Chapter 400 - Chapter 400: Chapter 407: Extremely Annoying (1/2)
Chapter 400: Chapter 407: Extremely Annoying
Chen Li was actually oblivious to the fact that Su Wenyue was the owner of Heavenly Pavilion; her sheer antipathy towards Su Wenyue stemmed mostly from Han Yu, which otherwise would have made her complexion even gloomier.
Chen Li had planned to take advantage of this banquet to enter the upper-class circle, gifting some presents to the noblewomen there and thereby forging connections with them, broadening her network and opening up the market. She believed firmly in the appeal of her own goods to win the favor of those noblewomen.
With her current status, cherished by her parents and from a somewhat wealthy family, she was able to freely pursue her own interests. The only downside was the lowly status of being a businessman, limiting her social circle to friends from the market, and devoid of any prestigious individuals. It was on her own ability that she had attached herself to Liu Xiu and others; this banquet post was also obtained through Liu Xiu, or otherwise, she’d likely not even be able to step through the Yin Family’s main entrance.
It was exasperating, really; the Yin Family was nowadays nothing more than a merchant family, with its former foundation and ancestors of note. And secretly stockpiling soldiers and toughs had suddenly made them a local wealthy family, full of self-importance. Liu Xiu’s treatment towards the Yin Family was better than his treatment of her; a single display of discontent from her would elicit reproach from Liu Xiu for being inconsiderate and for hindering his great cause. What was so great about the Yin Family, anyway? It was utterly infuriating.
Chen Li wanted to showcase her ability, to network and tap into the market through this banquet, which is why she worked so hard to convince Liu Xiu to give her this invitation, on the pretext of getting closer to the Yin Family. Liu Xiu finally agreed after much difficulty. Chen Li was full of confidence, yet she hadn’t anticipated encountering Su Wenyue before even entering the Yin Family’s estate, and in such stunning attire. Su Wenyue’s inherent beauty simply outshone her, making her feel somewhat despondent in comparison, and to top it off, this woman was Han Yu’s wife, who plainly refused to give her any face out of regard for this woman.
Nevertheless, one of Chen Li’s greatest strengths was her sense of timing. Given Su Wenyue’s present status, it wasn’t wise for her to offend her. Let alone the fact that Su Wenyue herself was the wife of an official, with Liu Xiu also valuing Han Yu, she had to set aside her own feelings and greet her with a smile, though it was incredibly suffocating inside. Chen Li vowed that one day, she would trample Su Wenyue underfoot and avenge all past humiliations.
“So, it’s Madam Han. What a pleasure to meet you. Are you also here to attend the banquet? Quite the coincidence,” said Chen Li, having composed her emotions, and walked briskly towards Su Wenyue, smiling as she spoke.
Su Wenyue had been paying attention to Chen Li, seeing all of her reactions, and noting Chen Li’s approach, her lips curved into an amused smile. Noble Consort Li was indeed tolerant; despite disliking her so intensely, she could still put on a facade of warmth and enthusiasm, which was no small feat.
Since Chen Li had shown a friendly attitude, Su Wenyue didn’t feel the need to be unpleasant, despite the fact that the woman was coveting her man. She managed a light smile on her face, “It is indeed quite a coincidence, I didn’t expect to encounter Miss Chen here. Miss Chen is looking truly stunning today, you’re here for the banquet as well?”
From Chen Li’s perspective, Su Wenyue seemed to exude an air of superiority, which only added to her discomfort. However, she still managed to maintain a smile, “Indeed, otherwise I wouldn’t have bumped into Madam Han here.”