Chapter 17: Outrageously Dressed with a Head of Green Hair - An Eyesore!

Sang Qiao just laughed and did not respond when she heard this; she didn't want to discuss Mrs. Sang anymore and deliberately changed the subject, "Xingxing hasn't gotten out of school yet?"

"She's always messing around, who knows when she'll get home. If you're tired later, just go ahead and rest; I'll talk to her about the banquet."

Grandma Su shook her head, looking somewhat helpless.

"Okay," Sang Qiao nodded.

When the food was ready and on the table, Su Nuanying still hadn't come back, and Sang Qiao, having finished eating, went upstairs to wash up and rest.

Before sleeping, Sang Qiao had to check her phone; upon opening it, she saw a message from Ah He that read, "The date is the day after tomorrow at (some address)."

"Fu Xing has really outdone himself! His acting is explosively good! He has successfully stood out from all the other popular actors, but... the taller the tree, the more wind it catches, and I don't know if your scumbag brother will take action."

Qiaoqiao is sleepy: "Don't worry, let him concentrate on acting; I'll handle the other matters."

"okok!"

Sang Qiao left the chat and saw a new friend request, with a note: Sister Qiao, I am Fu Xing.

And it came recommended by Meng Jiahe.

Sang Qiao clicked to accept and then put down her phone to rest; it was past twenty-two o'clock, time to sleep.

-

-

Daybreak.

When Sang Qiao woke up, she first checked on the new members of the company, then on each person's portfolio. There was no denying that Ah He was very capable; every person she had brought in was excellent.

Aside from breakfast time, she spent almost all morning sitting in front of the computer, closely examining the current operational situation of the company.

After understanding all matters, she stretched and got up, standing by the window to look at the greenery outside.

If she remembered correctly, Director Li was acquainted with Grandpa, and it was almost certain he would appear at the banquet tonight, and he had a historical drama script adapted from a novel that was about to start casting.

Ah He had followed that novel before and would often tell her how the villain was so and so, and the horribly tragic death, which was both infuriating and hateful.

That villain's role seemed quite suitable for the one called Lu Anchi that the company had recruited.

Sang Qiao turned back to the desk and messaged Ah He, "Ask Lu Anchi to come to the Sang Family banquet at seven o'clock tonight; do you think he's suited for the role of the villain in Director Li's script?"

Ah He: "He is suitable, but Director Li is a top director with every drama being a huge success; it will be tough for a newcomer like Lu Anchi, who's not famous, to get the role."

Ah He: "I've already asked before, and they outright rejected it, saying all the important roles had been cast, leaving only a few that wouldn't last more than three episodes."

Qiaoqiao is sleepy: "Let's try."

Ah He: "Alright, I'll talk to Lu Anchi in a bit."

-

In the evening, around six o'clock, Su Nuanying was sitting on the couch. She was still dressed in her usual punk outfit, with a crop top adorned with several silver chains.

And her trousers were baggy with two large holes at the knees.

"Xingxing, this is someone else's banquet, and your outfit isn't appropriate for it. Couldn't you at least change into something simpler?"

"Can't be bothered to change; I'll go like this. If you keep on about it, I won't go at all. My friend is waiting for me outside."

Su Nuanying, legs crossed in a careless fashion, spoke impatiently. Did she even want to go to this banquet?

As for 'seeing the world,' she was not the least bit interested!

"But this outfit of yours..."

Just as Sang Qiao was coming downstairs, she heard their conversation and, worried they would start arguing, said with a smile, "It's okay, Grandma, Xingxing's attire is quite normal—just a bit of a spicy girl style, no worries."

She could completely accept her cousin's outfit, but what really took her breath away was her hair dyed a deep greenish-black.

"Alright then, just be careful on your way. Gifts? Are they ready?" Grandma Su asked, seeing them out while still sounding concerned.

"They're ready." Sang Qiao lifted the small bag she was holding.

Grandma Su noticed it but didn't say anything more; preparation was what mattered. Mr. Sang Senior's birthday banquet would surely receive many gifts, and he couldn't possibly open them all on the spot.

The two of them got into the car, and Grandma Su went back to the villa.

After Su Nuanying settled in, she took out a pack of gum from her pocket and stuffed two pieces into her mouth, chewing on and off.

She sneakily observed Sang Qiao and realized her cousin was different from others; she wasn't preachy and wouldn't urge her to change for the better. She barely spoke.

For this reason, it was very relaxing to be around her.

Su Nuanying, bored out of her mind, happened to glance at her phone and saw a message pop up. Recognizing the name, she sat up straight, her tone full of surprise, "You're chatting with Fu Xing? The Fu Xing who sings 'Listen to the Sea'?"

"Yes, why?" After replying with a few words of encouragement to Fu Xing—who had sent her a greeting—Sang Qiao put away her phone.

"How... how do you know him? You're in the variety show business, right? How are you connected to him? And he even calls you Sister Qiao..." Su Nuanying fidgeted with her pants, her breathing becoming unconsciously light, fearing she might miss the answer.

"Want to know?" Sang Qiao's lips curved into a playful smile, knowing all too well from her cousin's reaction that she was a fan of Fu Xing.

Such an aloof person usually, yet became an excited little lamb at the mention of Fu Xing. Clearly a true fan.

"Mhm mhm." Su Nuanying nodded vigorously, like a pecking hen.

"Well, if you behave well at the banquet tonight, I'll not only tell you about it but also get you his autograph. How about that?"

"Yes, yes, yes, I'll behave my best, I won't clash with the elders, I promise!"

"Alright," Sang Qiao replied, realizing that her cousin even argued with their elders.

The rest of the ride was silent, save for the sound of Su Nuanying chewing her gum.

They quickly arrived at the Sang Mansion, and the driver got out first to open the door for Sang Qiao. Just as he was about to go to the other side, Su Nuanying had already opened the door and got out by herself.

"Two misses, I'll come back to pick you up promptly at ten o'clock."

"Mhm."

Su Nuanying walked beside her, her face stern, "Cousin, I heard you don't get along well with the Sang Family. I'll protect you tonight, and I won't let them touch a hair on your head."

"At such a big banquet, it's unlikely they would resort to violence," Sang Qiao replied, half amused, half exasperated.

Su Nuanying scratched her head, looking at the small bag in her hand, "Then... if that old man dares to publicly disdain your gift and shame you, I'll give him a piece of my mind!"

"He won't disdain it," Sang Qiao said, looking down at the small bag in her hand, her thoughts drifting away.

"Okay."

The moment the two of them entered the banquet, they caused a sensation. All eyes turned to them, and there was a flurry of pointing and murmuring.

Mainly, it was because the two girls walking together made such a contrasting pair—one with an outstanding appearance, dressed beautifully, with a graceful figure.

The other, well, it's hard to describe. Such a large event, and not even wearing a proper dress is one thing, but what about the rest of the outfit? Rags?

Dressed outrageously, and topped with that green hair, it was truly an eyesore!

"I've seen that girl in the dress before, seems like she's the Sang Family's daughter. The one next to her... it really is beyond anything I've ever seen or heard of!"