Zhao Qin remained silent, and the others didn't speak either, simply observing the two of them with silent appraisal.
Having lived so long, Madam Shao had never felt such a sense of pressure.
It wasn't that these wealthy wives possessed some powerful aura.
It was primarily the immense force of money and power that made Madam Shao feel overwhelmed and nervous, rendering her unable to think of anything to say to break the silence.
Judging solely by the jewelry worn by the people in the living room, it was clear none of them were to be trifled with.
This was likely the pinnacle of Jiangcheng's circle of wealthy wives and socialites.
"Mrs. Jin, hello. I am Shao Chunrong, the head of the Shao family, and I am also Shao Xu, or rather, Su Ding's grandmother."
After a long while, Madam Shao found her voice, forcing a smile as she spoke cordially.
Zhao Qin's expression was indifferent. Leaning back on the sofa, she continued to appraise Madam Shao. "Oh, Madam Shao. I don't recall ever hearing of you."
Madam Shao's smile instantly stiffened, but she quickly resumed smiling, a hint of obsequiousness creeping in.
"What are you saying, my dear relative? Little Ding actually mentioned you at home, saying you were very good to her, that you were the kindest and most amiable mother-in-law, and that seeing you felt like seeing her own mother..."
Upon hearing these words, Zhao Qin's expression did not improve; instead, it became unnervingly peculiar.
Was this Su Ding not well? How could she speak so highly of her behind her back?
Had Madam Shao been kicked by a donkey?
Hearing this, Huang Xiufen couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Hahaha, old lady, what nonsense are you spouting, hahaha..."
Zhang Lan looked at Madam Shao with the gaze one reserves for an oddity.
It was the first time she had seen someone lie with their eyes open, fabricating stories about the very person involved, and doing so with such blatant hypocrisy.
Even He Qing frowned, having not anticipated the turn of events.
Seeing everyone's reaction, Madam Shao, already feeling insecure, became even more so. What did their words imply?
Could it be that Su Ding's relationship with Zhao Qin was actually very poor? That was impossible. Zhao Qin was wearing the same jade bangle as herself, a gift from Su Ding worth two million yuan!
If their relationship was merely ordinary, why would Zhao Qin wear Su Ding's gift?
She had discreetly made inquiries. Not only had she visited the jade jewelry store mentioned by her second son, Shao Zhengkang, but she had also gone to several reputable jade jewelry stores in Jiangcheng and even brought the jade bangle to ask for their appraisal. They all confirmed that the jade was indeed worth two million yuan. Jiangcheng only had two of the "Warm Heart Jade" in that style, and they had both been purchased at once by a customer from that very store.
These were all verifiable facts.
Unable to comprehend the situation, Madam Shao could only cast her gaze towards her daughter, Shao Qingqing, who stood beside her.
Shao Qingqing also wore an expression of embarrassment and confusion.
She too felt a distinct sense of rejection. Everyone here seemed to be treating them as fools or as a laughingstock.
However, in such a setting, being of lower status and having little influence, she dared not say anything.
"Mrs. Jin, I have come with sincere intentions to visit you. I have always wanted to come. Little Ding mentioned that you were very busy, so we hadn't arranged to meet. This time, I've taken the initiative to come, so please don't be offended."
Madam Shao once again forced a smile and, pulling Shao Qingqing forward a few steps, said, "Qingqing, quickly bring out the gifts I prepared for my relative."
Shao Qingqing dared not speak further and promptly placed several bags she was holding onto the coffee table.
Madam Shao nervously rubbed her hands together and said with a dry laugh, "These are gifts I selected for you, my dear relative. Hehe, I hope you like them."
Zhao Qin glanced dismissively at the gift bags on the coffee table.
They were from well-known brands, barely meeting her standards, but they only just met them. As for the giver, she found her thoroughly unimpressive.
"Madam Shao, I have not acknowledged you as my relative, nor can I accept your gifts. You should take them back."
Zhao Qin gave Shao Chunrong no face at all, stating directly, "Furthermore, do not come to my home again, nor mention the word 'relative.' I have so many friends here, and people will laugh at the Jin family if any Tom, Dick, or Harry can enter."
He Qing, watching Shao Chunrong from the side, revealed a cold smile.
"Mrs. Jin, how can you say that..."
Shao Chunrong's face turned a mix of red and green from Zhao Qin's rebuff. However, considering Zhao Qin's power and status, she dared not lash out. While she seethed with resentment, she was unable to utter any words of anger for a long time.
In all her years, she couldn't remember how long it had been since someone had spoken to her like this.
Zhao Qin was practically her junior, yet she treated her in such a manner.
This was truly... truly too much!
Shao Qingqing also felt a pang of grievance and shame. She supported her mother's arm, bit her lip, and whispered, "Mom, perhaps we should go back."
"We cannot go back."
Madam Shao's eyes suddenly became sharp, and she glared at Shao Qingqing. However, she quickly resumed her previous smile, which became even more radiant and increasingly fawning.
Bowing her body, she once again moved a few steps closer, smiling and saying, "You are my family's Little Ding's mother-in-law, and I am Little Ding's grandmother, so how can we not be relatives? Hehe... You must be joking with me, otherwise, why would you be wearing the jade bangle that Little Ding gave to me as well?"
Madam Shao smiled and slightly raised her hand, revealing the jade bangle on her wrist.
Her gaze, also smiling, fell upon Zhao Qin's fair wrist, her expression clearly conveying a sense of camaraderie.
Upon hearing Madam Shao's words, Zhao Qin's expression shifted as she looked at the bangle on her own wrist.
It was a flawless jade, with a fine texture, simple and elegant.
As it was a gift from her son, and it fit her perfectly, she often wore it when meeting guests. Her friends all knew that her son had bought it for her.
"Hey, this bangle really is identical!"
Huang Xiufen looked at Shao Chunrong's bangle, then at her close friend Zhao Qin's, confirming they were indeed the same style, and expressed surprise.
Zhang Lan also appeared very curious.
She knew that Zhao Qin detested her daughter-in-law, Su Ding, the most. How could she wear a bangle from Su Ding every day? There must be some misunderstanding involved.
Zhao Qin's face darkened further. She fiddled with the bangle in her hand and, after a moment's thought, asked Madam Shao in a somber voice, "My bangle was a gift from my son. What does it have to do with Su Ding?"
"This..."
Madam Shao, no matter how foolish she might have been, now sensed that something was amiss.
Zhao Qin clearly disliked Su Ding, and even believed the bangle she wore was from Young Master Jin?
What was going on?