"I commend the child for being filial, but it is very impressive that she knows acupuncture! I heard that you need to practice on yourself before you can treat others. Her perseverance is very admirable."

"I envy you, I really do. I wish my children were as accomplished as the Young Miss."

"Who knows, Miss Yao might become a pillar of her family’s business in the future. She’s still a student, but she is already doing so well. I bet she would be just as excellent in handling a company."

"It’s no wonder that Young Master Yao and Miss Yao are so brilliant. From what I see, they have been raised with good morals. Master Yao Rongand his wife deserve a lot of credit for bringing up such talented children."

The praises flowed like a steady stream, washing over Yao Rongand his family.

He and Jiang Wanwere smiling from ear to ear as they bobbed their heads in agreement. It did not matter thatYao Tangwas not their biological child, for they knew that they had treated her better than her real parents.

"Yes, yes, our Tangtanghas great prospects in the future!"

For that bit of time, Old Madam Yao’s birthday banquet had become something like a fan convention dedicated to the second branch of theYao family.

Qin Man stood to the side, seething.

In her eyes, these people were nothing but hypocrites! It wasn’t that long ago when they praised Ranranand called her promising. But now that they caught wind ofYao Yan’s success, they wasted no time switching sides.

What enraged her even more was the fact that they were all praising Yao Tang—her biological daughter!Unfortunately for her, she had already denounced her ties with the girl. Qin Manhad nothing to do withYao Tangnow.

And so, all the compliments rained on the second family. No one was aware to whose house Yao Tangtruly belonged.

But… Did it really have nothing to do with Qin Man?

If she hadn’t given birth to Yao Tang, would that brat have gone on to achieve everything she was being revered for?

Qin Man felt her chest tighten. She struggled against the urge to rush over and scream at these people that she wasYao Tang’s real mother.

In the end, she couldn’t bring herself to do it.

If she did that, she would be going against not just Yao Yuan, butOld Madam Yaoas well.

Besides, it was true that she didn’t want to recognize Yao Tangand raise her as their own. But who could have known thatYao Ranwould turn out to be so useless? The stupid brat had actually scored zero in the final round of the Math Olympiad!

Qin Man’s chest heaved up and down as he tried to stifle her fury.

As for Yao Ran, her fists were clenched so tightly that her nails were digging into her palm. The wine glass she was holding was just a few seconds away from breaking.

She tossed back her drink and kept her head down, afraid that someone would see the hatred that she felt.

How did this happen?

These praises were supposed to be hers! She had been the one receiving all the attention, but it was now directed to Yao Tang.

That girl already had Yang Nian’s affection, and had even won first place in the Math Olympiad. Would she also snatch away the glory of theYao familyname?

’Damn you, Yao Tang! How dare you do this to me?’

She had been living in that godforsaken mountain all this time; why couldn’t she have just stayed there? Why did she have to return to the Yao familyand wreak havoc inYao Ran’s life? Why did she have to be the best in everything?

Yao Ran’s thought about her injury, and how she would have to limp for the rest of her life. Her reason snapped. She couldn’t hold it any longer.

"Congratulations, Second Uncle and Second Aunt," Yao Rancalled out with a smile. "Sister has really lived up to our expectations. Once again, she has aced a competition. I am truly happy for her. But when is she arriving? I was planning to ask her for pointers on how to study efficiently."

She didn’t wait for Yao Rongto respond and added, "I’m sure Sister is busy with her studies and extracurricular activities, but it’s Grandma’s birthday. Surely, she can make some time to attend the party. She is coming, right?"

Yao Ran had a serene expression on her face. She painted the picture of a kind and magnanimous cousin.

Everyone brightened up at her words.

"That’s right, I’ve never seen Miss Yao Tangbefore! I would love to see her with my own eyes."

"I heard that she is quite the stunner. I do look forward to meeting her tonight. Perhaps she can honor me with a dance."

"It’s such a big day for the Yao family. She should at least make an appearance and pay her respects toOld Madam Yao."

"It can’t be that she doesn’t want to attend the party, right? After all, the Old Madam adores her so much!"

They were itching to see what the legendary Young Miss Yao looked like, so that they would be able to recognize her in the future.

If they could somehow strike up a conversation and befriend her, they would have better chances to cozy up to the Yao family.