CHAPTER 166: CHAPTER 166: SLAP IN THE FACE(1)_1

So, only a fatal blow delivered at an event like this would ensure that Shangguan You would disappear from her sight forever, never again drawing the attention of Young Master Han and Young Master Lan. That’s why she suddenly yelled out in anger in such a setting.

No one could accept being stepped on over and over again, especially by someone inferior in every way. Why should such a person trample over her? That’s why Shen Jia suddenly lashed out, bringing up Shangguan You’s past embarrassments. With that move, she successfully attracted everyone’s attention, pushing Shangguan You into the spotlight and once again ruining her desire to keep a low profile.

Shangguan You let out a cold laugh and pulled the angry Shangguan Qing to sit down. She insisted she could handle her own affairs without anyone’s help. Since this was what Shen Jia hoped to see, she would naturally grant her wish. She admitted that since her rebirth, she had acquired a space and obtained some things that were coveted by others. She had become more discreet and mysterious because she didn’t want to be known or attract unnecessary attention.

But now that someone had provoked her on her own turf, she naturally wouldn’t hold back. Some people would never recognize their place unless they were taught a harsh lesson.

There’s a limit to tolerance; beyond it, one should not endure.

However, with someone like Shen Jia, currently irrational with jealousy, there was no need to reason. Sometimes, facts spoke for themselves; placed before everyone, all lies would crumble on their own.

Arguing was likewise ineffective. Such demeaning behavior was beneath her dignity, and she had no wish to stoop to that level.

If a mad dog bites you, would you bite it back out of spite and risk contracting rabies? The answer is no.

Shen Cheng’s brow furrowed deeply. In such a setting, Shen Jia was being too reckless with their family’s reputation. Even if her goal was to embarrass Shangguan You, there was no need to be so direct and offend them in such a manner. Besides, her voice was too loud, drawing everyone’s attention.

Wanqian’s expression was equally troubled. Duan Mei was gripping Shen Jia’s hand tightly, urging her to sit down and stop being the center of attention—it was too shameful. And there was no need for Shen Jia to be so ruthless.

Suddenly, the lively hall quieted down following Shen Jia’s outburst. With the audience’s gazes fixed on the unfolding drama, all eyes turned to Shangguan You and Shen Jia.

Under their scrutiny, Shangguan You rose from her seat and walked towards Shen Jia with calm, natural strides. She showed no signs of anger or upset, the very picture of composure as she approached Shen Jia.

When she was just two steps away from Shen Jia, Shangguan You stopped. A smirk touched her lips as she lifted her right hand. Under everyone’s gaze, two sharp CRACKS echoed as two fierce slaps landed on Shen Jia’s face.

"You dare to hit me?"

As Shen Jia screamed in rage, she stared at Shangguan You, stunned for a few seconds. Then, her expression twisted with resentment, and she glared ferociously at Shangguan You.

Shangguan You’s smirk widened into a satirical smile. She spoke in a cool, measured voice—neither too loud nor too soft, but clear enough for everyone present to hear every word.

"Shen Jia, while we may have freedom of speech now, allowing you to say whatever you want, when it comes to slander, I have the right to sue you for defamation. Before you accuse someone of being a ’mistress’ or ’bastard,’ please ensure you’ve done your research."

Her voice was icy, carrying a palpable chill as she addressed Shen Jia directly. Shen Jia involuntarily stepped back, a coldness seeping into her spine. Shen Cheng and the others also wore displeased expressions, unable to comprehend how things had escalated so drastically.

"You are not qualified, nor do you have any right, to insult my parents—Shangguan You’s parents!" Shangguan You declared with a cold laugh. "They are the noblest and most respectable people in this world. Someone like you will never understand the meaning of respect, nor will you ever comprehend their greatness."

Shen Jia stumbled back a few steps, her face turning ashen as fear welled up inside her.

"Trouble springs from the mouth. Mr. and Mrs. Shen, you should take better care of your daughter and not let her spout nonsense here. This is not a place for someone of her standing. If I hear ’bastard’ or ’mistress’ from her mouth one more time, Shen Jia and your family had better be prepared to rot in jail! And let no one else dare insult my parents, because none of you are worthy."

"You simply don’t have the standing."

Shangguan You’s voice was cold and clear, exuding an imposing aura that pressed down heavily on Shen Jia. If Shen Jia and her parents were not still of some use, she would have turned Shen Jia into a true imbecile this instant.

Though Shen Jia’s current words were offensive, they were nothing compared to the hatred she, Shangguan You, harbored for Shen Cheng. This slight humiliation was tolerable; she was willing to endure it because she was determined to make Shen Cheng and Wanqian understand what true pain really was.

Shen Jia’s complexion grew even whiter, tinged with an unhealthy, ashen hue. She involuntarily took a few more steps back and then, under everyone’s gaze, suddenly raised her hands and delivered four sharp SLAPS to her own face. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth as she muttered, "I’m sorry... I’m sorry... I didn’t mean it... I wasn’t trying to..."

As Shen Jia slapped her own face, she mumbled apologies. No one understood why she was doing this, not even Shen Jia herself. She was terrified, but why was she hitting herself?

"Shen Jia, remember this lesson. If there’s a next time, regardless of the reason, I will not let you off," Shangguan You sneered, snapping her fingers. Shen Jia instantly came to her senses and collapsed onto her chair. If Wanqian and Duan Mei hadn’t been there to support her, she would have crumpled to the ground.

"CLAP! CLAP! Truly a daughter of the Shangguan Family! A Shangguan daughter should indeed possess such an aura!" Applause rang out, and then a group of handsome men and beautiful women approached. They were the young masters of the Yu and Zhang Families, along with Li Meisu and her entourage.

The one leading the applause was, naturally, Yu Zifeng; the comment had also come from him. If she ignored the amused smile playing at the corners of his mouth, Shangguan You might have believed his sincerity. But as it was, Yu Zifeng was merely a spectator, eager to see the drama escalate.

"Girl, you’re just too soft-hearted!" Zhang Yuchen boomed with laughter, looking at Shangguan You, then glancing at Shangguan Qing. "With these unappreciative women, why bother being so polite to her? Just kick her out. If you can’t bring yourself to do it, or if no one else will help you, how about I do it for you?"