.

Though Shuangshuang wore no visible jewelry and her attire seemed far from extravagant, the well-acquainted Zhijin, immersed in the wealthy circle and familiar with numerous luxury items, could instantly tell that from Shuangshuang’s attire to her shoes and wrist bracelet, none were anything but top-tier luxury items more expensive than Zhijin’s entire outfit today.

Darkness lingered in Zhijin’s heart; this woman seemed incredibly lucky. Away from the Wen Family, there was still someone to support her, her life appeared better than ever, which was thoroughly irritating.

Originally, Zhijin chose an outfit equal in value to Shuangshuang’s attire and accessories, but Jianyun and Yun steadfastly refused, claiming it was too extravagant and unsuitable for their family.

Zhijin thought Jianyun and Yun were stingy, unwilling to spend on her. She had inherited Jianyun and Yun’s wealth; she knew how much money they had and whether they could afford such luxuries. But since she didn’t hold the money right now, no matter how dissatisfied, she could only abandon those luxurious items.

Ignoring Zhijin’s envious gaze, Shuangshuang walked directly to Jianyun and Yun, smiling, "Dad, Mom, have you been waiting long? You arrived early; it’s like I’m a bit late, keeping you waiting."

Jianyun smiled and shook his head, "Not that long; we just arrived not too long ago." Yun, standing nearby, glanced up and down at Shuangshuang’s attire, smiling with praise, "Shuangshuang, you’re dressed wonderfully, simple yet elegant and graceful — beautiful. My daughter definitely suits clothes well, a natural hanger."

"Mom, praising your child like this! Besides, it’s all thanks to the stylist, I just sat there without moving."

Shuangshuang chatted congenially with Yun before turning to greet Zhijin, whose expression looked somewhat stiff and unpleasant, "Zhijin, your outfit today is really beautiful, truly ingenious, it matches your temperament perfectly."

Zhijin forced a smile and replied, "Mine was just casually put together, nothing comparable to your ensemble, crafted by a professional stylist, every piece a top-tier luxury item — truly remarkable."

Zhijin’s bitter undertone made Shuangshuang clench her teeth, not just Shuangshuang, but Jianyun and Yun also found it uncomfortable. However, standing at the Zhu Family Mansion’s entrance wasn’t the place to correct Zhijin.

Jianyun had to cough gently to remind Zhijin not to overstep. Yun didn’t say anything; this wasn’t the place. She simply linked arms with Jianyun and led Shuangshuang and Zhijin inside the Zhu Family Mansion.

At the entrance of the Zhu Family Mansion stood several handsome men in uniform, designated greeters responsible for welcoming guests and assisting visitors who drove themselves by parking their cars. These greeters had already memorized the guests’ appearances for the day.

Upon seeing Jianyun, Yun, Zhijin, and Shuangshuang, the greeters immediately recognized them. Two greeters approached with smiling faces to welcome them inside, and after walking a few steps through the main gate, Zhu Wanpeng with Zhu Shihao arrived to greet them.