Zhong Lin, as always, appeared self-possessed, seemingly oblivious to the scrutiny. Jiang Yi, however, couldn't ignore the attention and ducked her head, subtly hiding behind him.

Among the crowd on either side of the hall, Jiang Yi spotted her mother. She hadn't seen her since the wedding. Her mother stood arm in arm with Zhong Yunde, a sweet smile gracing her lips.

Zhong Lin approached the elderly Mr. Zhong, exchanged pleasantries, and presented their gift.

He then shifted, revealing Jiang Yi.

Understanding the cue, Jiang Yi followed Zhong Lin's lead and respectfully addressed the old man, "Grandpa."

"Mm," Mr. Zhong replied, his tone neither warm nor cold, suggesting indifference.

After the greeting, Jiang Yi retreated behind Zhong Lin once more, sensing the weight of the gazes lessen. Glancing at Mr. Zhong, she figured the others had picked up on his indifference and decided not to waste their attention on someone deemed insignificant. She was relieved. It allowed her a measure of peace. Zhong Lin spoke with Mr. Zhong a little longer before leading Jiang Yi to a seat.

Those seated in the hall were all related to the Zhong family in some way. Whispers and hushed conversations filled the air, but perhaps due to Zhong Lin's formidable presence, few approached them. Jiang Yi breathed a sigh of relief.

Once everyone had arrived, they moved to the dining room. A long table dominated the space, with Mr. Zhong seated at the head and Zhong Lin beside him.

Jiang Yi, feeling awkward about sitting next to Zhong Lin, spotted Zhong Cheng and quickly slipped into the seat beside him. Zhong Lin glanced over but said nothing.

As Jiang Yi settled in, she realized Zhong Wenyue was on her other side, watching her with an enigmatic smile. She instantly stiffened.

Zhong Wenyue leaned closer, his voice laced with mock hurt, "You treat your brothers so differently. You're comfortable with Eldest Brother and Zhong Cheng, but with me, you don't even offer a greeting."

Jiang Yi craned her neck back slightly, putting some distance between them. "Se-Second Brother," she stammered.

Zhong Wenyue's lips curved into a smile. "Call me Wenyue-ge."

"Wen... Wenyue-ge," she complied.

"There we go," he replied, "Good girl."

Zhong Cheng glanced sideways. "Eat."

"Oh, oh, okay," Jiang Yi quickly straightened up.

Zhong Wenyue's gaze drifted towards Zhong Cheng, their eyes met, and he offered a sly smile. His eyes crinkled at the corners, resembling a cunning fox.

Zhong Cheng looked away, focusing on his meal.

The dinner progressed with everyone harboring their own thoughts, yet the surface maintained a veneer of warmth and harmony. Jiang Yi kept to herself, listening to the surrounding chatter and concentrating on her food.

As the dinner concluded, some guests remained at the residence while others began to leave. Mr. Zhong called Zhong Lin to his study, and Jiang Yi's mother pulled her aside.