Wang Xiu, Liang Chen's mother, moved through Shanghai's most elite social circles with the effortless grace of someone who was born to privilege. Her days were a carefully planned mix of charity luncheons, private tea ceremonies, and gallery previews, always with women who had the same impeccable family background and strong social standing as she did. Ying Yue, Qi Xiu's mother, was a very close friend among them. Their friendship, which grew over many years of shared experiences in high society, created a bond that included their children. This naturally made Qi Xiu look good for any family plans.
Wang Xiu's main concern, on the other hand, was not just small talk; it was, with a fierce maternal intensity, Liang Chen's future. She was sure that his marriage was more than just a romantic relationship; it was a very important strategic alliance that would help him become president of Horizon Tech and raise the already high status of the Liang family even higher. She thought that the perfect candidate should be beautiful, smart, have a perfect background, perfect connections, and a deep understanding of their world. Qi Xiu, who came from a well-off family and had a refined upbringing, seemed like the perfect person to represent this idea.
This belief came from a strong, almost instinctive bias against anyone who wasn't part of their important social circle. It wasn't a cruel, active hatred of people they didn't know; it was more of a deep-seated, aristocratic disdain for people they thought were common, for anyone who hadn't walked the same gilded paths. She really thought that a marriage outside of their elite group would hurt the family's carefully built image. She couldn't even imagine a situation in which someone from a "normal" background could meet the high standards of a Liang family matriarch.
She didn't know that her grandfather, Grandfather Liang Zhong, thought differently. But for the time being, Wang Xiu was still very sure of her own judgment. She subtly guided conversations, planned social events, and told Ying Yue about Liang Chen's good qualities, all while hoping that her son would eventually see the perfect match right in front of him. Even though her actions seemed kind, they were part of a bigger plan to keep him in power and the family in charge. She didn't know that something was about to happen that would challenge everything she believed in.