However, Feng Meng did not expect that under Qiao Nan’s influence, Shi Qing was no longer the ignorant girl in the past. “Qiao Nan has to take the initiative to pay a visit to the Feng family just because she is my friend? Brother Feng Meng, you have a lot of friends and girlfriends. Why did you not bring them home for dinner? You sound as if Qiao Nan is not here for a meal, she is unappreciative of your kindness, and it is her great honor to be invited to the Feng family for a meal.”

  She had been away from the capital for many years. She had no idea that it was such an honor to dine in the Feng family’s residence.

  Feng Meng pulled a long face. “Qing Qing, we are a prominent family in the capital. Many people want to be associated with us. It is indeed Qiao Nan’s honor to be able to join us for a meal.”

  Shi Qing could no longer hold herself back. “The Feng family may be prominent, but Qiao Nan is Brother Zhai’s fiancée. She is the future daughter-in-law of Chief Zhai and Auntie Miao. If Qiao Nan’s identity is exposed, many families will be queuing up to invite Qiao Nan to a meal! The queue will be as long as the Great Wall of China!”

  Qiao Nan had Brother Zhai. She did not need the Feng family’s support.

  It was ridiculous!

  Shi Qing’s outburst shut the mouths of everyone present. Everyone looked sulky.

  They wanted to befriend Qiao Nan before other prominent families knew about Qiao Nan’s background. They wanted Qiao Nan to be their goddaughter and to act before other people did.

  If other people found out about Qiao Nan’s identity, like what Shi Qing had said, people would be queuing to invite her to a meal.

  By then, Qiao Nan would not care about the Feng family anymore.

  Feng Cheng finally realized what her family was up to.

  She sat by her daughter’s side and held her close to her side. “Qing Qing, don’t be upset and don’t be muddleheaded. You should know Zhai Sheng’s relationship with Qiao Nan. How can you tell everyone about their relationship? This is your grandpa’s house and we are your relatives. As the saying goes, one does not allow benefits created by one’s own work to accrue to others. With you around, you have to try your best to get Qiao Nan on our side.”

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  She had almost forgotten that Qiao Nan was the one who snatched Zhai Sheng from her daughter. But Qiao Nan was on close terms with the Zhai family, so they could not afford to offend Qiao Nan.

  Initially, she felt angry on her daughter’s behalf that Qiao Nan gained the affection of the man that she liked, and she was so shameless to befriend Qing Qing.

  On the other hand, although Zhai Sheng could not be her son-in-law, he would be able to be the fiancé of her daughter’s best friend.

  Feng Cheng knew that the Feng family wanted to be close to the Zhai family.

  Feng Cheng also knew that previously, Qiu Chenxi had been approved by Chief Zhai and Madam Zhai and she would be engaged to Zhai Sheng. Back then, the Feng family had wanted to make use of their relation with the Shi family to be acquainted with the Zhai family once Qiu Chenxi was married to Zhai Sheng.

  Right now, it seemed to be easier for the Feng family to be acquainted with the Zhai family.

  Feng Cheng always put the Feng family’s interests as her top priority. She came back to her senses and persuaded Shi Qing to get Qiao Nan on the Feng family’s side.

  All the men in the Feng family were very pleased with Feng Cheng’s words. This was how the women in the Feng family should behave.

  Shi Qing had her doubts previously. But from what Feng Cheng told her just now as well as the satisfied expression of the remaining family members, she had confirmed her doubts.

  Shi Qing bent down, cupping her face in her hands, seemingly in a dilemma.

  Feng Cheng tightened her grip on her daughter. “Qing Qing, don’t think too much. You are not making use of Qiao Nan. After all, you are good friends. As long as she is sincere in being your friend, she will be happy for you. Even if she is not, you don’t have to feel burdened. You have grown up. You should understand this. No matter what, you must remember that under all circumstances, you have to side with people who will benefit you the most.”

  Shi Qing felt bitterly disappointed at Feng Cheng’s words.

  Perhaps the Feng family had always been used to choosing sides that were most beneficial to them. She had been foolish for not understanding them.

  Was getting Qiao Nan to come to the Feng family’s residence beneficial to her?

  No, it was beneficial to the Feng family!

  Shi Qing behaved like how Qiao Nan used to do. She rubbed her face with force and felt much better. She was more determined now. “Grandpa, it seems like instead of having a meal as a family, your goal is to invite Qiao Nan for a meal. I have had a meal here yesterday. It is getting late, so I will go back now. Grandma, Mom, if there’s anything else, you can call me.”

  Like what Qiao Nan had said, there was no need for one to spell things out clearly. It was fine as long as one understood what was going on. This was particularly so for her current situation.

  All of them who had vicious intentions were her close relatives. They used to dote on her and care for her when she was young.

  Shi Qing had no wish to find out whether they were genuine when they doted on and cared for her. She would take it that they were being true to her.

  The Feng family was her close relatives and she would treat them as her maternal grandparents forever. Qiu Chenxi and her family were her relatives as well. She would treat the Feng family similar to how she treated Qiu Chenxi and her family.

  “Qing Qing?” Feng Cheng was dumbfounded. They were in the middle of a discussion about Qiao Nan. Why would Qing Qing leave all of a sudden?

  “Mom, I will visit you next time.” Shi Qing was determined to leave. There was no way that Feng Cheng could stop her.

  Shi Qing used to be too innocent and simple-minded in the Feng family. But starting today, she was no longer her past self.

  Old Master Feng shot a glance at Feng Meng, and he stood up immediately. “It’s difficult to hail a cab, and there are not many cabs in this area. Let me send you back.” He wanted to check if Qiao Nan was really not at home, or whether she came up with an excuse just to reject the Feng family’s invitation.

  Shi Qing wanted to reject his offer, but she noticed that there was a glitter of anger in Feng Meng’s eyes. She knew that his real intention was not to send her back.

  Feng Meng would never act as such toward his family. Shi Qing suspected that his anger was directed at Qiao Nan.

  Shi Qing curled the corners of her lips. She decided not to reject his offer. “Alright.”

  After Shi Qing left, Old Master Feng and Feng Liang went to the study room together. “Dad, Qing Qing seems to know something. Perhaps someone has been spouting nonsense to her?”

  The father and son knew very well who the person Feng Liang was referring to.

  Apart from Qiao Nan, no one else could have influenced Shi Qing.