Although she said this, Liang Min's heart was pounding.
Could it be that Mu Yinyin sent her birthday gift early because she couldn't come in person?
Impossible.
Liang Min still believed in Mu Yinyin.
"Grandma."
Fu Siye's face showed an unpleasant expression.
Grandma liked Mu Yinyin so much, yet she didn't even have any sense of time.
What exactly did she want to do?
"Sister is probably really busy with something." Nan Shiqing could no longer control the corners of her mouth from turning upwards.
It was great that Mu Yinyin didn't come! This way, everyone would be disappointed in her, and her chances of stepping up would be even better. She was so attentive and sensible, Grandma would eventually like her!
It seemed she still needed to add more fuel to the fire. The next moment, she said with a hint of regret, "I think Sister must also really want to attend your birthday banquet, Grandma. It's a shame she can't make it now."
As soon as Nan Shiqing finished speaking, Mu Yinyin walked in wearing high heels, completely undermining her.
"Sorry, Grandma, I'm late."
Mu Yinyin's appearance naturally drew the attention of most people present.
Liang Min breathed a sigh of relief, immediately got up from the sofa, and greeted her with a beaming smile, "Yinyin, you're finally here, you child."
"Grandma."
Mu Yinyin lifted her lips. Despite Fu Siye and Nan Shiqing standing right in front of her, she looked straight ahead, bypassing them and walking directly to Liang Min.
Looking at Mu Yinyin standing so close, Fu Siye gazed at the gentle smile on her face, somewhat lost in thought.
She never showed such an expression when facing him.
Fu Siye's gaze had been fixed on Mu Yinyin since he saw her. Nan Shiqing found it impossible to ignore such intense attention.
She bit her lip tightly, her fingernails digging into her palm, causing her pain.
"Siye."
Nan Shiqing suddenly spoke, drawing Fu Siye's attention back.
"I... I'm a bit worried if Grandma will like the gift I sent."
"As long as the thought is there, it's enough."
Fu Siye comforted her. However, reminded by Nan Shiqing, he glanced at Mu Yinyin's empty hands.
She hadn't brought anything?
"I knew my sister wouldn't miss Liang Min's birthday banquet." Nan Shiqing spoke up proactively, looking at Mu Yinyin.
"Sister, if you didn't come, Grandma probably wouldn't let the banquet start."
This short sentence made Mu Yinyin the target of everyone's criticism.
As a junior, Mu Yinyin's tardiness naturally displeased some people present.
"Who do you think is speaking ill of Yinyin behind her back?"
An elderly woman arrived late at the door, but her appearance caused many to gasp.
Although the Li family's strength and status could not compare to the Fu family, the current matriarch of the Li family, Old Madam Li, was renowned.
Nan Shiqing's face instantly stiffened.
What was going on! Why was she speaking up for Mu Yinyin?
Before she could ponder further, she heard Old Madam Li's voice again, "My car broke down on the road. Yinyin is such a kind-hearted girl, she proactively offered to help this old woman."
Old Madam Li smiled, but her gaze fell lightly on Nan Shiqing, having naturally heard her earlier words.
"So, is Yinyin considered late now?"
Liang Min answered without hesitation, "Of course not. I never said Yinyin was late."
Nan Shiqing felt as if her face had been slapped, burning hot.
How did Mu Yinyin know this old madam from the Li family?
However, Nan Shiqing's current biggest concern was not this.
"Grandma, this is the birthday gift I'm giving you. It's a small token, and I hope you won't dislike it."
Nan Shiqing respectfully handed over the gift box in her hand. The exquisite packaging made people curious about what was inside.
After all, Nan Shiqing had come with Fu Siye, and their arrival had inevitably led to whispers.
Some even secretly speculated if Nan Shiqing might be the future granddaughter-in-law of the Fu family.
Everyone at the banquet watched attentively, but only Liang Min seemed uninterested, merely gesturing for Nan Shiqing to place the gift aside.
Liang Min's reaction made Nan Shiqing's smile falter. She could only force herself to maintain a smile.
Clearly, Nan Shiqing had come prepared. Therefore, she not only didn't put the gift down but even opened the box directly in front of Liang Min.
The warm jade reflected the banquet lights, emitting a soft glow.
"This is..."
As Nan Shiqing brought out the jade carving, someone in the crowd exclaimed.
"Could this be the crane ornament that the renowned Elder Zhang carved before his retirement?"
Elder Zhang's name was well-known in upper-class circles. Anyone who could collect one of his carvings was considered very distinguished.
Since the news of Elder Zhang's retirement spread, many had expressed their regret, and some had even thought about inviting him out of retirement, but all to no avail.
The only thing left was the never-before-publicly displayed jade crane carving, which many people wanted but had no way of obtaining.
Unexpectedly, it ended up in Nan Shiqing's hands.
"This is indeed Elder Zhang's jade carving."
Nan Shiqing replied somewhat shyly, but the astonished gazes around her filled her with immense pride.
She was truly lucky to have obtained this item from a private collector.
"It's just a small token. I only hope Grandma will like it."
But when Nan Shiqing looked up, she did not see the surprise she expected on Liang Min's face.
Instead, she saw a look of deep suspicion.
Liang Min had already turned to see Mu Yinyin.
She vaguely recalled that the gift Mu Yinyin had sent early also seemed to be an identical jade crane carving from Elder Zhang.
So what was Nan Shiqing's gift then?
"By the way, Sister, what was your gift? Is it here?"
Noticing Liang Min's gaze, Nan Shiqing looked curiously at the pile of gift boxes on the table, then at Mu Yinyin with her empty hands.
Now that she was the center of attention at the banquet, Nan Shiqing certainly wouldn't miss this opportunity to put down Mu Yinyin.
She didn't believe Mu Yinyin could produce anything better than hers.
But Mu Yinyin answered a question with another, "Nan Shiqing, where did you get this jade carving from?"
"From a private collector." Nan Shiqing's expression was already full of pride.
"Then I advise you to call the police as soon as possible," Mu Yinyin said calmly. "You've been scammed, this is a fake."
Everyone: "???"
There was a good show to watch.
Nan Shiqing's face changed. How dare this bitch make her look foolish in public?! Did Mu Yinyin think she could get away with just talking nonsense?
"Impossible!" Nan Shiqing retorted without hesitation. "How do you know?"