Fortunately, there were plenty of high, middle, and low-end restaurants and hotels in the vicinity of M University. So the noble Mrs. Mai had a lot to choose from. But in the end, she chose the most luxurious restaurant in a 6-star hotel.
Lu Yan quietly pulled my hand. Her fingers were cold, and her palms were sweaty. She was so nervous that she did not dare to look around.
I smiled and patted her back to comfort her.
She reminded me of Nanxing from my previous life. The Nan Family locked me up since I was young. I grew up in neglect and discrimination. The Jing Family was the wealthiest people I knew. So after I married Jing Ning, I would be so timid when I attended events with him, just like Lu Yan was now.
We took our seats in the private room. The noble Mrs. Mai sat at the head of the table and wiped her hands with the hot towel that Ye Qian handed her.
Ye Qian did everything for Mrs. Mai. It was a great honor to serve Mrs. Mai.
Mai Qi sat on the left side of Mrs. Mai. Lu Yan and I sat next to her. Gu Yan sat beside Mrs. Mai, and Ye Qian was seated to Gu Yanâs right. I was surprised. With how things were looking, shouldnât Ye Qian be seated to Mrs. Maiâs right?
Mrs. Mai told Ye Qian gently, âQian Qian, stop busying yourself. You better sit down.â Ye Qian smiled and sat down elegantly.
Mrs. Mai pointed at Gu Yan, sitting next to her, and told Mai Qi, âMai Qi, Gu Yan will be your older stepsister from today onwards. You have to listen to her. Gu Yan, Mai Qi is young, so youâll have to take care of her.â
Gu Yan straightened her back. There was a sweet smile on her face. She did not forget to glance at me. âGodmother, Mai Qi is very independent. I wonât need to take care of her.â
Mai Qi was still shocked by the revelation that Gu Yan was now her stepsister.
Mrs. Mai sighed, âI just have one precious daughter, but she is quite arrogant and unruly. She causes me a lot of worries. Thankfully, I have the two of you to help me look after her at M City. I am thankful for that.â
Ye Qian and Gu Yan smiled.
Mrs. Maiâs tone changed. âShe is young and this is her first time leaving home. I am the most afraid that she will be corrupted by bad influences. I am not afraid of Mai Qi finding a boyfriend, but I am afraid that sheâll befriend girls with ulterior motives! These people are the worst leeches! Mai Qi grew up well-protected so she is quite naive. You two have to help me keep an eye on her, okay?â
Mrs. Maiâs noble gaze wandered over to me and Lu Yan.
Under such pressure, Lu Yan nervously lowered her head.
I took the drink from the waiter and took a sip. âIs Mrs. Mai talking about me?â
I successfully attracted everyoneâs attention.
I looked at them with a smile.
Gu Yan said angrily, âNanxing, how can you be so rude? No one asked you to speak. How can you cut in when our elder is speaking?â
I smiled but said nothing. In my eyes, Gu Yan was never a threat.
Mrs. Mai smiled coldly. âMiss Nanxing is very self-aware.â
I nodded, âOf course. Iâll have to be at least a bit clever, or else I wouldnât be qualified to stay by Miss Mai Qiâs side.â
Mai Qi cut in and said, âMom, Nanxing is my good friend, very very good friend.ân/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
I sighed internally. Mai Qiâs remark would make Mrs. Mai hate me even more.
But did it really matter? Of course not, I was not going to earn any brownie points from this woman anyway.