Chapter 26: A Stinging Reversal

Backstage at the hotel, Ye Yaoyao accompanied Yu Wanqing as she dressed up in her gown.

“Yaoyao, how are you so exceptional at everything? This dress is stunning! I’ll absolutely amaze everyone when I walk in wearing it!”

Ye Yaoyao adjusted the details for Yu Wanqing, her smile gentle. “Isn’t it simply because you’re beautiful?”

“That’s true,” Yu Wanqing said, satisfied as she gazed at her reflection. “Tonight at the birthday banquet, I want to introduce you to everyone.”

The Yu family was a prominent clan in the country, and Yu Wanqing, the youngest daughter, was greatly cherished.

All the guests attending the banquet were distinguished figures.

Yu Wanqing was, in her own way, lending Ye Yaoyao her support.

“You’re the star tonight; there’s no need to introduce me.”

“I don’t care, I want to,” Yu Wanqing insisted.

The banquet began. The emcee held the microphone and guided the proceedings, followed by Yu Wanqing stepping up to speak.

After a string of polite remarks, just as she was about to introduce Ye Yaoyao, someone in the audience called out, “Wanqing, where did you get that dress? I saw it at ThreeY last time—it’s not for sale. How did you get your hands on it?”

Yu Wanqing’s smile deepened at the question.

What a perfect opening.

“This gown was a gift from my dear friend, Ye Yaoyao,” she said, waving to Ye Yaoyao in the corner. “Come up, Yaoyao.”

Ye Yaoyao walked onto the stage.

As soon as the crowd saw her face, whispers rippled through the quiet hall.

“Isn’t that her? She’s the sensation online lately, isn’t she?”

“Grew up in an orphanage, probably traded her looks for favors.”

“Suddenly, the dress doesn’t seem so impressive anymore.”

...

Ye Yaoyao didn’t flinch at the words, but Yu Wanqing was livid.

“What nonsense are you spouting? Yaoyao personally designed this dress and oversaw every step, just so she could give it to me for my birthday!” Yu Wanqing’s expression turned cold as she swept her gaze over the murmuring crowd. “Just because something’s said online doesn’t make it true. Don’t you have any judgment of your own?”

“Yaoyao is the owner of ThreeY. Plenty of people want to curry favor with her—she has no need to ingratiate herself with anyone.”

Having spoken, Yu Wanqing looked at Ye Yaoyao apologetically. She’d promised to keep the secret, but couldn’t stomach the slander any longer, and let Yaoyao’s identity slip.

Ye Yaoyao’s expression betrayed no surprise; she’d anticipated how things would unfold.

Yu Wanqing was, after all, a Yu family member. Having a friend supposedly from an orphanage who’d climbed up through dubious means could tarnish her reputation.

For Yu Wanqing’s sake, Ye Yaoyao didn’t stop her.

“Little sister, I’m not nitpicking, but you can’t just make claims with your mouth. You need evidence,”

At that moment, Yu Wanqing’s elder sister, Yu Qingqing, stepped forward. “I can see you’re fiercely protective of your friend, but words alone mean nothing.”

Yu Qingqing had been waiting for this moment.

The two sisters grew up in the Yu family, and anything good always went to Yu Wanqing first.

Yu Qingqing acted indifferent, but deep down, she was consumed with resentment.

Whenever she found an opportunity to catch Yu Wanqing in a misstep, she tried to pull her down.

But nothing she did could outweigh the family’s favoritism toward Yu Wanqing.

Now, with so many watching, if Yu Wanqing was wearing a mysterious dress, making bold statements and confronting guests, it would drag the Yu family’s reputation through the mud.

A rare chance, one Yu Qingqing would not let slip.

Ye Yaoyao recognized the type—much like Qin Miao, but more composed.

“We can provide evidence,” Yu Wanqing countered smartly, “but if we do, what will you do?”

Yu Wanqing was no fool; she turned the tables. “Sister, with everyone watching, you’re standing against me and belittling my friend. Isn’t that telling everyone the Yu sisters aren’t united?”

She was usually carefree, but she could see through these schemes.

Yu Qingqing was momentarily stunned, then smiled. “Of course not, little sister. I’m only concerned for you.”

“No smoke without fire—if it’s spreading online, there’s a possibility.”

“More than discord, I think choosing friends poorly and tarnishing the Yu family name is the real issue.”

Yu Qingqing elevated the matter to family honor.

“You’re right, Sister. Words and actions must be backed by proof,”

Yu Wanqing began to dig a pit. “Let’s do this—I won’t make things difficult. If I present evidence and prove my words are true, you all apologize to Yaoyao. That’s not too much to ask, is it?”

Choosing friends poorly was one thing, but having a friend from an orphanage who was supposedly unscrupulous, and looking down on her origins—lacking any grace—was a far greater embarrassment in front of so many.

Yu Qingqing’s heart lurched, but with so many watching, she couldn’t falter.

She looked at Ye Yaoyao, who had not spoken a word the entire time—surely a sign of guilt?

Someone who clammed up in crowds could never be the owner of ThreeY.

“If I’m wrong, then naturally I’ll apologize,” she said.

“Very well,” Yu Wanqing turned to Ye Yaoyao, her tone much gentler. “Yaoyao, could you bring the documentation?”

Ye Yaoyao nodded, and had the relevant papers projected onto the big screen.

Everything was clear: Ye Yaoyao was indeed the owner of ThreeY.

To prevent accusations of forgery, they also showed analysis proof, leaving no room for doubt.

Ye Yaoyao stepped up to the microphone, her voice calm. “I know many rumors about me have reached your ears. I thought you were all people of the world, capable of discernment and not easily swayed by gossip. It seems I’ve overestimated you.”

“Hello, everyone. My name is Ye Yaoyao, owner of ThreeY. If you ever need anything, feel free to come to me.”

At that, the audience broke into smiles.

ThreeY’s strength was not to be underestimated!

Just as everyone admired Ye Yaoyao’s magnanimity and thought her above petty grudges, she pointed to the few who had spoken earlier. “These people need not bother. They are unworthy of ThreeY.”

“And as for Miss Yu, you need not step through ThreeY’s doors again.”

Yu Wanqing had defended her; she would return the favor.

With that, Yu Wanqing took Ye Yaoyao’s hand and led her off the stage.

Her chin was held high, brimming with pride.

Yu Qingqing, furious, turned and left. She’d thought it was her chance to trample Yu Wanqing, but instead, she’d fallen hard.

Trying to snatch a chicken, she’d lost the rice.

Yu Wanqing pulled Ye Yaoyao along to greet the guests, her face full of pride.

Ye Yaoyao smiled indulgently, making no objection.

In a corner, Shen Yan watched, his eyes filled with shock.

He had witnessed everything.

Ye Yaoyao was actually the owner of ThreeY?

How had he not known?

Shen Yan fiddled with the ring in his hand, lost in thought.

After the socializing wore them out, Ye Yaoyao and Yu Wanqing sank onto the sofa. “I’m exhausted,” she sighed.