Ling Tianya's question unnerved Ling Yuqing a little.
Could it be that she already knew? Ling Yuqing started to fluster.
It was impossible, because of how much they had messed up when Ling Yuqing had to kneel. Ling Yuqing and Qu Wan had been extra careful that time, and she didn't believe that Ling Tianya would feel that something was up even before it had happened!
Besides, she had planned to completely remove herself from the situation that time, so even if anything happened to Ling Tianya later, it would not be traced back to Ling Yuqing at all.
With that in mind, Ling Yuqing gradually calmed down, continuing to smile naturally, "How could I know that you would come, Sis? You didn't tell me either-"
Ling Yuqing's tone seemed to be grumbling about Ling Tianya, but at the same time showing that they were sisters that had a great relationship, using affectionate names with each other.
Ling Yuqing's was doing it for the outside world to see. She wanted everyone to think that as sisters, they had a great relationship, and it wasn't like the rumors that were spreading out there.
Unfortunately, Ling Tianya didn't want to adhere to Ling Yuqing's wishes and actions, coldly taking back her arm that Ling Yuqing was cradling. "I don't think we're that close to each other. Why not just call me by my name? Hearing you call me 'Sis' is a little uncomfortable."
Ling Yuqing stiffened, her face flushing in embarrassment. She had wanted to flatter Ling Tianya, who knew that the bitch didn't actually appreciate it! Did she want her to be a laughing stock that much? See if she can still laugh after that day!
Ling Tianya no longer paid any attention to the two-faced Ling Yuqing, picking up the teapot on the table she walked to Miss Gao, politely pouring her a cup of tea. "Miss, what would you like to order? Please don't stand on ceremony, let me give you a chance to repay you!"
Ling Tianya had a pleasant smile on her face, and her tone was light and carefree too, it was obvious that she had said it from the bottom of her heart. Miss Gao couldn't mirror Ling Tianya's ease, her expression was unnatural, her heart thundering away.
She had received a huge monetary incentive from Qu Wan, so she had taken great care of Ling Yuqing, but also given Ling Tianya a fair bit of trouble. If not for her assistance as the class's homeroom teacher, the other students would never be so brazen in their ostracizing of Ling Tianya either.
Seeing how much Ling Tianya had achieved and succeeded, Ms Gao started to fear for herself.
She should have known that she would receive karma for what she had done. She had been blinded by the money back then, and had forgotten the fact that Ling Tianya was the true, biological daughter of the Ling family.
"Uhm… Hehe, good, good..." Miss Gao forced herself to squeeze out at least a smile, "Seeing you all do so well today is the greatest repayment I can get..."
Miss Gao wasn't even too confident in her words as she said them.
In the short interlude, everyone's impression of Ling Tianya had done a complete one-eighty. Ling Yuqing sulkily watched as everyone that had been her most enthusiastic bootlickers now flitted around Ling Tianya, absolutely crestfallen.
"Hey... My apologies, I suddenly remembered that I have something going on, I'll be taking my leave first." Not long after the gathering had started, Ling Yuqing found a easy reason to leave.
Everyone asked her to stay out of pure courtesy, before leaving her alone to leave. It was the first time that Ling Yuqing was overlooked like that. During the previous gatherings, which of them weren't begging with their whole selves for her to stay?
Of course, she was rich back then, and the Ling family was doing well. If she stayed, it meant that there was someone around to pick up the bill.
The real daughter Ling Tianya is there and she had generously paid upfront without anyone even asking her too, she was a lot stronger than Ling Yuqing on that end.
In the end, no one noticed when Ling Yuqing had actually left.
Ling Tianya was quite surprised about Ling Yuqing's departure.
Why did she leave just like that? Didn't she want to take revenge on her?
Miss Gao's discomfort with the situation caused the gathering to end a lot earlier than usual.
Just as Ling Tianya was intending to leave, she was stopped by Xin Xin.
She was direct with asking Ling Tianya to catch up in private, since they had not seen each other for a long time.
Ling Tianya couldn't think of any reason to reject her. She had been really nice to her back when she was still schooling.
When Ling Tianya followed Xin Xin to the KTV room, there was something not quite right.
In the room, sat several men!