Reborn Heiress: Seeking Revenge-Chapter 92 Yu Family Banquet (3)_1

"Uncle, this is for you—it’s a landscape painting. And for Auntie, a set of spring clothes." Shangguan You handed the last two bags to Shangguan Yu, not bothering to open them. After all, they were gifts from Ouyang Xuan; they were naturally fine items, otherwise, he wouldn’t have presented them.

As for the furs and shoes she received today, they weren’t from Ouyang Xuan but from that persistent fiend, Ye Sanshao. But it couldn’t be helped; Ouyang Xuan had to take the credit.

"Thank him for me. He really went to the trouble of finding out everyone’s preferences so clearly."

"Of course. If he treats you all well, then you’ll be good to me. Would he dare offend any of you?" Shangguan You chuckled.

"You mischievous girl! If he were here and heard you, he’d be angry enough to cough up blood!"

"Uncle, you’re badmouthing him, saying he’d cough up blood. Be careful, or I’ll tell him next time! If he takes back this same painting then, I’ll just laugh triumphantly while I watch you cry."

The entire hall filled with Shangguan You’s cheerful laughter, joined by that of the Shangguan men.

Li Wanying sat on the sofa, her smile somewhat stiff, her hands clenched tightly within her sleeves. She felt as if Shangguan You had slapped her hard across the face. Everyone had a gift, but did she? No! No matter what, she was her stepmother. How could Shangguan You do such a thing?

Shangguan Rou’s expression was just as unsightly. She and Li Wanying had both thought the same thing. Their resentment towards Shangguan You deepened a few more degrees.

"Cousin You, since we’re all family, why are there no gifts for Auntie and Cousin Rou?" Li Meisu’s crisp voice rang out, speaking up for Li Wanying and her daughter.

"Meisu, don’t speak nonsense. This isn’t something a child should ask. You’re being disrespectful," Li Wanying scolded softly, her voice betraying her sense of grievance.

"Auntie, I just can’t stand it! Everyone has a gift except you and Cousin!" Li Meisu glanced sharply at Shangguan You. It was all her fault. Otherwise, how could her aunt, who loved her so much, bear to scold her?

"Wanying, here, everyone except you and Rou can receive gifts. But you two won’t, and even if there were any, you couldn’t accept them. You’re smart; you should understand." The Old Lady Shangguan glanced at Li Wanying. Usually so perceptive, yet so dense today. It was obvious the gifts came from *that side*. Since they were from *that side*—which only harbors hatred for Li Wanying—how could there possibly be gifts for her and her daughter?

Shangguan You sat next to Shangguan Yu, pretending not to hear. Anyway, Grandma will handle it.

"Grandma, are you also biased?" Shangguan Rou’s tears welled up. She wasn’t sad, she was furious! She wanted those things too!

"Those were sent by Youyou’s mommy. Even if she had gifts for you, would you have the audacity to accept them? Could you bring yourselves to take them?" The Old Lady Shangguan’s words turned Li Wanying’s complexion somewhat pale as she lowered her head. She was furious that the Old Lady had shamed her like this!

Shangguan Rou’s expression also turned unsightly. She had heard bits and pieces about her mother and father’s affairs before but wasn’t clear on the details. Besides, her father was rarely home except for a few days during New Year; it was difficult to even see him. And it seemed her father didn’t care for her much either. He only ever pampered Shangguan You, that detestable woman!

"Grandpa, Dad, you’re back!" Shangguan Qing and the others came down from upstairs, calling out to the group, bringing the previously somewhat somber atmosphere back to life.

"Grandpa, Uncle." Gui Jun and Gui Mo politely greeted the two men. The families often socialized, usually at Shangguan Qing’s house, but because Shangguan You was back, today’s gathering was here instead.

"You two lads from the Gui family are getting more handsome by the day! Come, come, sit down quickly. You haven’t been here in ages. What have you been busy with?"

"Gui Jun, this cousin of yours has finally been let out by that old man of your family."

"Grandpa, Uncle, don’t make fun of me! I was only grounded at home because I wanted to see Youyou! Why else would I have been confined? And you just had to say it out loud in public!" Gui Mo’s face turned a rare shade of red, though the words he spoke were rather cheeky.

"This kid, coming up with such an excuse!"

Shangguan You rolled her eyes at Gui Mo. This incorrigible flirt! Daring to speak of me that way! Sooner or later, I’ll make him learn what regret means! With the addition of a few men to the hall, the atmosphere became even livelier. Li Wanying and her daughter slowly put on smiles, but their eyes held more animosity towards Shangguan You.

As soon as Shangguan You returned home, everyone revolved around her, and she and her daughter became the outsiders. It seems Shangguan You cannot be allowed to stay in this family!

Gui Luo and Li Meisu quickly forgot the earlier unpleasantness and soon blended in with the crowd, chatting and laughing.

"With Youyou back home, our family is lively again, something it hasn’t been for a long time. Tonight, all you young people should get together. Call up all your old friends, and let’s all celebrate together." The Old Lady Shangguan’s smile never faded as she watched their spirited interactions.

"Yes, Meisu, call your classmates. Have everyone from the compound come over to our place for a get-together. You’ve all been friends since childhood. Now that Youyou’s back, I’m sure they’ll be thrilled to see her," Li Wanying interjected at the right moment. This was her chance to weave Shangguan Rou into their social circle. Her scheming was quite apparent.

"That might not be a good idea. Perhaps we should arrange to meet out somewhere tomorrow and all get together then," Li Meisu hesitated. She knew she couldn’t persuade those people; not everyone in the compound would give her face.

"Yes, Auntie Li, let’s talk about it in a few days. Besides, we don’t even know if they’re around or available," Shangguan Qing chimed in at the right moment. Even if they were to gather, he wouldn’t let them come home. Nothing good ever happened when Shangguan Rou was around.

"Qing is right. I just got home. Let’s arrange to meet up with everyone in a few days. Grandpa, what do you think?" Shangguan You, with one arm linked with Shangguan Zhi and the other with Shangguan Yu, wheedled playfully between them.

This display of deep affection warmed her heart, bit by bit.