Volume 1, Chapter 44: President Ji, are you sure Miss Ji is of a shy disposition?

"Right now we have strawberry, blueberry, mango, and lychee flavors."

Initially, the number of cakes in each flavor was roughly the same. Perhaps because they weren't secured properly during delivery, only the box of matcha cakes had flipped over.

Most of the matcha cakes were mashed together into a pulp—forget about eating them, they were barely fit to look at.

Only half a box managed to survive unscathed because it had been placed alongside other flavors.

Tang Ruan's slice was the very last one.

Jiang Wanyu felt a pang of disappointment, but since there were no matcha cakes left, persistence was useless, so she compromised, "Alright then, get me a strawberry one."

The maid promptly brought over a strawberry cake.

"President Tang, Madam Tang, Miss Tang, long time no see," a flattering male voice chimed in.

Tang Ruan followed the voice and looked over. When she saw who it was, the curve of her lips became even more pronounced.

While she was smiling, the expression on the face of Ji Tianqing, who stood behind the newcomer, was as sour as if someone owed her a million bucks.

Had it not been for the occasion, she would have stormed off long ago.

"President Ji," Tang Zhenguo said, forcing himself to exchange pleasantries.

The Tang Corporation had no business dealings with the Ji Corporation; they weren't close, at most being mere acquaintances who nodded in greeting.

However, the Ji Corporation had always wanted to partner with the Tangs.

"President Tang, I heard Miss Tang recently reached a partnership with TG Corporation in Country Y?"

Tang Zhenguo gave a slight nod. "Indeed, that is true."

This matter was no secret.

Although the Tang family hadn't deliberately publicized it, anyone with intent could easily find out through a little investigation.

A flash of envy crossed Ji Wutong's eyes as he buttered up, "Miss Tang is so young yet able to secure a partnership with TG. No wonder people always say a heroic father yields no cowardly daughter."

"Not at all, not at all." While Tang Zhenguo remained modest in words, his expression screamed pride.

If he had a tail, it would have already wagged up to the heavens.

When Tang Ruan first entered the Tang Corporation, quite a few people behind the scenes mocked Tang Zhenguo for losing his mind, actually handing the family business over to a frail daughter who couldn't even truss a chicken.

They didn't believe Tang Ruan could run the company well and were all waiting to watch her make a fool of herself.

Later on, Tang Ruan used her own capabilities to deliver one satisfactory report card after another.

Outside perceptions of her shifted to 'a heroic father yields no cowardly daughter.'

Aside from praising Tang Ruan's competence, people also praised Tang Zhenguo for his discerning eye in spotting Tang Ruan, this 'thousand-li horse.'

"Tianqing, you should learn more from your Elder Sister Tang."

With that, Ji Wutong waved at Ji Tianqing standing behind him.

Ji Tianqing was deeply reluctant, but catching the thinly veiled threat in Ji Wutong's gaze, she had no choice but to step forward obediently.

"Miss Tang, Tianqing always tells me you're her role model. Sigh, this child—if she had even half of your capability, I would be content."

Ji Tianqing's expression stiffened.

Nothing is more dramatic than parents praising your nemesis as your role model right to your face.

Yet, having been thoroughly warned beforehand, Ji Tianqing didn't even dare to retort.

She could only vent her frustration inwardly.

*Yuck! Tang Ruan is no role model of mine!*

Her role model is Sister Wang, who is not only gentle and kind but also a top-tier student.

Unlike Tang Ruan, who only knows how to put on a facade!

"Oh? Is that so?"

Tang Ruan's sudden utterance made the atmosphere awkward for a fraction of a second.

Logically speaking, such flattery was just polite talk; no one took it seriously.

Tang Ruan's remark, however, clearly sounded somewhat questioning.

Yet, since the words were already out, Ji Wutong had no choice but to bite the bullet and acknowledge them. "Of course. Tianqing always says so on the phone."

Out of Tang Ruan and the others' line of sight, Ji Wutong frantically shot eye signals at Ji Tianqing.

By now, even Tang Zhenguo and Jiang Wanyu sensed something was amiss.

The couple exchanged glances, neither speaking up to ease the tension.

They knew Tang Ruan's temperament well and knew she wasn't someone who acted on mere impulse.

If she was making someone lose face in a setting like this, it meant the person had provoked her—and quite seriously at that.

A glance at the indignant Ji Tianqing immediately confirmed their suspicion.

That young lady's expression looked nothing like someone meeting her role model!

People would sooner believe she was meeting her mortal enemy!

Ji Wutong was growing so anxious he was practically burning up, reduced to mouthing a few silent words: *Careful or I'll cut your allowance for a year.*

Ji Tianqing's pretty face stiffened. Remembering her allowance, she let out an unwilling humph.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Ji Wutong awkwardly tried to patch things up. "This child is just too timid. Miss Tang, please don't mind her."

Ji's mother, Li Liyun, chimed in, "Yes, yes, the child is simply too shy."

Ji Wutong now profoundly regretted bringing Ji Tianqing to this welcome banquet.

Not only was she of no help, but she had almost held them back.

They were both daughters, so why was Tang Ruan so capable, while his own daughter—

"Huh?" Tang Ruan feigned confusion. "Miss Ji has a timid personality? I remember her being quite extroverted."

Ji Wutong was bewildered. What was the meaning of this?

"When Miss Ji threatened me to back off from marrying the Second Young Master Huo and told me not to put on airs as the lady of the house, she didn't seem the least bit timid."

Tang Ruan's words struck like a thunderclap.

At that, the faces of Tang Zhenguo and Jiang Wanyu turned completely frosty.

Ji Wutong and Li Liyun broke out in cold sweats.

Ji Tianqing actually went up to Tang Ruan and said something like that?

Where did she find the face and the standing to do so!

"Tang Ruan, you!" Ji Tianqing pointed a manicured finger at Tang Ruan, her voice shrill.

There was nothing remotely timid about her from head to toe.

Tang Ruan smiled, her tone breezy, "President Ji, are you sure Miss Ji is timid?"

Ji Wutong's expression shifted drastically, his teeth practically grinding to dust. "Put your hand down right this instant!"

This rebellious daughter! How dared she point her finger at Tang Ruan right in front of President Tang and his wife!

Ji Tianqing's temper flared as well, and she lifted her chin. "I won't!"

*Slap!*

The sound of the strike was exceptionally clear.

Ji Tianqing cluthed her cheek, tears pooling in her eyes, disbelief written all over her face.

"Dad, you hit me?"

You hit me on account of Tang Ruan?

"You rebellious wretch! How dare you show disrespect to Miss Tang!"

In an instant, numerous guests turned their gaze toward them.

Those curious, probing looks felt like needles pricking into Ji Tianqing's skin.

Feeling utterly humiliated, she stamped her foot hard, covered her face, and fled.

Ji Wutong had a massive headache.

Ji Tianqing could run away, but he couldn't.

He had to stay and resolve the issue; otherwise, if it impacted the Ji family, he would be the sinner of the household.

"I am truly sorry, President Tang. Tianqing has been spoiled rotten by us."

Being the youngest at home, Ji Tianqing had been pampered by the entire family, which fostered her reckless and arrogant disposition.

Even Ji Wutong found himself terribly vexed by this.

Tang Zhenguo's expression remained aloof. "President Ji, you've got it wrong. I'm not the one you should be apologizing to."

Ji Wutong: "......"

He knew he ought to apologize to Tang Ruan.

Yet, as an elder, apologizing publicly to a junior like Tang Ruan sounded somewhat disgraceful if word got out.

"It's fine, Dad." Tang Ruan spoke up, easing the deadlock. "Just petty matters between girls, there's no need for Uncle Ji to apologize to me."

Ji Wutong let out a breath of relief.

Judging by Tang Ruan's words, she had no intention of making things difficult for the Ji family.

"However, Miss Ji is no longer a child. If she keeps acting so recklessly and stirs up trouble that implicates the Ji Corporation in the future..."

"Uncle Ji would do well to keep her on a tight leash."

Ji Wutong nodded awkwardly. "Th-thank you, Ruanruan."

Since Tang Ruan addressed him as Uncle Ji, he could no longer formally call her Miss Tang.

By offering each other a way out, the atmosphere wouldn't remain so hostile.

Li Liyun fought desperately to keep herself from losing composure in public.

Ji Wutong pulled Li Liyun away.

Once they reached a secluded spot, Li Liyun yanked her hand out of Ji Wutong's grip, her eyes blazing red. "Were you planning to ship Qingqing abroad again?!"