"Children are all like that," someone with good relations to the Fang family chimed in, trying to smooth things over. "My brat is never up to anything good all day, we're also extremely stressed out."
"Yes, yes, my son is the same. I told him to go on blind dates, but he insisted on talking about true love and freedom, saying he had to work hard to achieve something before he could date. Then he ran off abroad and we can't even see him now."
"Mr. Chen, what are you saying?" Fang Yuan calmed down, gave Zhou Wenjing a look, and walked towards the crowd of guests.
Damn it, he had planned to strike first and put Fang Miaomiao in her place, to make her obedient. He would have gone to the Wen family to stir up trouble, but he hadn't expected her to counterattack him, and he almost fell for her scheme.
However, he didn't believe Fang Miaomiao had the brains to not only resist him but also counterattack. It seemed Fang Miaomiao had some standing in the Wen family, which was why they taught her such stratagems.
But this also confirmed one thing: Fang Miaomiao could be used, and was of great use.
Zhou Wenjing nodded slightly, indicating she understood.
The onlookers had mostly dispersed when Zhou Wenjing stepped forward and took Fang Miaomiao's hand. "Miaomiao, we haven't seen each other in a long time, have we?"
"Madam Fang, if you have something to say, please say it directly." Fang Miaomiao took a step back and sat down.
Zhou Wenjing gave Fang Yanhuan a look before sitting down next to Fang Miaomiao, her face filled with worry as she looked at her. "Child, are you still angry with us?"
"What makes you say that?"
She remembered that the original owner had intended to leave directly upon learning she wasn't a Fang, but for some reason, she had stayed with the Fang family.
"Child, don't blame us. When you ran away from home, we wanted to find you. But a traitor suddenly appeared in Fang's Group and took away half of our hard work. We were busy stabilizing the situation and neglected our search for you," Zhou Wenjing said, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief.
"Later, when we found out you entered the entertainment industry, we thought we'd look after you more. But we were afraid you were still angry and never dared to appear before you," Zhou Wenjing smiled helplessly. "Miaomiao, you might feel that everything I'm saying now is useless, but I just want to say that you and Yanhuan are both my children. I don't want to, and I won't, neglect one for the other."
Fang Miaomiao glanced at Zhou Wenjing, who was wiping her tears, without a word.
Zhou Wenjing had been talking for a while but didn't get any response from Fang Miaomiao. She turned her head and noticed a child snuggled in Fang Miaomiao's arms, acting spoiled.
Since that spot was in a relatively dim area, and Zhou Wenjing was a bit nearsighted, she couldn't see the child clearly. "Miaomiao, whose child is this?"
"My son," Fang Miaomiao said lightly, handing the champagne in her hand to Wen Yan'an.
Wen Yan'an looked at the champagne in Fang Miaomiao's hand, pursed his lips, and tilted his head to take a sip.
It was sour and a bit pungent, not very good.
Zhou Wenjing's expression changed. "Are you kidding me?"
When did Fang Miaomiao have such a big son? Did the Wen family know about this?
"Kid, tell her who you are."
"Wen Yan'an, Mommy's child."
Wen Yan'an.
Zhou Wenjing gave Fang Miaomiao an awkward look. "You child, the young master of the Wen family is here, why are you letting him stay in this dim place? Aren't you afraid the Wen family will blame you when they find out?"
"Wherever Mommy is, I am."
A hint of embarrassment flushed Wen Yan'an's cheeks. He leaned into Fang Miaomiao unconsciously, his soft words making Fang Miaomiao unable to resist stroking him a few times.
"Madam Fang, I'm sorry. Our An'an is shy, so I found a relatively quiet place to sit."
Zhou Wenjing gave an awkward smile. "So that's how it is. It was my fault, I misunderstood you."
"Madam Fang, we're all smart people, so let's not beat around the bush. If you have something to say, say it."
"Miaomiao," Zhou Wenjing said, gritting her teeth. "I just missed you."
Why had Fang Miaomiao become so difficult to talk to after only a year? She knew that Fang Miaomiao a year ago, though appearing unapproachable and temperamental, was very obedient to their words, as well-behaved as could be.
Fang Miaomiao, a year later, appeared easygoing, but was actually impenetrable and aloof.
The current Fang Miaomiao was not easy to control.
This realization made Zhou Wenjing unconsciously twist her handkerchief.
"Oh, alright. You've seen me now. Is there anything else, Madam Fang?"
Zhou Wenjing could no longer maintain her smile. "I know you're still angry with us. I'm not asking you to forgive us immediately. As long as you're living well, your mom and dad will be relieved."
"Oh." Fang Miaomiao picked up the gifts placed aside. "This is a birthday gift for Mr. Fang. It's not worth much."
Zhou Wenjing glanced at the gift box with less-than-impressive packaging, a flicker of disdain flashing in her eyes. However, she said gently, "You child, why are you bringing gifts when you come home?"
"Mommy."
"Good boy." Fang Miaomiao finally noticed that the little one seemed a bit off. "Did you really drink champagne just now?"
Good heavens, she had just been joking. Who knew this little guy had actually drunk it.
"Mommy, that water tasted bad."
Fang Miaomiao wanted to laugh, but laughing in this setting might cause psychological trauma to the child.
With a trace of care and pity, Fang Miaomiao suppressed her laughter. "How much did you drink?"
"Just a small sip." Wen Yan'an raised his hand and indicated 'one'.
Fang Miaomiao was torn between tears and laughter. "Okay, okay, just a little bit. Do you feel dizzy?"
Wen Yan'an shook his head.
"What's wrong with the young master of the Wen family?"
"Nothing, he's drunk."
"How could you let the young master of the Wen family drink?" Zhou Wenjing habitually put on her elder airs. "The Wen family letting you bring the young master out is already the greatest trust they've placed in you. How could you let him get drunk? If the Wen family finds out, how will you explain it?"
"Old witch, can you stop talking? You're so noisy."
Before Fang Miaomiao could say anything, the child who had been leaning against her in a daze poked his head out, his wet eyes glaring angrily at Zhou Wenjing.
"Young Master Wen?"
"Shut up, don't talk to me. Your words are unpleasant." Wen Yan'an covered his ears with his hands. "Old witch, you're bullying my mommy. Don't talk to me. If you talk again, I'll beat you."
This was the first time Fang Miaomiao had seen Wen Yan'an flare up. She was torn between tears and laughter as she pulled him into her embrace. "Good boy, good boy, I'm here, I'm here."
"Mommy, she's bullying you," Wen Yan'an said in a muffled voice, wrapping his arms around Fang Miaomiao's neck. "I don't like her."
His drunken, complaining demeanor warmed Fang Miaomiao's heart unexpectedly. "Madam Fang, my child is drunk, so we'll be leaving now."
Zhou Wenjing wanted to say something more, but seeing Fang Miaomiao's suddenly cold eyes, the words wouldn't come out.