Transmigrating Into A Sadistic Novel And Becoming A Master Of Painting Rosy Pictures - Chapter 41

Logically, Bian Yingning should be present at a Bian family banquet.

Shang Qingfeng didn’t lower his voice. As soon as he spoke, Shang Qinghui, who had been playing on her phone, stopped. Even the Duanmu siblings looked over.

Hua Cancan sensed everyone was waiting for her answer.

After a moment’s thought, Hua Cancan remained calm. “She’s busy with things…”

Bian’s father was on the judges’ panel, Bian’s mother was greeting guests, leaving Bian Yingning to handle everything else.

Hearing Hua Cancan, Duanmu Zhengjie recalled Bian Yingning cooking for her. Her silly smile made Duanmu Zhengjie smile now.

She still craved that simple stir-fried noodle dish.

An unexpected thought arose—how wonderful it would be if she could cook for me all the time.

“Sister?” Duanmu Zhenghao called again. She snapped back. “Yes, what?”

“I’ll go find Ningning.” Duanmu Zhenghao stood up.

Everyone at the table looked at him.

Duanmu Zhenghao, under everyone’s gaze: ? Why are they all looking at me?  Am I not allowed to move now??

A dark glint flashed across Nangong Jin’s face.

When did Bian Yingning become close to the Duanmu family?

“Are you close to Miss Bian, Young Master Duanmu?” Nangong Jin asked.

Duanmu Zhenghao felt this was a provocation. He was also unhappy with Nangong Jin’s attitude towards his sister, so he didn’t hold back.

Duanmu Zhenghao smiled brightly. “Ningning and I get along well. People of the same age have more in common, after all.”

This was a subtle dig at Nangong Jin’s age.

After he spoke, Nangong Jin’s face didn’t change, but Hua Cancan and Shang Qinghui’s faces darkened. Shang Qinghui looked up from her phone at Duanmu Zhenghao.

Was Bian Yingning this amazing? Academics, career… now even love?

Feeling suffocated, Shang Qinghui stood up abruptly. “I’ll go to the restroom.” Then she left.

Hua Cancan scrutinized Duanmu Zhenghao. “When did you become acquainted with Bian Yingning? I hang out with her every day and didn’t know about it.”

She wasn’t questioning him; she was simply asking.

Hua Cancan gritted her teeth.

First, Ji Xiaoxue, then Shang Qinghui acting strangely, and now Duanmu Zhenghao, who “gets along well” with Bian Yingning.

Bian Yingning! She thought she was introverted and didn’t like making friends.

A feeling that Hua Cancan unique position was threatened arose.

Duanmu Zhenghao had heard about Hua Cancan and Bian Yingning’s relationship. His attitude was better than Nangong Jin’s. “We just met recently. We hit it off immediately.”

What a coincidence.

“Right.”

Hua Cancan’s smile was calm, but her heart was furious.

Good. Bian Yingning, another “data point” I’ve made note of.

Going to the restroom was an excuse. Shang Qinghui wanted some fresh air. Walking past the banquet hall, she saw Bian Yingning’s back.

Although it was just a silhouette from behind, she still recognized her.

Two uniformed men, probably managers, were listening to Bian Yingning’s reprimand.

“I told you to prepare everything! This isn’t something you can just rush through.

You didn’t check the ingredients, and now you tell me they’re bad right before the competition. Is this something you can just grab from the market?”

Bian Yingning’s voice wasn’t loud, but her tone was icy, showing her suppressed anger.

She wore a light pink suit, looking clean and sharp. Shang Qinghui almost didn’t recognize her.

Bian Yingning spoke for a few more moments, then said, “Since you didn’t solve this problem before the competition, one of you is fired tonight, and you’re both out of a job.”

This was a dismissal.

The two men were sweating profusely, their heads bowed low, unable to speak.

Bian Yingning turned, her usually lazy or smiling eyes now cold. Shang Qinghui met her gaze.

Both froze.

Then Bian Yingning smiled, the coldness gone, walking towards her, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes.

This made Shang Qinghui uneasy.

“I wasn’t… eavesdropping intentionally.” Shang Qinghui tried to act calm.

Bian Yingning grabbed her face, leaning close. “Not intentionally? Then it was intentional?”

Shang Qinghui pushed her away. “Don’t accuse me falsely. I was just passing by… Why didn’t you find a better place to talk?”

Bian Yingning clasped her hands, her fingers rubbing together, seemingly savoring the moment.

“But this place is mine,” Bian Yingning glanced at Shang Qinghui.

Perhaps because of her suit, Shang Qinghui felt inferior.

She raised her head, trying to appear imposing. “Didn’t you invite me?”

“Heh,” Bian Yingning chuckled, patting her face again. “You came because I invited you. Weren’t you afraid you couldn’t leave?”

They had so much history. Bian Yingning could easily add something to her food, and Shang Qinghui would be at her mercy.

“What do you mean?” Shang Qinghui stepped back. “Don’t take advantage of my guilt!”

“The fact that I bought the lotus root cakes you asked me to buy were actually for Hua Cancan.”

This angered her.

“And you’re amazing. You became close to Duanmu Zhenghao so quickly.”

Bian Yingning folded her arms. Shang Qinghui was not only arrogant but also easily angered.

“What? You care?”

“What’s wrong with buying them for Hua Cancan? You said you owed me and wanted to atone. Why should I buy them myself? Free labor is good, right?”

Shang Qinghui: …Free labor?

Since Shang Qinghui felt guilty for hurting Bian Yingning, she didn’t dare to be too arrogant.

And Bian Yingning was now sharp-tongued and unapologetic. Shang Qinghui often felt she lost arguments because of her poor eloquence.

“As for Duanmu Zhenghao…” Shang Qinghui stepped back, but Bian Yingning stepped closer, closing the distance.

She wore silver high heels, each step making a crisp sound. Shang Qinghui’s heart pounded with each step.

“Don’t tell me you like him?”

Shang Qinghui: !

“Who likes him… You like him… Think I’ll compete with you? I just want to say you’re skillful.”

Bian Yingning moved closer, and Shang Qinghui backed into a corner. Bian Yingning leaned against the wall beside Shang Qinghui’s ear, making Shang Qinghui gasp.

When I felt guilty towards my longtime rival, she cornered me.

“What are you doing, Bian Yingning?!”

Shang Qinghui struggled anxiously.

Bian Yingning smiled, her features sharp and captivating.

She said casually, “You look scared. You’re this guilty about slapping me?”

Shang Qinghui swallowed, her ears reddening.

From anger and anxiety.

“I’m not shameless like you. I’d face my mistakes… That shows I’m kind!” Shang Qinghui tried to appear imposing.

Bian Yingning raised her other hand and flicked her forehead.

“Ah…” Shang Qinghui closed her eyes, covering the spot. It wasn’t painful, but the touch was clear.

“Kind princess, remember to unblock me.”

Bian Yingning straightened up and left without hesitation.

Shang Qinghui touched her forehead, staring at her departing back.

Huh, she’s gone?

The two managers were also gone.

…

Bian Yingning was happy.

Managing such a large banquet was stressful. Her subordinates made mistakes, making her furious.

Then Shang Qinghui appeared.

She declared Shang Qinghui her stress reliever.

Seeing a proud girl getting angry but unable to do anything was satisfying.

Bian Yingning put away her smile and answered her phone.

Duanmu Zhenghao hadn’t found Bian Yingning but saw Shang Qinghui with a pouty face. He greeted her. “Miss Shang, have you seen Ningning?”

Shang Qinghui looked up, her anger subsiding.

She remembered Bian Yingning hadn’t answered about Duanmu Zhenghao.

Not answering was an answer.

It seemed Bian Yingning liked Duanmu Zhenghao.

“Why are you looking for her?” Shang Qinghui asked bluntly.

Duanmu Zhenghao smiled. “Nothing. I wanted to greet her.”

“Greet her,” Shang Qinghui drawled, piquing Duanmu Zhenghao’s curiosity. “She’s probably busy. I saw her scolding her employees. It was terrifying.”

She shrugged, feigning shock.

Duanmu Zhenghao was startled. “No way. Ningning… is gentle.”

Thinking of Bian Yingning’s smirk and forceful actions, Shang Qinghui rubbed her cheek.

“Gentle? Don’t be fooled by her act. Ask around at our school. Bian Yingning’s reputation… is infamous.”

Duanmu Zhenghao was doubtful. “Is there a misunderstanding between you and Ningning?”

“No misunderstanding. We just clash.”

Shang Qinghui returned to her seat without saying more.

Clash? Duanmu Zhenghao touched his nose.

He’d heard about Bian Yingning, but she seemed nice. His sister, after going to buy food with her, said, ” She’s good.”

Rumors weren’t reliable.

Perhaps Shang Qinghui was slandering Bian Yingning.

This Shang family Miss was ruthless.

As Duanmu Zhenghao pondered, the host’s voice boomed, “Let’s welcome tonight’s hostess, Bian Yingning!”

“Miss Bian will announce the start of the celebration!”

The audience was in an uproar.

“What? The hostess? What does the Bian family mean?”

“My god, does this mean Bian Yingning will take over the Bian family?”

“Impossible. Bian Jiageng is still alive. Why would they give the family to Bian Yingning so quickly?”

“Even if it’s not full control, she’s taking partial control. The Bian family will let their daughter take over.”

Bian Yingning heard the murmurs. She took a deep breath, smiling politely.

“Welcome to the Bian family’s tenth-anniversary celebration…”

Hundreds of tables of influential people were present. Bian Yingning exchanged glances with her mother and father, Bian Jiageng.

“The Bian family strives to provide exquisite food, delicious meals, and comfortable accommodations. From Chinese to Western cuisine, we are open-minded and humble…”

“This celebration is not only to celebrate our ten years in Western cuisine but also to choose the next head chef.”

The competition among chefs was fierce. There were four head chefs, each managing a region.

They often disagreed on major decisions.

This bothered Bian’s father. Bian Yingning suggested a competition to determine the best chef.

This would also boost the Bian family’s reputation.

Solving internal problems and promoting their brand simultaneously.

Bian Yingning spoke briefly and announced the start of the banquet and competition.

“…Thank you for supporting the Bian family and… me.”

Shang Qinghui’s table was behind the judges’ table, close to the stage. They could see Bian Yingning’s every expression.

Shang Qingfeng looked at Bian Yingning, who had the air of a businesswoman. “It seems Miss Bian will truly take over the Bian family.”

This meant a marriage between them was unlikely.

Nangong Jin stared intently at Bian Yingning.

Something was wrong. In his previous life, Bian Yingning didn’t take over the family until his Nangong family surpassed the three major families.

This was different!

Bian Yingning.

Everything changed when he first met Ji Xiaoxue.

In his previous life, only he and Shang Qinghui met Ji Xiaoxue on the first day of school. Bian Yingning wasn’t there. Something was wrong with Bian Yingning!

Nangong Jin’s chest heaved. He wanted to strangle Bian Yingning to prevent her from ruining his plans.

He had memories from his previous life.

He had been reborn.

His memory stopped at Ji Xiaoxue’s death.

She was fifty, her face still recognizable, but her hair was white.

She lay dying, smiling faintly. “Nangong Jin, this life was hard. If I hadn’t met you…

If I hadn’t met you, I wouldn’t have been entangled with you, wouldn’t have left because of your actions, wouldn’t have missed my mother’s deathbed.

Was I happy? Perhaps.

But if I could redo it, I wish none of this had happened.”

He was heartbroken, unable to believe his wife’s last words.

Nangong Jin collapsed at Ji Xiaoxue’s bedside.

When he woke up, he was still Nangong Jin.

He was reborn after the Duanmu family’s eldest son’s engagement party.

In this world, Nangong Jin was about to send Bian Yingning home, Shang Qinghui had just asked about his feelings, and he found Bian Yingning interesting…

Then, his car skidded and hit a railing. He was unharmed, but he was back in his prime.

This time, he wanted to win Ji Xiaoxue’s affection differently.

He had someone destroy Shang Qinghui’s dance costume.

He had someone destroy the security cameras.

He closely monitored Ji Xiaoxue, knowing she was competing. He thought her biggest rival was Shang Qinghui.

He asked judges who would win, and they said Shang Qinghui had a higher chance.

But Shang Qinghui, despite his sabotage, still had a costume and performed better than before.

Ji Xiaoxue didn’t even make the top three.

Many things were different. Ji Xiaoxue’s brother was sick, but she didn’t need money. He was afraid of using the wrong methods again.

Then she sent him to the police station.

She didn’t know how much it hurt him to see her cold and angry.

She had no way of knowing.

He was sure Shang Qinghui and Duanmu Zhengjie were different because of Bian Yingning.

Was she also reborn? What was her purpose…

He thought he had the advantage, but perhaps he didn’t.

…

The host announced the first dish, and the four chefs appeared. The competition began.

The competition dishes were only for the judges.

Waiters served dishes, including the competition dishes.

Bian Yingning came down. Hua Cancan gestured to her seat.Bian Yingning smiled and started to walk over, then stopped short as she saw who was sitting at the table.

The seating order was: Hua Cancan, Shang Qingfeng, Shang Qinghui, then Nangong Jin, Duanmu Zhenghao, Duanmu Zhengjie.

Bian Yingning: …Why are all these people familiar?

Maybe she should just go cook.

“Come here, what are you doing?” Hua Cancan smiled slyly, patting the chair beside her.

Would anyone believe me if I said I needed to leave?

Bian Yingning cautiously sat between Hua Cancan and Duanmu Zhengjie. Hua Cancan pinched her waist.

Hua Cancan leaned against Bian Yingning, smiling. “Good sister, I didn’t know you and Young Master Duanmu hit it off.”

Bian Yingning calmly raised her glass, but her hand trembled.

“It was just these past two days. I haven’t had time to tell you.”

“Right,” Hua Cancan lowered her voice, drawing out her words, sounding sweet and seductive, but Bian Yingning felt immense pressure. Her waist was probably bruised.

“But we live, eat, study, shop, and play together… for this three or four days. How come I didn’t know?”

“Then… I got it wrong. It was two days ago, plus two more days.”

“Heh,” Hua Cancan sat up straight, releasing her grip. “”Looks like I need to buy you some more walnut-shaped pastries to supplement your brainpower. What do you think?”

“I… I think it’s good.”

Only some of their conversation was heard. They seemed to be chatting happily.

Bian Yingning changed the subject. “Sorry, I’ve been busy. Try the food. Let me know what you think.”

Duanmu Zhengjie picked up her chopsticks. “Actually, I prefer the noodles you cooked for me.”

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