CHAPTER 25: 022 CALLING THE THIEF TO CATCH THE THIEF

Yun Ya picked herself up from the ground, her palm grazed, her Crown having fallen from her head, looking somewhat disheveled.

She looked up at Kang Jinse, with a watery shimmer in her eyes, defiantly holding back her tears, appearing pitifully woeful.

"Aunt Jiang, I know you don’t like me and my brother, but that doesn’t mean you can falsely accuse me of stealing. Grandfather and mother have taught me to be upright and honorable, and that theft is the act of a scoundrel; I’ve always remembered their words." The little girl stood there, fragile and slender, yet like a poplar tree amidst the snow, possessing an inner strength and grandeur.

The people present couldn’t help but think of Ji Huaixi, whose reputation as a philanthropic entrepreneur wasn’t unfounded; his character was truly impeccable, and this granddaughter of his seemed to inherit his integrity, though these words didn’t seem like something a five-year-old would say.

Some people’s looks toward Kang Jinse shifted, slander against a five-year-old girl in front of such a large crowd was really too shameful, treating them all like fools.

Kang Jinse shook her head in disappointment, "Yun Ya, I didn’t expect you to remain unrepentant. All you have to do is apologize to Auntie and promise not to do it again, and I will forgive you. After all, you’re just a child; if your sister has not taught you well, I will take good care of you in the future."

Who do you think you are? Yun Ya sneered in her heart, assuming the role of a stepmother so readily. Today, I’m going to tarnish your reputation and kick you out of high society once and for all.

"Since you claim the ring was a betrothal gift from my father, it must be very precious. How would I know where it is? Moreover, if I were to steal it, why would I do it at a crowded party rather than at home? Do I really look that stupid?" she asked, blinking her eyes, looking adorably innocent.

Kang Jinse had thought Yun Ya, the little girl, would be caught red-handed, with no words to defend herself and ready for the accusation, but she truly hadn’t expected the girl to make such a coherent argument, leaving her, instead, speechless.

Many looked at Yun Ya with changed eyes, finding the little girl very clever.

"Yun Ya, Auntie knows you’re smart, but if you don’t use your smarts for good, they will only harm you. Just admit your mistake, and Auntie won’t pursue it any further. So many people are watching, and Auntie needs to save face," she implored.

If I weren’t clever, you would have already tricked me to death.

Yun Ya pursed her lips, just about to speak when Zhuang Xiyue suddenly interjected with a cold laugh, "Miss Kang, the facts are quite clear. I’m giving Mr. Yun some face by trying not to make the scene too embarrassing."

Kang Jinse’s brows furrowed. Her plan had not gone as smoothly as she hoped, and she felt uneasy, but with so many eyes on her, she couldn’t back down. No matter what, the blame would be pinned on Yun Ya.

"What do you mean, Lady Yan?" she thought resentfully, despising the woman who was clearly siding with Yun Ya.

Zhuang Xiyue’s gaze had a sharp, mocking edge, "Do I need to spell it out any more clearly? I just don’t want Mr. Yun and you to be put in an awkward position."

In the crowd, Bai Ran swirled a glass of red wine, huffing, "A thief crying ’stop thief,’ truly befitting of someone from the entertainment industry. Such acting talents wasted without an Oscar is a real shame."

Kang Jinse’s gaze fell on the distinctly noticeable woman in the crowd, wishing she could tear her apart.

Bai Ran raised an eyebrow, gesturing a toast to her from afar, her beautiful features blossoming into a mocking smile, brimming with arrogance.

"Tsk tsk, setting herself up as the stepmother before the ink is even dry, what a pitiable little girl," she commented.

Yun Ya’s gaze swept past Bai Ran without betraying his emotions. Their eyes crossed paths in midair, touching briefly like a dragonfly skimming water, before Yun Ya quickly withdrew his gaze.

Bai Ran curled his lips slightly, "Quite interesting, little girl."

Bai Ran’s words successfully incited the crowd’s dissatisfaction with Kang Jinse. She was but a second-rate actress, who could only stand here because of Yun Shen’s connections. Otherwise, what qualifications would she have to stand alongside them?

"Country bumpkins just can’t make it to the big stage."

"Exactly, to use such vicious means against a five-year-old girl is simply appalling. I’ve heard she’s even moved into their house, and God knows how she bullies those siblings."

"Absolutely shameless. Put plainly, she’s a mistress. With Yun Shen’s status, he is bound to marry a lady from a prominent family in the future. What is she considered?" The harsh insults reached Kang Jinse’s ears. Her face turned white with anger, but she had to endure, and her expression became hideous with restraint.

"Aunt Jiang, I don’t blame you. Actually, it’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have mentioned my mother in front of you...." Yun Ya approached her, trying to take her hand, but seeing the smile on Ji Yunya’s face, Kang Jinse distinctly perceived malicious glee in his eyes—mockery, disdain, pity...

Kang Jinse’s blood boiled with indignation. She had continually underestimated Ji Yunya. The previously quiet man was just lying in wait to bite her.

Yun Ya’s smile deeply wounded her. In a moment of heated anger, just as Yun Ya reached out, she suddenly pushed him.

Yun Ya fell to the ground harshly, scratching his arm badly, yet he bore the pain without crying, looking pitiful indeed.

Having just slandered and now resorting to violence, Kang Jinse really did have some nerve.

Zhuang Xiyue was showing respect to Yun Shen, which was why she hadn’t exposed Kang Jinse on the spot. To think that the latter wouldn’t repent and even dared to lay hands on Yun Ya. Zhuang Xiyue walked over and helped Yun Ya up. Seeing the blood on her arm, the little girl bit her lip and kept silent. Zhuang Xiyue felt both anger and heartache.

She stood up and walked straight toward Kang Jinse, delivering a resounding slap to her face with a "slap."

Though Zhuang Xiyue appeared slender, she actually possessed considerable strength among women. The full force of her slap left Kang Jinse dizzy.

Zhuang Xiyue, usually demure and reserved, now radiated an awe-inspiring presence that was startlingly impressive, evoking a mix of admiration and fear.

It took a moment for Kang Jinse to come to her senses, clutching her face in disbelief, "You hit me?"

Zhuang Xiyue scoffed, "Yes, I hit you. This is my party, not a place for jesters like you to jump around. I was giving Mr. Yun face earlier, but since you can’t understand human language, why should I offer you any respect?"

With a swift move, she snatched Kang Jinse’s purse, opened it, and dumped everything inside out onto the floor—lipstick, compact, cell phone, wet wipes, and other essentials fell to the ground.

Accompanied by a crisp sound, a silver ring rolled and stopped at Kang Jinse’s feet.