Bai Tang observed the reactions of the crowd and knew it was about time. She lowered her eyes, her voice choked with emotion as she spoke again: "Dad, I know I shouldn't hope to celebrate your birthday with you. I heard from my sister that there was a birthday banquet prepared today, but I didn't realize it was only for her. I... I'll leave now..."
With that, Bai Tang turned and walked away, her head hung low, exuding an indescribable sense of pitiful loneliness. The onlookers couldn't help but glance around at the decorations—everything was covered in photos of Bai Xier, with no trace of Bai Tang at all. Among the group of classmates, many knew Bai Tang's background. In the past, with her non-mainstream style and overbearing attitude, they hadn't found her pitiable. But now, this girl, humbled to the dust, with her restrained and pained expression, stirred a strong protective instinct in them. Some even felt that her past behavior was a result of being pushed to that point by Bai Chengfeng and his family, and their sympathy deepened. Whispers spread through the crowd, all criticizing Bai Chengfeng and the others for being unfair.
"Bai Tang, stop talking nonsense and get out!" Bai Xier could barely contain herself. The looks she usually received were full of envy and admiration, but after Bai Tang's words, those gazes had shifted. Some even carried a hint of contempt. As Bai Xier's words fell, a single tear slid down Bai Tang's cheek, her pitiful appearance tugging at everyone's heartstrings. The crowd's eyes toward Bai Xier now held a note of reproach. Clenching her fists, Bai Xier was about to lash out again when Bai Chengfeng coldly interrupted: "Butler, escort the young lady upstairs."
The butler understood and was about to step forward when Sheng Qi, who had been watching the scene unfold, spoke indifferently: "Chuyi, give the gift to Miss Bai."
Bai Tang was momentarily stunned, a thought flashing through her mind: *Nothing good comes from unsolicited favors.* But since it was from a beauty, she didn't mind accepting it. The girl's face still bore traces of tears, her eyes even brighter and more striking from the moisture. A hint of surprise lit up her gaze as she received the gift. Before Chuyi could fully appreciate the girl's stunning appearance, he heard her say crisply to his boss: "Thank you, beauty."
Chuyi: "..."
Was it his imagination, or did he detect a hint of flirtation in her tone toward his boss? Was this girl courting death, planning to make today her memorial day next year? Sheng Qi's expression turned icy, a chilling aura radiating from him. His gaze at Bai Tang was dangerous, but the girl only smiled back with an innocent look. After a few seconds, Sheng Qi shifted his gaze to Bai Chengfeng: "Since it's a misunderstanding, I'll take my leave."
Bai Chengfeng froze. He had worked so hard to get Sheng Qi here; he couldn't afford to let this opportunity slip away. He glanced at Bai Tang, thinking to himself that today's banquet would have to include both sisters. "Tang..." he began, but Bai Tang's eyes reddened again, her voice trembling: "Dad, you don't need to chase me away. I'll leave right now, so I won't make things difficult for you. Take care of yourself..."
With that, Bai Tang turned and left decisively, leaving Bai Chengfeng with a face as twisted as if he were constipated. Bai Chengfeng: "..."
Once outside the villa, a sly grin spread across Bai Tang's face. She hadn't come to celebrate a birthday—she had come to stir up trouble. Now, she needed to get back to the hospital. After all, she had ripped off the bandages on her head just to put on that act. "Not a bad performance," came a cool, emotionless voice from behind. Bai Tang turned to see that stunning face and her smile widened. "Beauty, were you waiting for me?"