The Lady of the Prestigious Family is a Big Boss-Chapter 33 - 0, I didn’t say I was going to go.

"Mom, I heard from Jingxuan that the Li Fifth Master’s birthday banquet is going to be a grand affair this time, and they have already sent out invitations to all the prominent families in the capital," Ye Xin asked curiously.

Xiang Zhen said, "I heard that it was the Li family patriarch who requested to organize it. Early this morning, people from the Li family brought the invitations, saying that they want all of us from the Ye family to attend."

"The whole family?" Ye Xin’s face showed a hint of bemusement, "Then, will that wretched girl Ye Jiuliang also be going?"

"Xinxin, mind your language in public," Xiang Zhen lightly rebuked her, though her gentle tone carried little real reproach.

In this house, after all, what the patriarch says goes, and he’s so partial to that disaster-bringing star, Ye Jiuliang. If he heard what she said, Xinxin would inevitably be scolded.

Ye Xin stuck out her tongue and affectionately looped her arm through hers, cooing, "Grandpa is in the study; he won’t hear us. What’s there to be afraid of?"

"You, already about to be engaged, should keep any dissatisfaction you might have off your face in the future, or you’ll be the one to suffer," Xiang Zhen said, raising her hand to pat her head gently, her voice soft with advice.

"I got it, I got it," Ye Xin said. "Mom, do you think Ye Jiuliang will go with us this time?"

"That’s not for any of us to decide; it’s up to your grandfather," Xiang Zhen said thoughtfully.

Ye Jiuliang had just returned to the capital city, and with this birthday banquet gathering all the distinguished families, the patriarch would certainly take the opportunity to bring that cursed girl, so she could get acquainted with the people in the circle and familiarize herself with them.

"Don’t worry about her. How have you and Jingjie been lately?"

Mention of Li Jingjie made Ye Xin’s cheeks flush with a rare touch of shyness befitting a young lady.

"Quite good. Jingjie said that in a few days, he’ll take me abroad for a little vacation."

Hearing this, Xiang Zhen smiled with satisfaction, "Then Mom can rest assured."

*

Study

The atmosphere, dead silent.

Aren pushed the door and entered, his quiet footsteps still managed to disturb the old man feigning sleep on the couch.

Ye patriarch opened his eyes, his tiger-like gaze gleaming, "Has Jiuliang not returned yet?"

"She has, she said she’d go to her room to fetch something before coming over," Aren replied with respectful composure.

At those words, the Ye patriarch’s expression softened a bit, "This girl doesn’t come back even for dinner now, truly a headache."

"Miss Jiuliang is still young. In time, she will understand the efforts you have put in for her," Aren comforted.

"Jiuliang, that girl, is young but full of mischief. Look at Ye Lei and the others, none of them are as reckless and audacious as she is," the Ye patriarch snorted softly, "That girl was born defiant. Not even Ayuan was so rebellious against me when he was young."

Aren listened quietly, not speaking further.

A moment later, Ye Jiuliang appeared at the doorway of the study.

"Decided to come back?"

Seeing her, the Ye patriarch couldn’t help but mutter a few words.

Ye Jiuliang was as calm as ever, placing a stack of documents she was holding onto the desk, "The family rules you wanted."

The Ye patriarch cast a glance down without haste to check them and said, "Sit down."

Given a place to sit, Ye Jiuliang naturally would not make it difficult for herself.

Finding a spot on the couch, she sat down with her legs crossed, utterly relaxed.

"How have you been feeling about your time in Beisen?" the Ye patriarch frowned at her overly casual posture, but still said nothing.

She replied, "So-so."

The Ye patriarch continued, "Now that you’re back in the capital for school, you should get to know and interact more with the various families. There’s a banquet the day after tomorrow, and our whole family will be attending."

After all, the Ye family and the Li family are about to be joined by marriage, and giving face at this banquet is a must.

Ye Jiuliang’s gaze grew faint, "So, I have to go as well?"

"The Li family is about to become in-laws with us, and Li Mochan is the son whom Old Master Li values the most. His birthday banquet will be attended by all the noble families, and it’s also a good opportunity for you to start integrating into the circle," the Ye patriarch explained.

Ye Jiuliang caught the key point in his words, a trace of surprise flickering deep within her eyes, "Li Mochan’s birthday banquet?"

The Ye patriarch nodded, "Tomorrow, I will have someone bring you formal attire. Just pick one for yourself, and the day after tomorrow..."

"Hold on, I didn’t say I would go," Ye Jiuliang interrupted, cutting off the Ye patriarch before he could finish.

The so-called banquets were really just about various business interests, and she had no desire to wade into those muddy waters.

She enjoyed watching the drama but had no interest in being part of it.

"Why won’t you go?" Grandfather Ye frowned deeply. "As a member of the Ye Family, you’ll have to get used to such occasions sooner or later, and this banquet is the best opportunity for you to make connections."

He went on and on, and Ye Jiuliang’s ears almost developed calluses listening to him, unable to help but yawn.

"Grandpa, it’s getting late. You should rest early. I won’t disturb you any further."

Having said that, and not giving Grandfather Ye a chance to speak, she quickly walked out.

This really angered Grandfather Ye. He slammed on the table and said anxiously, "Ye Jiuliang, you come back here."

The door was ajar, but Ye Jiuliang was nowhere to be seen.

Aren shook his head helplessly and sighed silently in his heart.

...

It was a rare weekend, and the Ye Family’s home was a bit livelier than usual.

In the living room, everyone gathered together, except for Ye Jiuliang, who was noticeably absent.

"Mom, my dress will be delivered later, please check it for me. I’ve made dinner plans with Jingjie and will be back late." For tomorrow night’s banquet, Ye Xin had specially ordered a dress.

Xiang Zhen agreed with an okay.

Ye Yu handed a cup of tea to Grandfather Ye and turned to Aren to ask, "Aren, where’s Jiuliang?"

Aren, "Miss Jiuliang hasn’t gotten up yet."

"Ha, she can sleep through classes, and it’s not surprising she’s still in bed at home, embarrassing the entire Ye Family," Ye Miao commented sarcastically.

Ye Yu stopped him, "Amiao."

Ye Miao turned his head away. "I’m just telling the truth."

"Aren, go and call Jiuliang over," Grandfather Ye suddenly said.

"Yes."

Everyone looked at each other, none daring to speak casually.

Elsewhere

As he passed through the courtyard, Aren caught a glimpse of a figure heading towards the main gate and quickly followed.

"Miss Jiuliang, wait."

In the sunlight, the slim figure of the young girl stopped.

She wore loose black trousers and a short-sleeved shirt, revealing a section of her arms as pale and smooth as jade, biting on a lollipop.

She was lazy and unrestrained, unmistakably Ye Jiuliang.

Aren caught up, slightly panting, "Miss Jiuliang, are you going out?"

"Is there something you need?" The girl’s beautiful clear eyes narrowed, and her cool gaze was chilling.

Aren got straight to the point, "The master wants you in the living room."

Ye Jiuliang adjusted her hat brim. If she remembered correctly, the entire Ye Family was home this weekend.

Going to the living room now would surely mean facing a crowd of people, and she had no interest in watching their performances.

"Not going."

After dropping those two words, she turned and left.

"Hey, Miss Jiuliang..."

Aren called out a few times, but the person ahead didn’t stop her stride.

Now what?

Watching the young girl’s figure disappear outside the main gate, Aren scratched the back of his head in chagrin and turned back.