On the other hand, Qiao Xi raised her eyes to look at Gu Zheng. When he brought Song Shiyu in, Qiao Xi thought that he had returned to normal. However, when she met his eyes, she knew that he was still the emotionless Gu Zheng.

Since he had no feelings for her, why would he help her?

The man sensed her gaze and slowly walked toward her. He held her hand gently. He wanted everyone to know that Gu Zheng’s love for Qiao Xi was real and not just for show.

At that moment, Xu Anran was in the middle of the crowd. She was surrounded by malicious intent. She was so afraid that her entire body was trembling. She did not dare to look at the crowd’s disdainful and angry gazes.

Everyone knew that the Xu family was holding this banquet to choose a good man for Xu Anran. Xu Anran was an A-list celebrity and a top socialite. She had the Xu family and the Xia family backing her up. Many people wanted to marry her.

Now that this matter was exposed, the scions who were originally chatting with Xu Anran all avoided her. Their eyes were filled with disgust. This difference made Xu Anran almost go crazy.

Previously, those men would always surround her. If she was in a good mood, she would give them some attention. If she was not in the mood, she would ignore them. Now, they were the ones who despised her?

Xia Yunlou suppressed the anger in her heart and gritted her teeth. “Xi Xi, I was just angry! I’m your mother! Of course, all I do is for your own good. I just don’t want you to go too far and offend others.”

Gu Zheng’s gaze landed on her, and the banquet hall was silent.

Qiao Xi raised her eyebrows. She knew that Xia Yunlou would not admit her mistake just like that and would definitely continue putting up a struggle. Since that was the case, she would play with Xia Yunlou.

Xia Yunlou’s mind was a mess. She did not have time to think and could only defend herself. If she could not explain herself clearly, then she and Anran would be doomed!

“I admit that I like Anran more, but why don’t you reflect on yourself to find out the reason? It’s because you’re unwilling to get close to me that you’ve made me sad again and again.

“It’s not just me. Anyi hates you too. That’s because ever since you came back, you’ve ruined the peace at home. You caused Anyi to be arrested. How could he like you?

“I thought that you would change over time, but I was wrong. You don’t have this family in your heart at all!”

Xia Yunlou cried bitterly in grief. Her hair was messy, and her dress was stained with red wine. She was in a sorry state. Such a scene was broadcasted live.

When they heard this, everyone was slightly puzzled. Why did Madam Xu and Young Master Xu both like the adopted Xu Anran but hated Qiao Xi? What exactly happened? Could it be that Qiao Xi had really done something wrong to them?

“Madam Xu is right. No one would hate someone for no reason. Moreover, Qiao Xi is their blood-related relative. Logically speaking, it’s easier to accept her, but the Xu family doesn’t like her at all. Is there a reason for this?”

Xia Yunlou heaved a sigh of relief. She would not tell everyone the reason she hated Qiao Xi. It was all because of that woman. She was already dead, yet this woman had a similar face to her!

The first time she saw Qiao Xi’s photo, Xia Yunlou could not help but tremble. Qiao Xi’s face was too similar to Xia Yunqiu’s. Not only did they look alike, but even her gaze and aura were identical.

Xu Anran’s eyes were red as she bit her lip. “Xi Xi, we didn’t want to say anything and didn’t want to make things worse, but you…”

Xia Yunlou continued to cry. “You’re my daughter, so how could I not dote on you?! But what have you done? You blame us for not liking you, but why don’t you realize your own problems?”

As soon as she finished speaking, the door of the banquet hall was pushed open. First, a group of well-trained bodyguards rushed in and opened up a path. Then, a few young juniors helped a middle-aged noblewoman in. The noblewoman was wearing a blood jade. She looked noble and had an outstanding aura. She crushed all the noblewomen present the moment she appeared.

When Xia Yunlou saw the noblewoman, her body instantly trembled. She had not seen Old Madam Yin for many years, but she had not changed at all. She was still so young. It was impossible to tell that she was in her 60s.

Old Madam Yin glanced around with a gloomy gaze and said word by word, “The Xu family doesn’t like Xi Xi, so they think it’s Xi Xi’s fault?”

Xia Yunlou’s eyes were filled with horror as she stammered, “No, no…”

Everyone discussed in low voices. “Who’s this woman?”