Chapter 137: Get Ready For The Banquet

Chapter 137: Chapter 137: Get Ready For The Banquet

Just as Qiao Meixia had hoped, the secluded garden was completely deserted, the perfect opportunity to capture its layout on paper.

Qiao Meixia sat down directly on the ground, opened her notebook, uncapped her pen, and began mapping out the landscape from her perspective.

After completing a draft from one angle, she stood up, shifted her position a few yards over, and started drawing again.

After changing her perspective three separate times, Qiao Meixia finally paused and tapped her pen against the page. She needed a few more unique angles, but those could wait. She decided she would return to sketch the rest of the garden another time.

Before heading back inside, her eyes drifted over to the dessert vending machine nearby. She strolled over and inspected the remaining display. It appeared that a good portion of the day’s fresh cakes had already been purchased. After carefully reviewing the remaining options, she selected three freshly packed cinnamon rolls.

What Qiao Meixia did not realise was that someone had been silently watching her from a distance the entire time she was drawing in the garden. Because she had been so deeply immersed in her sketches, she had not noticed his intense gaze at all.

The man remained standing in the shadows, his eyes fixed on her until her figure completely vanished from his line of sight.

Qiao Meixia returned to the classroom carrying her sketch notebook and the three cinnamon rolls.

When her friends caught sight of her carrying yet another set of pastries, they burst into amused laughter.

"Meixia... Didn’t you just say you were completely full earlier? And now you have returned with an entire stash of cinnamon rolls!" Han Mengyu teased through her laughter.

"That was then. This is now." Qiao Meixia answered with absolute, deadpan conviction.

"Yes... Yes... We understand." Han Mengyu nodded several times.

...

The evening of the long-awaited acknowledgement banquet finally arrived.

The grand event was hosted at one of the most prestigious, ultra-luxury hotels in Hannan City.

The main ballroom was already filled to capacity with distinguished guests who had received the exclusive invitation. High-society figures, influential magnates, and prominent elites had all gathered for the occasion.

Everyone present knew the true significance of tonight’s banquet.

Many of these families happened to send their own children to First Hannan High School, so rumours regarding the sudden appearance of the Jiang Family’s biological daughter, the twin sister, had already been quietly circulating among their circles for a while.

Tonight, everyone would finally have the opportunity to officially meet the mysterious young miss in the flesh.

In the room, Qiao Meixia had already put on the exquisite high-fashion gown that Old Madam Jiang had insistently chosen for her. As for the custom gown that Jiang Suhan had personally purchased for her, she would simply swap into it later in the evening.

Jiang Suhan had been slightly disappointed that his gift was not her primary outfit, but he understood his grandmother’s intentions completely.

Old Madam Jiang wanted to send an undeniable message to all of high society that Qiao Meixia had the matriarch’s absolute backing. She wanted the world to understand that this long-lost granddaughter was cherished and valued above all else.

Even so, Jiang Suhan had stubbornly insisted that Qiao Meixia wear the fine necklace he had gifted her.

Fortunately, the stunning piece complemented the cut of Old Madam Jiang’s chosen gown impeccably. The delicate necklace highlighted Qiao Meixia’s slender neck, adding a touch of effortless elegance to her striking posture.

When it came to heavy banquet makeup, however, Qiao Meixia put her foot down completely. Qiao Meixia refused. Even though Old Madam Jiang gently urged her, explaining that a full face of makeup would enhance her features, Qiao Meixia remained steadfast. She did not budge an inch.

In the end, compromise was reached. Qiao Meixia agreed only to a swipe of subtle lipstick and a light coat of mascara to define her lashes. Her chic short hair was styled into soft, elegant waves that looked remarkably clean, modern, and refined.

Everyone in the room was thoroughly captivated by the final result.

Qiao Meixia looked remarkably fresh and regal all at once. A breathtaking contrast to her usual understated, casual style.

Even Jiang Suhan forgot to blink for a moment, his eyes wide as he stared at his sister. She was genuinely gorgeous, even with hardly any makeup on.

"Qiaoqiao, you look incredible." Jiang Suhan praised softly, genuine pride in his voice.

"Thank you." Qiao Meixia murmured.

"Young Miss Meixia, are you ready to make your grand entrance? The banquet is about to officially commence."

Butler Jun’s polite, resonant voice carried through the door from the hallway.

"She is all ready. We are coming out now." Old Madam Jiang announced happily.

Old Madam Jiang pulled open the door.

Butler Jun stood frozen for a brief second the moment his eyes landed on Qiao Meixia, clearly taken aback by her stunning transformation, before he quickly regained his impeccably composed composure.

"Old Madam Jiang." Butler Jun greeted the matriarch respectfully with a low bow.

"Jun Xin, it has been a long time." Old Madam Jiang remarked with a warm smile.

"Indeed it has, Matriarch." Butler Jun replied smoothly.

"So, what do you think of my granddaughter? Isn’t she utterly breathtaking?" Old Madam Jiang asked, unable to conceal the immense pride bursting in her chest.

"Yes. Miss Meixia is truly captivating." Butler Jun affirmed sincerely. "She carries the exact same commanding, refined demeanour that you possessed in your youth, Matriarch."

In truth, Qiao Meixia shared a striking facial resemblance to Old Madam Jiang during her younger years.

That unmistakable family resemblance was precisely how the Jiang Family had first stumbled upon her trail.

***This novel is a contracted work with w e b n o v e l. c o m. If you do not read this novel on w e b n o v e l. c o m, that means it has been stolen. Thank you, from your shameless author, ZerahNeko***