CHAPTER 165: CHAPTER 165: ALL MEN GATHER (5)_1

Shen Jia and Feng Shaomei’s faces turned a ghastly white as they watched Shangguan You encircled by Han Yachu, Lan Xuan, and Gui Jun’s entourage. Shangguan You had stolen all the limelight, turning their arrival into a mere backdrop.

Shen Cheng and Wanqian were chatting with Lan Guohua, Han Xiao, and Deputy Director Feng, letting the younger generation entertain themselves. Meanwhile, Old Qi and Qi Zhuochen were observing the exchanges among these people, rolling their eyes.

At the table of nineteen, Shangguan You became the center of attention. Everyone, even the usually reticent Han Yachu, occasionally struck up a conversation with her.

"Girl, I heard your dad’s back. Why aren’t you spending time with him?" Gui Jun couldn’t help but whisper the gossip to Shangguan You.

"There will be plenty of opportunities later, no need to rush, Brother Jun."

"Yes, after the New Year, Youyou and I will be sent to the military by our grandfather for two weeks. Gui Jun, you and your brother should join us too. That way, we can look after each other," Shangguan Qing said. The low murmurs around the table ceased, all eyes turning toward him and Shangguan You.

"Sure, wherever Young Master Qing goes, I naturally must follow. Otherwise, wouldn’t I be laughed at?"

"Wherever Youyou goes, I’ll follow," Gui Jun and his brother declared simultaneously.

"Heh, good. We’ll go together then, and you guys will have to protect me," Shangguan You chuckled, implying the military trip wouldn’t be too troublesome.

"Girl, with Brother Qing here, you can rest assured," Shangguan Qing said with a smile, gazing at Shangguan You’s face. Han Yachu and Lan Xuan exchanged glances.

As more people filled the banquet hall, the low murmur of conversations and greetings grew, making the atmosphere increasingly lively.

"Shangguan You, you’re shameless! You used to follow Young Master Han around like a clumsy, foolish pest. Young Master Han couldn’t have cared less about you! And now you want to put on airs to get his attention? Let me tell you, you’re dreaming! Young Master Han will never spare you a glance. No matter how alluringly you dress, you’re still a dumb, ugly goose, a despised mistress, a lowly spawn!" Shen Jia suddenly stood, her piercing shout silencing the surrounding crowd. All eyes turned towards their table. Shen Jia’s lips curled into a smug smile.

"You bottom-feeding lowly spawn! You think you’re better than others just because you got in here through connections? I’m telling you, you’ll never change your lowly status! Humph! A mistress’s daughter, a contemptible mistress! What right do you have to act so high and mighty here?"

Shangguan You’s expression cooled, a hint of murderous intent flashing in her icy eyes. Shangguan Qing shot to his feet, his usually amiable face contorted with anger. His girl, how could someone bully her so brazenly?

It wasn’t just them who were angry. Gui Jun and his companions wore grim expressions. Han Yachu’s face was as cold as ice, and Han Xiao also looked displeased. Shen Jia was targeting Shangguan You; there was no need to drag his son into it.

Those who knew Shangguan You watched the unfolding drama with keen interest.

A group of newcomers entered the door and walked straight toward the commotion.

"’What are you staring at? It’s the truth! Do you think you can change your inherently lowly nature by hooking up with a few rich men?’ Contempt and smug satisfaction filled Shen Jia as she gloated at Shangguan You.

Today she was determined to ensure Shangguan You could never hold her head high again, that she would always be overshadowed by her presence, pressed down ruthlessly. Damn Shangguan You! By what right did she rise above her? What right did she have to think she could rely on her face? It was ludicrous! Shen Jia wouldn’t allow it; she couldn’t accept it. From the moment she was hit by the basketball, Shen Jia found herself constantly oppressed by Shangguan You, who seemed like a different person. She recalled the scene of being besieged at the resort and the time she was trampled underfoot during the exams. Shangguan You had not only ruined her but her family too, making it impossible for them to gain a foothold in B City and saddling them with a mountain of debt. This had pushed them to seek refuge with her brother, Shen Cheng, in Beijing. After finally getting away from Shangguan You, who would have thought she’d be humiliated again on the plane? Every encounter with Shangguan You had resulted in her being trampled underfoot. She had hoped not to see her tonight. In such a large venue, she assumed that even if Shangguan You were present, their paths wouldn’t cross. Yet, they had ended up at the same table again. She had imagined herself as the center of attention, only for Shangguan You to appear once more, standing right before her. Once more, Shangguan You had foiled her plans. If only she hadn’t received that call before coming! The call had insisted that Shangguan You would be attending the banquet. It also claimed she was only invited due to connections, that she was the daughter of a mistress—a shameful, lowly spawn not recognized by her family, hailing from a minor clan incomparable to the Shen Family. Since Shangguan You and her mother were supposedly unrecognized and from a minor family, the moment Shen Jia saw her, she had wanted to crush her underfoot. She would wait for the most crowded moment to deliver Shangguan You a fatal blow. Her own clothes, her hairstyle, the simple jewelry at her neck—every aspect of her appearance outshone Shangguan You, putting her firmly in her shadow once again. The arrival of Young Master Han and Young Master Lan had made her inexplicably happy. But yet again, Shangguan You had captured everyone’s attention, even drawing Young Master Han’s gaze, while they didn’t spare her, Shen Jia, a single glance, reducing her to an utter nobody. Young Master Han and Young Master Lan were her dream lovers! She had finally encountered them, only for them to be captivated by Shangguan You. They were even talking to her! Meanwhile, Shen Jia had become completely dispensable. This was unacceptable to her! Shen Jia might not be exceptionally clever, but she was no fool, nor an idiot. Although Shen Congming had spoiled her, she still knew right from wrong. The mysterious phone call had confirmed her suspicions, cementing her belief in Shangguan You’s status as the daughter of a mistress. Otherwise, why would Shangguan You have come to B City alone, with no family by her side? No relatives ever appeared at school, and she had even registered by herself. To Shen Jia, all these signs pointed to Shangguan You having a disgraceful background. She was only drawing attention because of her suddenly beautiful face. What a shameless woman!