But Ming Siling seemed to never be different with anyone, always courteous, coquettish, and careful.
If this wasn't an act, then what was it?
So, Ming Yutong no longer tried to get close to Ming Siling.
She only hoped that Ming Siling's calculations and schemes would not harm her parents.
Therefore, since Ming Siling returned, Ming Yutong no longer enjoyed participating in these big family gatherings.
Usually, she would be accommodating and diplomatic at work, regardless of her true feelings, always appearing pleasant.
She didn't want to continue burdening herself after removing her work facade.
Ming Yutong sighed heavily.
The next day, in the afternoon, Ming Yutong set off for Yu Garden.
As soon as she entered, she heard laughter inside.
In the living room, she saw Ming Siling sitting beside Grandma Ming, affectionately holding Grandma's arm and charming her, making Grandma laugh non-stop.
Grandma Ming's health was not good, and she stayed at home all year round, rarely going out.
Even a slightly stronger breeze could worsen Grandma's condition.
It was late autumn, and usually, a windbreaker and a shirt would suffice. At home, it was warm enough that even a coat wasn't necessary.
But Grandma Ming was wearing a cashmere sweater and a thick shawl.
Despite this, her face lacked color, pale with a sickly pallor.
When she laughed too hard, she would start coughing.
"Alright, alright, you little girl, don't always make grandma so happy. Grandma's health isn't good. She can't laugh too vigorously," Ming Yutong's aunt, Fang Qian'an, said with a smile.
Ming Siling smiled and said, "It's just me now. If big sister comes, Grandma will be even happier. What should we do then?"
Hearing Ming Siling mention her, Ming Yutong smiled and walked in, greeting all the elders present.
Unexpectedly, Jiang Lulian was also there.
"Yutong, come sit here," Grandma Ming waved to Ming Yutong. "My two granddaughters, sit on my left and right."
The granddaughter who had been lost years ago had also been found. Now the whole family was reunited, not missing anyone.
As one grew older, nothing felt happier than having the whole family together.
Grandma Ming touched Ming Yutong's hand as she sat next to her, smiling contentedly.
With a smiling glance, Fang Qian'an sized up Ming Yutong and Jiang Lulian, saying, "When Yutong and Lulian have children in the future, Mom, you'll have one on your lap too."
"Well, that would be wonderful," Grandma Ming laughed heartily.
Ming Yutong just smiled, lowered her head slightly, and avoided everyone's gaze.
She didn't want romance, didn't want marriage.
She had already said this many times to her family.
But Ming Yutong didn't dare to tell Grandma Ming for fear of upsetting her due to her fragile health.
Except for Grandma Ming, everyone in the Ming family knew her stance.
But no one wanted to listen, no one cared.
Jiang Lulian was also smiling, looking at Ming Yutong with a smile.
His intentions were clear in his intense gaze.
Ming Jingshan and Ming Jingshui asked Jiang Lulian some work-related questions.
They naturally avoided discussing decisions involving business, only offering encouragement and approval as elders.
"Next Friday night is the annual Mid-Autumn Festival banquet. Uncle and Aunt, will you both attend?" Jiang Lulian asked.
The Mid-Autumn Festival banquet was jointly hosted by the Eight Great Families.
Mid-Autumn Festival symbolizes family reunion under the full moon.
Therefore, on the eve of Mid-Autumn Festival, families gather for this banquet.
The Eight Great Families did not all attend.
Each family sends representatives, some with more influence like the Qicheng, others less influential, but all carry weight as representatives of the Eight Great Families.
It's a business-oriented reunion banquet where not all businessmen can attend unless invited by one of the Eight Great Families.
They must receive an invitation from any of the families to attend.
The Eight Great Families did not coordinate their invitations but inform each other to avoid overlapping and to maintain their exclusivity.
Receiving invitations from several different families was a mark of respect and connections in business circles.
Naturally, Ming Family, close to Chu Family, received an invitation from them.
For families invited, unless unavoidable, few refuse to attend.
"Of course," Ming Jingshan smiled.
"Yutong will also go, right?" Jiang Lulian smiled, turning to Ming Yutong.
Ming Yutong nodded, "Yes."
"I wonder if I may have the honor of inviting you as my companion?" Jiang Lulian asked politely.
The occasion for asking wasn't very formal.
In front of many elders at home, how could Ming Yutong possibly refuse?
Even if she did, the elders at home wouldn't agree.
Sure enough, Ming Jingshan gave Ming Yutong a serious look.
Afraid that Ming Yutong might refuse, Zhu Cailin spoke first, "What a coincidence, Yutong hasn't found a male companion yet."
Not having found one didn't mean she hadn't found one. Her daughter was still very popular.
Zhu Cailin cared about Ming Yutong's happiness, unlike Ming Jingshan's preoccupation with business and interests.