The Tan family had always regarded the words of the Reverend Wenjing as gospel and naturally believed them wholeheartedly.
So, the venue for Tan Linyuan's birthday celebration was set on the mountain.
On this day, the Tan family invited almost all the influential figures from all walks of life in Jiangcheng. The entire Tan residence was abuzz with activity. Everyone was eager not to be late in sending their blessings, for fear of missing out on the divine aura of this god-like figure.
However, on this very day, Tan Linyuan's eldest brother, together with his wife Wen Ruoyi and daughter Tan Nian, had a tragic accident on their way to his birthday banquet. Their car overturned and plunged off a cliff.
This devastating news left Tan Linyuan's grandfather, Tan Shanshan, in deep sorrow. Overwhelmed by grief, he passed away within three days.
Thus, the originally joyous birthday banquet directly turned into a mourning ceremony for two beloved family members.
Even the funerals were personally presided over by Tan Linyuan.
After such a major accident, it was inevitable that there were some malicious rumors about him. Some said that he was an ill-fated star who had caused the deaths of his grandfather and eldest brother.
However, such rumors didn't last long. They were soon overshadowed by the touching news that Tan Linyuan had chosen to go into seclusion and personally observe mourning for his grandfather and brother for a full eighty - one days.
"Anyway, ever since that incident, Linyuan blamed himself for a long time. He couldn't eat at all and almost ended up in the hospital," Qu Jiaran said, then summed up, "I think he's just too kind. After all, it was an accident. No one could have predicted it. There's really no need for him to blame himself."
After hearing the whole story, Nan Yu took a slow, deep breath, and her palms involuntarily clenched.
She suddenly understood why Tan Linyuan had been so cold yesterday and clearly didn't want to continue talking about this topic.
But she had kept pressing him for answers, which was like stabbing him in the heart.
Perhaps, it wasn't just Wen Ruoyi who couldn't move on.
There was also Tan Linyuan.
When this lunch was almost over, Qu Jiaran received a phone call.
Before the person on the other end could finish speaking, she suddenly flew into a rage, her voice turning shrill: "Dad! I told you in advance not to associate with the Shen family. Why don't you listen to me?"
After saying that, without waiting for a response, she angrily hung up the phone.
"Sorry, Yu Yu," Qu Jiaran's first reaction was to apologize to Nan Yu. "My dad just told me that he invited Shen Suhai to our home as a guest."
"I've already said that our family should have no more dealings with the Shen family in the future, but he just won't listen to me."
The more Qu Jiaran thought about it, the angrier she got. "I think he doesn't care about my life at all. He might as well just make me so angry that I get a heart attack and die!"
It was obvious that Qu Jiaran was really angry about this.
Nan Yu didn't think it was a big deal. Instead, she comforted Qu Jiaran: "It's okay."
This was just how the adult world was.
Power and interests were the eternal truths.
"Your father is a politician. What kind of cooperation does he have with the Shen family?" Nan Yu asked curiously.
"It's all about the Chamber of Commerce stuff," Qu Jiaran didn't know the details and just said vaguely, "My dad is always like this... trying to win people over and gain their support."
Nan Yu had also heard similar things from Tan Linyuan.
Qu Jiaran clearly wasn't very interested in this topic. "Anyway, it has nothing to do with us. As long as you don't mind, Yu Yu."
"Just remember, I'll always stand by your side!" she said without hesitation. "If this happens again, I'll sever my father - daughter relationship with him!"
...There was really no need to be so extreme for her, Nan Yu thought.
However, she still felt that something was off.
If Qu Gaolin was talking to Shen Suhai about matters related to the Chamber of Commerce, he should talk directly to Tan Linyuan. Why did he bypass him and have separate dealings with the Shen family?
According to Nan Yu's observations, although the Shen family had a certain status in the Chamber of Commerce, they still had to defer to Tan Linyuan. They weren't powerful enough to dominate yet...
Her thoughts were in a mess, and before she could sort them out, Qu Jiaran had already asked the bodyguard to pay the bill.
"I almost forgot. I have an afternoon tea party this afternoon," Qu Jiaran winked at Nan Yu. "Yu Yu, you'll come with me, right?"
"Those young ladies are so boring. If you don't accompany me, I'll find this afternoon extremely dull."
Nan Yu:...
In the end, Nan Yu was dragged by Qu Jiaran to the afternoon tea party.
She didn't know whose open - air manor this was. There was a luxurious European - style promenade built here. Many gorgeously dressed young ladies were already sitting in front of the white round tables.
It seemed that the afternoon tea had already started for a while, and it was very lively.
Qu Jiaran was a bit late.
But it didn't stop her from receiving a chorus of flattery and praise as soon as she appeared. She clearly enjoyed it and walked gracefully to the seat next to the main one and pulled out the chair.
Just as she was about to sit down, she suddenly remembered Nan Yu. "Please add a chair next to me."
The servant quickly brought a chair. Qu Jiaran took Nan Yu's hand and motioned for her to sit down. She even served a serving of crème brûlée for her.
For someone as carefree as Qu Jiaran, this was really quite considerate.
"Don't be nervous. They all know you're my good friend," Qu Jiaran winked at Nan Yu and smilingly handed her a fork. "Afternoon tea is for relaxation."
Nan Yu didn't feel relaxed at all.
She could sense that when she first appeared, there were a few surprised and contemptuous looks cast on her.
Those looks seemed to be saying: How does she deserve to be here?
She raised her eyes, and some of the faces were very familiar.
This was an afternoon tea party for the upper - class young ladies, a symbol of status and power, representing the authority of their families.
As for Nan Yu, she definitely didn't belong here.
But the young ladies here were all very shrewd. Even if they looked down on Nan Yu, they wouldn't show it in front of Qu Jiaran.
However, those lingering looks still made Nan Yu feel uncomfortable.
She moved her chair and said hello to Qu Jiaran: "I'll go for a stroll."
"Come back early," Qu Jiaran instructed her. "If you get lost, just call the servant to take you back."
Qu Jiaran wasn't joking.
This manor was really huge. After Nan Yu walked for a while, she was already far away from the promenade, and she couldn't even hear the voices of those young ladies.
She felt much calmer and decided to just take a walk here. Although she was alone, it was better than being stared at by those looks.
As for Qu Jiaran, she was a natural socialite. She would probably forget about her soon and immerse herself in socializing.
After walking for a while, someone suddenly called her from behind.
"Miss Nan is really used to being elegant. She just leaves a whole group of people behind and enjoys the peace here alone."
Hearing the sound, Nan Yu slowly turned around.