Chapter 385
The gifts in Zhang Cuimei's hands fell to the ground with a clatter, scattering everywhere.
The scene before her eyes seemed like a nightmare.
A nightmare enough to shake the very souls of the mother and daughter.
Si's Father found a place to park the car and walked over.
Seeing that the two hadn't gone in yet, he frowned. "What are you standing around for? The guests are waiting!"
After saying that, he subconsciously glanced up at the staff who were decorating the restaurant.
He felt a bit displeased.
They hadn't even left yet, and the restaurant was already starting to set things up.
They really didn't take them as guests seriously at all.
He wondered what kind of VIP guest had such grand style to make the most luxurious restaurant in the city center put on such a huge display.
Just as Si's Father was thinking this, he saw a banner being hung up.
When he saw the words "Provincial Science Top Scorer", he was instantly startled.
It was actually the provincial science top scorer; no wonder the restaurant was making such a big fuss.
Right, the college entrance examination results came out today, so the top scorer must have been announced too. But to think the provincial science top scorer was actually around here—it was truly a first for him to see.
The most impressive one Si's Father had ever seen was only a school top scorer.
And that was many years ago, basking in the glory of the Fu family, with Fu Yang's results.
He didn't expect to have such good luck today to run into the provincial science top scorer.
Si's Father felt a wave of envy as he thought about it. He couldn't blame them for having such a grand style; if it were him, he would definitely throw a massive banquet and announce it to the whole world too.
He wondered whose child was so impress...
Si's Father's envious gaze came to an abrupt halt the moment he saw the two familiar characters that followed.
"Si... Si Si Nian?"
His gaze shifted from blank to utterly shocked, his pupils trembling.
He stared blankly at the large characters on the banner.
His face was written all over with disbelief.
"Si, Si Nian, is it really Nian Nian?!" Si's Father's voice lost control as he spoke.
Zhang Cuimei was snapped back to reality by his shocked voice and immediately retorted, "How is that possible!"
"No, impossible, how could it be her? Impossible, it must just be someone with the same name. How could she be the provincial science top scorer?"
"If she really became the provincial science top scorer, wouldn't she tell us?"
"Such a huge matter, there's no way we wouldn't know!"
Zhang Cuimei said this while shaking her head, but her cracking voice and panicked expression made her words completely unconvincing.
Lin Sisi was bumped by someone unknown, abruptly snapping her out of the scene before her.
Suddenly her entire body went weak, and she almost collapsed onto the ground.
The scene before her was truly hard for her to accept, causing waves of dizziness in her brain.
How she wished that what was before her was just a dream, a nightmare.
But the tightening of her heart and the overwhelming sense of fear surfaced with absolute clarity.
The smug words she had just said in front of Fu Yang now felt like slaps, striking heavily across her face.
One after another, it hurt so much that her features almost twisted.
Zhang Cuimei was saying it might be someone with the same name, but that didn't comfort Lin Sisi in the slightest.
If that person Yu Dong wasn't standing there, she might have been able to console herself like that.
But who else could make Yu Dong call out "Sister-in-law" other than Si Nian?
In her previous life, she didn't have much of an impression of Yu Dong, only remembering that he would occasionally follow by Zhou Yueshen's side.
Because she disliked Zhou Yueshen and hated those children, Yu Dong didn't have a good impression of her either; the way he looked at her was always cold.
But now, he was proudly calling Si Nian "Sister-in-law," putting up decorations to celebrate for her.
Who else could it be, if not Si Nian.
The family of three from the Si family stood frozen in place, unable to move for a long time.
The news before them was like a massive mountain pressing down heavily upon them, making it almost impossible to breathe.
Meanwhile, inside the restaurant.
Watching the staff hurrying to decorate the interior of the restaurant, the people from the Si and Zhang families, along with those called over from the family compound, were getting restless.
"What's going on? Why haven't the Si couple arrived yet?"
"The guests have arrived, but the hosts are nowhere to be seen. How bizarre."
"Forget it, forget it. Lin Sisi has finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel. It's a good thing she can go to college; they probably have a lot to take care of."
"I heard they're clearing the place out at two o'clock. I'm worried the restaurant will kick us out when the time comes."
"Who exactly is it, putting on such a huge show?"
At this time, Zhou Yueshen and Si Nian also hurried over early to help.
Because the invited guests would head straight to the hotel, Zhou Yueshen had his sons wait at home for the Lin family, so they came over ahead of time.
Si Nian originally thought it would just be a family meal, at most including people from the school.
So she hadn't paid it much mind.
It wasn't until Zhou Yueshen said he wanted to come check out the restaurant that she realized this man had actually booked the entire place.
She stared at Zhou Yueshen in disbelief, at a loss for words.
She stood stunned for a few seconds.
She had just received the two thousand yuan prize money today, and she almost dropped it on the ground from shock.
She had previously heard that when Fu Qianqian's work unit came here to eat, a single table cost nearly fifty.
With Zhou Yueshen booking the whole place, how much money would that cost?
Besides, in Si Nian's memory, neither she nor Zhou Yueshen had many relatives.
Something that should have been settled with two or three tables—did it really require booking the whole venue?
Seeing her stare at him blankly, Zhou Yueshen lightly tugged at his collar to loosen it. He was still quite unaccustomed to wearing a dress shirt.
But today was an important day.
He turned his head to glance at her and asked, "What's wrong?"
Si Nian opened her mouth and asked slowly, "Do we have a lot of relatives?"
She had been to Yu Dong's family's restaurant; during the three days of her exams, she had both lunch and dinner there.
She remembered it was a very large restaurant.
Equivalent to a future five-star hotel.
A wave of dizziness washed over Si Nian.
Zhou Yueshen stayed silent for two seconds, then reached out and gently pressed her hand. "Not many relatives, just some good friends and long-term business partners."
After saying that, he hesitated for a moment. "Nian Nian, did you not want me to throw such a big event?"
Actually, he had just casually invited people, but he didn't expect to know quite so many.
For such a big occasion, if he didn't invite them now, they would likely come knocking on his door complaining about it later.
He had forgotten to ask Si Nian what she wanted.
Maybe she just wanted to keep a low profile.
Zhou Yueshen frowned, wondering if it was still in time to call back and tell those people not to come.
Si Nian shook her head. It wasn't that she didn't want to; she simply felt heartache over the money.
Although having a celebratory meal was the right thing to do.
But right now, it felt more like hosting a wedding banquet.
The main thing was that she had only just found out and had no mental preparation whatsoever.
Zhou Yueshen added, "If you don't want to, I'll have Yu Dong notify them not to come. He originally wanted to use your name to throw a massive free celebration anyway."
As soon as he finished speaking and was about to look at Si Nian, her hands suddenly gripped his. Zhou Yueshen froze slightly, turned his head, and heard her speak solemnly while looking at him with shining eyes: "Yu Dong is right, such a good thing deserves a grand celebration. Let's hurry over."
Zhou Yueshen: "......"
The couple's car drove straight to the restaurant.
Si Nian's smile was brighter than the midday sun, and Zhou Yueshen cast strange glances at her from time to time.
Did he say something just now?
Why hadn't the corners of her mouth come down at all?
It wasn't that the two of them didn't want to bring the children, but Zhou Yueshen was afraid that they would be too busy here to take care of them.
So they simply left them all at home, planning to pick them up when it was time to eat.
As soon as they arrived at the restaurant, they saw a prominent banner and festive lanterns at the entrance. Those who didn't know better might have thought someone was getting married.
Passersby also gathered around to watch, causing the couple to miss the Si family of three still standing blankly at the door as their car brushed past.
Seeing them arrive, Yu Dong hurried forward to greet them and said with full confidence, "Boss, see? You can rest assured leaving this to me. Is this banner big enough? If not, I'll have someone remake it. The tables upstairs are all set, thirty tables in total. It doesn't matter if it's not enough; the downstairs will be cleared out after two o'clock. Sunflower seeds, drinks, and everything else are all ready. I stayed up all night last night having people prepare this. How about it? I'm a good brother, right?"
Zhou Yueshen ignored his boasting and instead looked at Si Nian. "What do you think?"
Si Nian observed carefully for a moment and nodded in great satisfaction. "Not bad, not bad. Xiao Yu, having you around is truly your sister-in-law's blessing."
Yu Dong was completely baffled. Was it his illusion, or was his sister-in-law looking at him with an exceptionally kind and gentle gaze today?
Hearing this, Zhou Yueshen didn't say anything.
"Let's go inside and take a look."
Si Nian acknowledged and followed him.
After taking two steps, she stepped back and said, "By the way, Qianqian is coming later too. She said the food at your place is delicious and has been thinking about it. Help me entertain her well. I'm counting on you."
Yu Dong instantly shivered, the exhaustion of staying up all night vanishing in a flash. He smiled sweeter than a flower and started working even more desperately.
Si Nian hadn't expected Zhou Yueshen to plan for them to eat here last night, let alone decorate it so well.
It really gave them a lot of face.
More importantly, they didn't have to spend any money.
Having the boss's son as a friend was truly great.
But don't worry, since Dongzi let her take such advantage of him today, she would definitely cook him a good meal next time.
The two entered the door and happened to bump into the Si family and a group from the family compound waiting for the meal to start in the lobby.
Sweeping a glance over, there were still four or five tables set up.
Almost all the familiar faces from the family compound were there.
Everyone was currently waiting anxiously for Si's Father, Mother Si, and their family to arrive, occasionally staring at the door.
Who would have thought that instead of waiting for the Si family, they ended up waiting for Si Nian.
Instantly, the whole group quieted down.
Mrs. Fu was also talking with Father Fu. Seeing everyone quiet down, she couldn't help but look toward the two of them as well.
Seeing Si Nian and Zhou Yueshen, she was slightly stunned.
Then she frowned.
Could Zhang Cuimei have deliberately called Si Nian and her husband over too?
After that kind of thing happened with Lin Sisi, she still asked Si Nian to come to her daughter's college acceptance banquet.
It was really a bit too much.
She frowned, feeling more and more that the Si family were truly not decent people.
How could she have been so intent on sending her son into a fire pit back then?
It seemed that no matter what happened today, this marriage had to be annulled.
Fu Yang also paused when he saw the two of them.
He didn't say anything.
Instead, Zhang Cuimei's younger sister, Zhang Xiaoyun, sneered when she saw Si Nian.
"Oh, isn't this Si Nian? Are you also here for our Sisi's college acceptance banquet?"
Si Nian was also taken aback looking at this family.
She really hadn't expected the Si family to be here too.
But looking at this scene, could Lin Sisi have also gotten a good score?
She really was the female lead. Even after serving a year in prison, she could still get into college.
Everyone looked at Si Nian strangely.
Their memories of Si Nian were now basically stuck on the fact that she wasn't biological and her conflicts with Lin Sisi.
They hadn't really paid attention to her situation.
Seeing her actually show up now, they were also somewhat surprised.
They thought that given the situation between the two families, she shouldn't have come. Earlier, when Zhang Cuimei was seriously ill, it was said she didn't even go to take a look.
At this moment, the looks they gave her were somewhat disdainful.
Especially the people from the Zhang family's side, who disliked her exceptionally.
Si Nian, however, said calmly, "I'm not here for the banquet."
Zhang Xiaoyun sneered, "I figured as much. Why would my sister invite you to the banquet? You harmed them so miserably before; how do you have the nerve to show up here now?"
Hearing this, everyone also felt it made sense. After all, they had raised her for over a decade. Even though Lin Sisi had done wrong, it was indeed too much.
"She's not here to crash the party, is she?"
"I heard she didn't even take the college entrance exam before and can't even go to college. Sisi is still the amazing one, getting into college right after coming back and bringing honor to the Si family's ancestors. It's really a pity that the Si family raised her like that from a young age."
"Exactly."
"Si Nian, Auntie advises you, the past is in the past. When you were in our family compound before, everyone treated you pretty well, and we don't want you to keep making a fuss like this."
"Yes, it hasn't been easy for Sisi either. We know you might not be resigned to just marrying into the countryside like this, but Sisi also lived a hard life in the countryside for over a decade. Just let her go."
"Even if you make a fuss, it won't change the fact that she got into college."
Seeing so many people speaking up for her, Zhang Xiaoyun immediately got carried away with pride.
"Did you hear that? Hurry up and leave, we don't welcome you."
Si Nian's face darkened with exasperation. Did these people have persecution paranoia?
She only felt that enemies truly met on a narrow path.
She could bump into the Si family no matter where she went.
Her good mood ruined in an instant, she said, "Who said I'm here for Lin Sisi's banquet? It's not like only you can come to this restaurant. Did the Si family book the whole place?"
Zhang Xiaoyun said smugly, "Heh, although we didn't book the whole place, my brother-in-law is the only one who reserved seats here right now, and the place will be cleared out after two o'clock. If you didn't call to reserve in advance, naturally there are no seats for you."
"If you really want to eat, when my sister and brother-in-law arrive later, I could put in a good word for you and let you two stay."
Zhou Yueshen also disliked the Si family. Seeing them being aggressive and suppressing Si Nian with faces full of disdain, he frowned slightly, put his arm around Si Nian, and said in a deep voice, "Don't trouble yourself. We don't need it."
Zhang Xiaoyun thought the two were flying into a rage out of humiliation and gloated, "Haha, don't be angry. I just pity you."
"Oh right, I heard from my sister that you also took the college entrance exam. What was your score? Seeing the two of you all alone, don't tell me you didn't get into college. It was truly a waste of my sister and brother-in-law spending money to raise you from a young age. I didn't expect you to fail the college entrance exam two years in a row. It's truly too disappointing."
"Although our Sisi came from the countryside, she still scored 398 on the exam this time, just shy of four hundred. And I heard that was even when she underperformed."
Zhang Xiaoyun showed off complacently.
Fu Yang was drinking tea and choked a bit upon hearing this.
After hearing this, Si Nian was taken aback at first, but then she burst into laughter. "398?"
She originally thought it was some amazing score, given how the Si family went to such great lengths.
In the end, it was only 398?
In the future, this score might not even get you into a second-tier university.
Si Nian thought Lin Sisi had scored incredibly well for Zhang Xiaoyun to be so smug.
Who would have thought it was 398?
She didn't usually smile, but at this moment, she really couldn't hold it back.
Zhang Xiaoyun didn't notice anything amiss and continued to gloat, "Well? It doesn't feel good to be overshadowed, does it?"
Si Nian nodded in agreement, "No, it really doesn't."
To be compared to someone like her was nothing short of an insult.
Zhang Xiaoyun hadn't expected her to be so agreeable. She froze for a second, but just as she was about to speak, she saw Si's Father hurrying over.
She immediately stood up and shouted excitedly, "Sister, brother-in-law, you're finally here! Look, Si Nian and that country husband of hers are here too. I think they look quite pathetic. Arriving at this hour, they probably couldn't even book a table. Why don't you have someone bring out two extra chairs for them?"