In the blink of an eye, it came to Old Master Jiang's birthday.
The Jiang family villa was decorated with colorful lights and red lanterns hung everywhere. Because Old Master Jiang was quite conservative and liked old-fashioned practices, even the villa was in a Chinese style, resembling the layout of an ancient prince's mansion.
But the ballroom was in a Western style, with the best orchestra and female singers in the city. They sang all the popular tunes of the day, making the whole place lively and bustling.
Old Master Jiang was surrounded by a crowd.
He looked at his children and grandchildren filling the room, and said with a chuckle: "I can't just focus on my own preferences. I also have to create a romantic atmosphere for the young people! This blend of Chinese and Western cuisine tonight is quite good!"
Then he looked at Changsun Jianglan and said, “Jianglan, so many prominent young ladies are here today. Don’t be shy. If you see someone you like, boldly pursue them. If their parents disapprove of you, grandpa will put on a brave face and speak up for you!”
He said that, obviously unaware of Song Qingqing's existence.
Jiang Lan's parents listened with complex expressions.
Besides disliking girls from such backgrounds, they also have difficulties. The Jiang family has several branches, and Lan Ting is the most outstanding among this generation. In the end, marrying a maid wouldn't just be ridiculed by outsiders, but it would also make people look down on her within the family.
Ginger's mother was the first to disagree.
So she looked at Jiang Lan and said softly, "Your grandfather has spoken, so you should be more proactive! You're all in your 30s now, and others your age already have both sons and daughters."
Jiang Lan listened and promptly said, "There's someone here who would like to meet your parents."
Her mother is about to faint!
She guessed it was Song Qingqing. She hadn't expected her son to be so persistent, bringing someone to the banquet without getting the old man's approval. She lowered her voice and said, "Lan listen! Are you going to spoil the old man's mood today and embarrass your parents?"
Jiang Lan heard this and frowned slightly: "Mom, I don't have any prejudices!"
<>
Jiang Lan didn't hear it.
In fact, he never developed any romantic love for Huo Jiao, only feelings.
The same goes for Song Qingqing.
But his feelings for Song Qingqing were more akin to family. He felt that living with her should be plain and fulfilling, and he didn't need a constant unchanging noblewoman as his wife, so he chose Song Qingqing.
He hesitated for a moment before speaking: "Just as ordinary friends, let the old man meet her. Perhaps he'll like her straightforwardness!"
Mrs. Jiang's face turned dark, but she also guessed that the person had probably arrived!
She felt sorry for Jiang Lan, and didn't want to make things too awkward between her and her son, so she gave a strained smile: "Lan Ting, you understand your grandfather's rules! We agreed that she was just an ordinary friend, and I can agree to her coming, but don't make things difficult for your mother!"

:…
……
Jiang Lan heard a call as he walked to the parking lot to pick someone up. On his way, he answered Song Qingqing's phone call!
She was already getting impatient and a little annoyed waiting in the car. It wasn't a good first impression for Jiang Lan's girlfriend to be treated this way.
Jiang Lan soothed her for a few words.

Just as he was about to open the car door, a figure suddenly emerged from a black RV parked nearby. It wasn't someone else but Sun Sannan, the second son of the Sun family. He went around to the other side and pulled Huo Jiao out of the vehicle!
That blue floor-length dress, on her, was just as Jiang Lan had imagined.
Like orchids in a secluded valley, beautiful to the point of dazzling!
Was she dressed so formally to accompany Sun Simiao to the banquet?
Jiang Lan felt a bit uncomfortable, but she still managed to smile politely as a greeting.
Sun Simiao had long suspected their relationship, and he had also asked Huo Jiao about it. Huo Jiao said... she asked him if he minded, and if he did, they wouldn't have to continue interacting.
Master Sun is also a returnee. While he's not exactly open-minded, at this age, it's impossible for someone to have never dated!
It's not surprising that someone like Huo Jiao would be with Jiang Lan.
He accepted the fact and decided to continue pursuing Huo Jiao. They are now dating with the premise of marriage, and both parties feel pretty good about it.
Ho Jiao smiled faintly, openly and with confidence.
She wrapped her arms around Young Master Sun, the two of them looking perfectly matched and intimate. Jiang Lan strained to ignore the discomfort in her heart, but just then Song Qingqing got out of the car.
Just as I came down, I bumped into someone wearing the same outfit!
< Huo Jiao was stunned for a moment, but then she didn't care, anyway, who knows who is ugly. >
Song Qingqing was also stunned. It took her a long time to digest it: "So that dress was yours! ... Since Miss Jiang is the protagonist today, isn't it inappropriate for us to wear the same dress?"
Huo Jiao's pretty face rested on Young Master Sun's shoulder.
She smiled ambiguously: "What's unsuitable? It's not like I bumped into a man!"
Song Qingqing's face paled, she felt slighted.
Jiang Lan apologized to his girlfriend: "I didn't expect her to come to the banquet today! I've asked someone to send another set over, change into it!"
Song Qingqing refused: "This is haute couture! And we're supposed to dance the opening number!"
Jiang Lan whispered, "The opening dance will be performed by my parents!"
Song Qingqing suppressed her displeasure and said in a low voice, "I don't want to take it off either. I bought it for so much money, and I look so good in it!"

By now, he's actually starting to lose his patience. He even began to agree with his parents... that he and Song Qingqing aren't a good match.
If he communicated with Huo Jiao, it would never be this difficult!
He thought so, but as soon as he looked up, he saw Huo Jiao smiling at Sun Si Nan: “Sun Si Nan, why are you blushing?”
Sun Simiao said nothing!
He reached out and gently touched her face, without any hint of flirtation, completely filled with fondness and admiration!
Jiang Lan listened and didn't want to look any further. He said to Song Qingqing, "Let's go! I'll take you to meet my mother first!"
Song Qingqing was always reserved.
She took Jiang Lan's arm and whispered, "Don't leave me alone later, I don't know anyone here!"
Jiang Lan gave a reluctant smile.
He brought the person to Jiang Mu's side, and it happened that Old Master Jiang was also there. Jiang Lan heard it was an introduction from a friend, but Song Qingqing wanted to marry into a wealthy family too much. She was also afraid that Huo Jiao would steal the limelight. She directly corrected Jiang Mu's words: "I'm Jiang Lan's girlfriend!"
Grandfather Jiang looked at her, then at his daughter-in-law: "What did she say?"
Mrs. Jiang disapproved, looking at her son with a frown. She didn't want to get involved anymore, so she simply said, "Grandfather, you should ask Lan about it!"

(Editor in charge：)