Chapter Sixteen: Ready to Praise

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Shen Suining smiled lightly and glanced over the various gowns, casually selecting a beige, solemn design—subtle enough not to overshadow the event, perfectly fitting for a charity gala.

Ye Pianpian glanced at it, slightly dissatisfied. “Isn’t this a bit too plain? Suining, you’re wasting your looks like this.”

Shen Suining replied, “It’s a charity gala; the important thing is that the love reaches those in need.”

Ye Pianpian pouted. “That doesn’t matter. We have to get this one first!” She pointed to the gown she had her eye on. After all, there would definitely be other occasions for Shen Suining to wear it.

Shen Suining said, “Alright, maybe next time I’ll buy that one.”

She was about to divorce Jiang Runlang. In the past, attending various banquets was all because of the Jiang family connections. After the divorce, those opportunities would likely never come again.

So, there was no need to waste the money.

She asked the clerk to bring the beige gown for her to try on and followed the clerk into the fitting room.

Ye Pianpian’s eyes flickered, and while Shen Suining was trying on the dress, she quietly instructed the clerk to purchase the gown she had chosen, having it sent directly to her home to avoid being discovered by Shen Suining.

Soon, Shen Suining stepped out in the gown. Ye Pianpian exclaimed, “Wow!” and circled around her several times.

“As expected of our Suining! With a face like hers, the Jiang family’s prestige shines through—even such a simple gown looks regal on her!” Ye Pianpian said.

She wished she could drag Jiang Runlang and Jiang Jiang—the blind father and daughter—over to see this: the very Shen Suining they had dismissed as fat and ugly, now dazzlingly radiant.

She wanted to blind them with the sight.

Shen Suining couldn’t help but laugh at Ye Pianpian’s exaggerated praise. She curved her lips and looked at her reflection in the mirror.

At that moment, the clerk was also eager to flatter her. “Mrs. Jiang has a wonderful figure; this gown suits you perfectly…”

Before finishing, Ye Pianpian interrupted sharply.

“How can you say that? It’s clearly Suining who elevates the gown to a whole new level, not the other way around!” she scolded. “Don’t flatter the dress as if it’s adding to her.”

The clerk quickly apologized with a smile, turning to Shen Suining. “Mrs. Jiang, I’m sorry for my poor choice of words. I just meant you look stunning in this gown. Please don’t mind me.”

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Shen Suining smiled indifferently. She knew herself well enough, and the clerk’s words were not wrong.

She looked at Ye Pianpian, seeking her opinion. “Let’s go with this one.”

Though Ye Pianpian was somewhat dissatisfied, she nodded since the choice was made. “Alright, then I’ll pick one too. Let’s get our makeup done.”

Shen Suining agreed and helped Ye Pianpian choose a gown similar to her own before they headed to the styling studio together.

Today, they aimed for a low-key yet sophisticated look, so their makeup was naturally understated. Yet, with their flawless complexions, even a simple layer of foundation made them glow.

The stylist styled Shen Suining’s hair into an elegant updo, instantly transforming her entire aura.

Ye Pianpian cupped her face, gazing at Shen Suining with mock adoration. “Our Suining is truly the most beautiful woman in the world!”

Shen Suining blushed and flicked Ye Pianpian with a playful glare. “Alright, stop with your ridiculous compliments.”

She was genuinely shy.

Ye Pianpian waved a finger teasingly before Shen Suining’s eyes. “No way! I’m going to keep praising you!”

Ye Pianpian knew Shen Suining was struggling with confidence right now, so she seized every chance to shower her with compliments, surrounding her with praise.

This was the only way Shen Suining’s confidence would return.

After finishing their styling, the two set off for the charity gala.

Just as they settled into the car, Pei Min’s call came through again.

“Shen Suining! The gala is about to start. Where are you?” Pei Min’s voice was filled with anger.

Shen Suining answered calmly, “I’m already on my way. I’ll be there in half an hour.”

Hearing this, Pei Min’s anger eased slightly, though his tone remained cold. “You better not be playing tricks on me! Don’t forget, I can stop your grandmother’s medication anytime!”

Shen Suining’s grip tightened on her phone, a heavy wave of helplessness washing over her.

It was always like this—Pei Min threatened to cut off her grandmother’s medicine to make her obey and do as he demanded.

She was truly exhausted.

But now was not the time to confront Pei Min, so she endured silently.

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Ye Pianpian looked at Shen Suining with sympathy.

Taking the phone from Shen Suining’s hand, she spoke sweetly to Pei Min, “Auntie! It’s me, Ye Pianpian! Suining is with me. We’re on our way to the gala, so don’t worry. I’ll make sure we both arrive safely!”

There was a pause on the other end before Pei Min responded, “Alright, then I’ll leave it to you, Miss Ye.”

He ended the call.

Ye Pianpian rolled her eyes. “Hmph! So rude!”

Shen Suining looked at Ye Pianpian helplessly, feeling deeply apologetic.

Pei Min never wanted her to get close to Ye Pianpian. Even during her pregnancy, he tried to sever their connection.

Luckily, Ye Pianpian was fiery and utterly indifferent to others’ opinions. The more Pei Min forbade Shen Suining from seeing her, the more Ye Pianpian stuck by her side.

And right in front of Pei Min, no less.

Given the Ye family’s influence, Pei Min dared not push things too far; otherwise, only Shen Suining would suffer.

Soon, the car pulled into the venue of the charity gala.

The two stepped out, adjusted their gowns, and arm in arm, entered the hall.

The gala was not strictly formal; an electronic invitation sufficed for entry.

Shen Suining’s e-invitation was sent by Pei Min himself, while Ye Pianpian had pulled some strings to secure one at the last minute.

Before the gala officially began, there was a small auction.

Shen Suining and Ye Pianpian went straight to the venue.

They chose a low-profile spot to sit, barely settled when Pei Min’s gaze locked onto them as he looked back in their direction.

Seconds later, Shen Suining’s phone buzzed again.

It was another cold command from Pei Min: “Come sit here!”