Chapter 6: The Unmasking
Bai Ning regretted attending the banquet
the boredom was unbearable.
She considered leaving, but before she could, Zhang Wan'er and her friends approached. Zhang Wan'er, feigning ignorance of their earlier encounter in the restroom, smiled sweetly.
"This must be Bai Ning, QingFeng's fiancée," Zhang Wan'er said to Bai Ning's mother-in-law. Turning to Bai Ning, she added, "Ms. Bai, nice to meet you. I'm Zhang Wan'er."
Zhang Wan'er exuded the air of a sophisticated heiress, graceful and poised. In contrast, Bai Ning's mother-in-law's blatant disregard for Zhang Wan'er seemed rude. Her mother-in-law glared at Bai Ning before smiling at Zhang Wan'er.
"Wan'er, ignore her," her mother-in-law said dismissively. "She's from the countryside; she doesn't know any manners."
Zhang Wan'er, ever the diplomat, responded, "It's alright, Mother. I heard Ms. Bai is incredibly talented. There's a piano on stage; perhaps we could have a little… competition?"
Bai Ning's eyes narrowed. The rumor mill painted her as an uncouth country bumpkin. Where had Zhang Wan'er heard about her musical talents? This was clearly a setup.
Without waiting for Bai Ning's response, Zhang Wan'er glided to the piano. As the daughter of a prominent family and Qin Feng's childhood sweetheart, all eyes were on her. She played a technically brilliant piece, receiving thunderous applause.
As she descended from the stage, one of her friends chimed in, "Wan'er, you call that playing? Ms. Bai, why aren't you up there? Don't tell me you can't play! The fiancée of Mr. Qing who can't play the piano? That's a good laugh!"
The whispers and snickers rippled through the crowd. Bai Ning's mother-in-law was mortified. Bai Ning, however, simply smiled.
"Playing the piano at a banquet feels like performing for tips," she stated calmly. "But since you insist, I'll play."
She set down her drink and walked to the piano with an elegant grace. She chose the same piece as Zhang Wan'er, a piece designed to expose any weakness. Zhang Wan'er's attempt to humiliate her backfired spectacularly. Bai Ning, having achieved Grade 10 in piano at the age of ten, played with a skill far surpassing Zhang Wan'er's.
The beautiful melody filled the room, guests spontaneously beginning to dance. Those who understood music recognized the superior skill and artistry in Bai Ning's performance. Even Qin Feng, who was greeting guests, was stunned. He watched, captivated, as the woman in the pale blue gown, her wavy hair cascading down her neck, played with her eyes closed, her beauty breathtaking.
Zhang Wan'er felt as though she'd been slapped. Bai Ning not only could play, but she played better than her? It was impossible.
When Bai Ning finished, the applause was even more fervent.
"Ms. Bai, your talent is extraordinary," Zhang Wan'er said, her voice strained, though her words were gracious. The sting of defeat was palpable. She, Zhang Wan'er, had been outdone by a country girl.
"Ms. Zhang played very well, too," Bai Ning replied, her tone polite but distant.
Just then, a man in a black suit approached. It was Li, the estate's butler. Bai Ning's carefully constructed façade threatened to crumble. Li didn't speak to her, instead addressing Qin Feng and his mother.
"Mr. and Mrs. Qin," Li announced, "I'm Li Fei, the Bai family butler. My apologies, but the master is unwell and I'm attending the banquet in his stead."
Bai Ning's mother-in-law rushed forward, her concern evident. The exchange revealed the close relationship between the Bai and Qin families, once titans of the business world. Though the Bai family patriarch had retired years ago, their influence remained considerable.
Li Fei presented lavish gifts—a priceless painting, a plot of land worth over a hundred million, and more. Bai Ning winced inwardly. All that money, going to the Qins. She was relieved Li hadn't exposed her.
Zhang Wan'er's friends, however, were less discreet.
"The Bai family is certainly generous," one of them remarked. "Wan'er, I heard you met the Bai family granddaughter at the Paris Fashion Show!"
The Bai family's granddaughter was a legend, rarely seen or spoken of.
Zhang Wan'er nodded, "Yes, she's beautiful."
"And Wan'er even got her WeChat!" another friend exclaimed. "Ms. Bai said to look her up when she comes to City A!"
Bai Ning raised an eyebrow, her gaze settling on Zhang Wan'er. Zhang Wan'er returned her look, a flicker of unease in her eyes.
"What is it, Ms. Bai?" Zhang Wan'er asked, her voice slightly shaky.
"You met the Bai family granddaughter?" Bai Ning asked, her tone deceptively casual.
"Yes," Zhang Wan'er replied, her confidence waning.
"Wow, Wan'er, you're so amazing!" her friend gushed. "Compared to you, Ms. Bai, you're just a country bumpkin!"
Bai Ning smiled, a subtle, knowing smile. Zhang Wan'er's unease deepened. Could Bai Ning know she'd fabricated the encounter?
Bai Ning sighed, a hint of mockery in her tone, and walked away. Zhang Wan'er felt a surge of panic. The feeling intensified into anger. A country bumpkin acting so superior, when she had nothing to back it up.
Bai Ning found a quiet corner, sipping a sweet wine. She felt a gaze upon her and, looking up, met Qin Feng's eyes. He'd been watching her since her piano performance, his curiosity piqued by her unexpected skill and composed demeanor. Bai Ning, however, merely glanced at him before looking away.
Qin Feng felt a strange mixture of frustration and intrigue. Bai Ning, in her quiet corner, smiled to herself. She knew what he was thinking, the surprise and perhaps even a touch of resentment at being proven wrong. She had no interest in men like him. These three months would be a game, a test of patience. Then she would be free.