Chapter 331: Chapter 331

Zhao Liren indeed had a clever plan. In his view, the Ye Family was in decline, and Ye Ningqing was even expelled from the family. Now should be the lowest point of her life.

Having lived the life of a young lady, how could Ye Ningqing tolerate her current situation? By stepping forward now and displaying such a brilliantly sparkling diamond, Ye Ningqing would surely throw herself into his arms.

After all, how many people do not love money?

However, the development of events was different from what Zhao Liren had envisioned. Ye Ningqing simply gave the diamond a casual glance.

"Zhao Liren, we're not that close. Your gift is too extravagant, please take it back," she said.

Zhao Liren's brows furrowed together; this was not at all like the scenario he had designed. Initially, he wanted to set a trap for Ye Ningqing to fall into, waiting for her to joyfully accept the diamond and then he would directly reprimand her.

But now, in front of everyone, Ye Ningqing had slapped his face once again, showing no interest whatsoever in his diamond.

Zhao Liren's face shifted between shades, his eyes darting about, unsure of what he was thinking.

At that moment, Ye Ningqing's originally cold expression suddenly softened, and even a smile appeared on her icy face.

What? For a moment, Zhao Liren doubted his own eyes.

Ye Ningqing was famously known as the ice beauty in groups three through seven. Despite knowing her till now, he had never seen Ye Ningqing smile.

Inside, Zhao Liren coldly snorted, thinking she must have been unable to resist the temptation of the diamond and was about to change her mind.

Zhao Liren straightened his chest, his face full of pride. "Ning Qing, my feelings for you..."

Before Zhao Liren could finish, Ye Ningqing had already walked past him. His words hung unfinished, and he was left hanging in front of everyone.

Zhao Liren felt a burning sensation on his face. He had intended to show some generosity, but Ye Ningqing didn't give him any attention at all, as if she hadn't seen him.

Zhao Liren's father, after all, was the governor of the Central Bank. To him, Ye Ningqing was showing extreme disrespect.

Zhao Liren then turned around to see what kind of person could make Ye Ningqing smile and graciously welcome. Check latest chapters at 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩⚫𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢⚫𝔫𝔢𝔱

The person Ye Ningqing was welcoming with a smile was none other than Ding Fan.

"Ning Qing... Happy Birthday..." The first words Ding Fan said upon seeing Ye Ningqing were just these.

He still remembered...

Suddenly, Ye Ningqing felt her nose tingle with emotion. She had thought that Ding Fan had forgotten, but Ding Fan remembered everything!

Actually, for Ye Ningqing, be it mountains of gold or silver, she didn't regard them highly. Ding Fan's simple "Happy Birthday" felt better than any gift in the world and made her truly happy.

"Brother Fan... thank you..." Ye Ningqing replied with a heartfelt smile, her face bright with joy and her eyes glistening with tears.

Zhao Liren doubted his eyes upon witnessing this scene.

Ye Ningqing, the famous ice beauty, had never been seen by him in such a touching moment.

The man beside Ye Ningqing, though distinguished, didn't look wealthy. Zhao Liren frowned deeply. Perhaps this poor fellow had snagged Ye Ningqing?

The reason a woman falls hopelessly in love, he believed, is that a man takes her chastity. In Zhao Liren's view, Ye Ningqing's 'abnormal' reaction must definitely be because Ding Fan had taken advantage of her. If not, how could she have changed so much?

Zhao Liren inwardly cursed a storm, calling Ye Ningqing a cheap woman who pretends to be pure when she had already been compromised by someone else.

Zhao Liren didn't make a scene right then. He carefully stored the diamond from the cake and then moved to a corner. From there, seeing Ye Ningqing revolving around Ding Fan, he felt enraged.

He had come here today to humiliate Ye Ningqing, yet the event turned out so differently. Ye Ningqing didn't give into the temptation of the large diamond at all.

Zhao Liren's eyes shifted as he thought of another strategy. He immediately pulled out his phone.

"Hello, is this Miss Song Jia? This is Zhao Liren... I'll offer a million, how about having dinner with me tonight..."

The person Zhao Liren was calling was a top star in the film industry and the dream lover of many in Huaxia Country.

Zhao Liren was clear now: if Ye Ningqing wouldn't snub him, once Song Jia arrived, he would show Ye Ningqing that he had plenty of beautiful women around him!

Money is omnipotent. With a promise of a million, the other party did not refuse.

After all, who isn't after a quick million just for a dinner? Who would pass up such a deal?!

It was probably less than twenty minutes later when Song Jia arrived.

Song Jia, being a top-tier actress, instantly caused quite a stir when she showed up. How could these people not get excited when a big star came to join?

Upon Song Jia's arrival at Ye Ningqing's birthday party, she indeed attracted quite a few attendees.

"Song Jia, I'm your fan, can you please autograph this for me!"

"Big star, am I dreaming? Can you take a picture with me…"

With Song Jia's appearance, a wave of excitement was immediately stirred.

Ye Ningqing was also stunned; she certainly hadn't expected that Song Jia would come to her birthday party, especially since she didn't know her personally nor had she issued an invitation.

"Sorry, Ningbing, let me introduce you, this is my girlfriend, Song Jia," Zhao Liren said, standing so proudly that Ye Ningqing could even see his nostrils.

Song Jia, who was accustomed to socializing at such events and was first-rate at acting, walked over to Zhao Liren's side very graciously.

"Liren, is this your friend? How could your friend hold a birthday party here…" said Song Jia, glancing at Zhao Liren. "If your friend is having trouble, you should help arrange a better place. If people hear that your friend is holding a birthday party in a little fishing village, it won't look good for your reputation…"

On the side, Zhao Liren just smiled. "Song Jia, when I arrived, I told Ningqing that I booked a banquet hall at the International Hotel, but Ningqing and I are just too unfamiliar…"

The pair performed a duet of exchanges, and Ding Fan watched. Knowing it was Ningqing's birthday, Song Jia didn't offer a single congratulation; instead, every word carried a sting, clearly intended to embarrass her.

Ding Fan indeed started to admire how well the couple played off each other; their coordination could very well be used for a comedic act.

After all, the guests were there for her birthday party, and Ye Ningqing found it difficult to turn anyone away, given they weren't lacking in a single pair of chopsticks anyway; she straightforwardly addressed Song Jia and Zhao Liren.

"Liren, there are no big shots here at the birthday party. In the future, you should probably refrain from inviting me to these kinds of occasions. You know my status; how could we attend something …"

Song Jia kept talking as she walked inside, never pausing for a moment.

Ye Ningqing furrowed her brows tightly.

She was indeed angry, but there were many friends present, and after all, she was the main character today. If she couldn't keep her cool, then how would others be able to enjoy themselves?

Ding Fan immediately walked over to Ye Ningqing's side. "Don't bother with such petty behavior. It's your birthday; try to be happy."

Ningqing smiled gratefully at Ding Fan.

Just then, the main door to the hall opened once again, and a strikingly beautiful woman entered from outside.

The newcomer wore a splendid and appropriate evening dress, emanating a noble charm and bearing beauty almost divine—an absolute knockout!

This woman immediately attracted quite a bit of attention.

Upon seeing this woman, Zhao Liren was taken aback. He recognized her; she was none other than Qin Manshu from one of the Four Great Families of Huaxia Country, the Qin family.

Zhao Liren was thus completely stunned.

Although his Zhao family was prominent in Yanjing and Huaxia Country, they were still somewhat less notable compared to the Four Great Families.

In Zhao Liren's view, the Ye family had fallen, and there definitely wouldn't be any significant figures attending Ye Ningqing's gathering. Yet, unexpectedly, the Qin family had taken the initiative to send someone.

"Ningqing… happy birthday!" Qin Manshu walked in and gracefully approached Ye Ningqing.

Qin Manshu and Ye Ningqing knew each other, as they were both from the elite circles of Yanjing and had certainly met before. The reason Ye Ningqing got invited to the birthday gathering was naturally due to Ding Fan.

During the day, Ding Fan had called Old Master Qin, asking him to arrange some manpower and, if possible, to send a helicopter.

Ding Fan was in Yanjing to help Old Master Qin treat his old comrade-in-arms, Elder Shen, so when he requested Old Master Qin arrange things, he was quite obliging.

Old Master Qin, upon knowing that Ding Fan would not go through such great lengths without a good reason, inquired and found out it was because Ding Fan wanted to organize a birthday party for a friend.

Anyone that Ding Fan took so much care over couldn't be just anybody, so Old Master Qin had arranged for Qin Manshu to come over in the evening…

The main reason for Qin Manshu's visit was simply to support Ding Fan!