Monopolize My Mysterious Wife

"I'm sorry, if you haven't made a reservation, you'll have to dine on the ground floor. The private rooms upstairs require advance booking," said the server politely.

Qianshi Restaurant has a total of nine levels. The ground floor is an open space, but the floors from the second level up to the ninth consist of private rooms that require advanced booking.

"No problem, I'll dine here on the ground floor." Jian Qing had done some research prior to coming and headed straight for a window-side spot she had chosen beforehand.

From the moment Jian Qing stepped into the restaurant, the guests on the ground floor all took notice of her. After all, her exquisitely lovely face was difficult to ignore. Some of them were couples, and seeing their partners' gazes fixated on another woman, a woman who was even more beautiful than them, stirred jealousy and resentment in their eyes.

A subtle fragrance of sandalwood filled her nostrils. Sunlight filtered through the perforated windows and fell upon her fluttering eyelashes, casting faint shadows.

After ordering, Jian Qing leisurely examined the décor inside the restaurant. The wild, bold layout, with almost naturally elegant linear designs, and the calligraphy scrolls hanging on the walls, with several screens in the middle, all invoked a sense of tranquility amidst the bustling city.

The food was served quickly. Jian Qing picked up her chopsticks and began to eat at a steady pace, her elongated, alluring eyes squinting contentedly, her delicate features captivating.

She had intended to enjoy her meal quietly, but some individuals appeared to be looking for trouble.

"Oh, who do we have here?" A voice, coy and pretentious, echoed conspicuously in the silent space.

"Isn't this the delusional Miss Jian Qing, a sparrow attempting to transform into a phoenix?"

The woman's voice was loud, immediately drawing the attention of the restaurant's patrons.

A cold light flared up in Jian Qing's eyes, but her chopsticks didn't stop moving, continuing to leisurely enjoy her meal.

Well, it seemed her peaceful meal was not to be today!

Since today was a weekend, Yang Xiang and her companions had some free time. They had arranged a meal with An Yu and others at Qianshi Restaurant. In Beijing, anyone who was anyone preferred dining at Qianshi Restaurant because it served as a covert display of their status.

The spot that Jian Qing had chosen diagonally faced the stairs. As soon as Yang Xiang and her group entered, they spotted Jian Qing. Yang Xiang's mother had endured much humiliation because of Jian Qing a few days prior, and now, seeing Jian Qing alone, Yang Xiang certainly wasn't going to let her off the hook.

An Yu and others didn't hold any affection for Jian Qing either, especially upon finding out that she was their father's illegitimate daughter. An Yu and An Yun despised Jian Qing even more. Hence, they were more than happy to watch Yang Xiang cause trouble for Jian Qing.

"So, did being recognized by our grandfather make you high and mighty?"

The group of them stopped in front of Jian Qing. Yang Xiang scoffed, casting a disdainful look at Jian Qing and sarcastically remarked, "You should pay attention to your own status."

As Jian Qing ignored them, Yang Xiang's remarks became more harsh and unpleasant. Her eyes were full of contempt. "Look at how shabby you're dressed, and yet you dare to eat at Qianshi Restaurant. Just make sure you don't end up not being able to foot the bill, and disgrace our An Family."

Today, Jian Qing was wearing a casual black outfit and sneakers, devoid of any jewelry except for a backpack. She looked like the common girl next door, vivacious and charming.

Jian Qing put down her chopsticks, picked up her tea cup from the side and took a sip, her gaze turning to the view outside the window. She showed no intention of acknowledging Yang Xiang and her group.

Seeing Jian Qing continuing to ignore them, Yang Xiang's face darkened with fury. "Jian Qing, stop pretending you can't hear, pretending to be so noble. Aren't you just trying to leech off our An Family? But of course, everyone knows it's good to be in the shade under a large tree," she sneered.

The sharp voice and the harsh words it spat were grating to the ears. Many people in the restaurant curiously turned to look at them. As their eyes fell on Jian Qing's face, they were astonished by her beauty.

Such a charming lady has crossed paths with the An family, it seems she's out of luck. What a pity.

News of the event at the longevity banquet was forcibly suppressed by the An family's grandfather, hence people outside didn't know about Jian Qing's relationship with the An family. Furthermore, An Yu and her group had never liked Jian Qing and would never disclose their relationship with her to outsiders.

After leisurely finishing her tea, Jian Qing put down her cup, then turned to look at Yang Xiang and her group. A faint smile curled up the corners of her lips. "It seems that the number of flies increases as the weather gets hotter, doesn't it?"

Jian Qing's words were loud enough for everyone around to hear, causing some to even chuckle.

"Pfft--"

What does it mean to curse someone without using a single profanity? The finesse employed here was indeed a sight to behold.

Yang Xiang and her group changed expressions. As the darlings of the aristocracy, they had always been the center of attention and were not used to being embarrassed in front of others.

"Jian Qing, who are you cursing?" Yang Xiang's face twisted with rage as she pointed at Jian Qing.

Sitting in her chair, Jian Qing didn't lose an ounce of her aura, her lips curling into a cold smile. "What did I say?"

"Jian Qing, since you want to be part of the An family, you better behave yourself. No one can protect you if something goes wrong," An Yu finally said, her voice cold as ice.

Looking at Jian Qing's bewitching face filled An Yu with loathing. She wished she could just reach out and destroy it. After learning from their mother that Jian Qing's mother was the woman who had destroyed their family, she became even more hostile towards Jian Qing. The daughter of that vixen had no right to be loved by their grandfather. She didn't deserve it.