After Mistaking My Stepsister’s First Love - Chapter 61

At this point, Ye Shuyao knew there was no chance left for reconciliation with Ye Wenjin.

Even though she genuinely wanted to mend their relationship, the opportunity had vanished the moment Yin Yu accepted Jian Mo’s compensation on her behalf.

Whenever Ye Shuyao thought of Ye Wenjin, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of resentment toward Yin Yu.

She blamed Yin Yu for making such a hasty decision, leaving her no room to hesitate.

Yet, from beginning to end, she never once considered her own role in the matter.

When Yin Yu negotiated with Jian Mo, she hadn’t objected either.

It was simply easier to push the blame onto someone else than to bear it alone.

But when she saw Ye Wenjin again, Ye Shuyao felt a pang of guilt. She couldn’t bring herself to look at her, afraid to see even a hint of accusation in Ye Wenjin’s expression.

Yet Ye Wenjin showed no reaction at all—no resentment, no hatred. She merely glanced past Ye Shuyao calmly, as if she were a stranger.

By the time the two arrived, the banquet hadn’t officially begun, but whether it had started or not didn’t affect the socializing. With just a casual glance, Ye Wenjin could see small groups gathered together in conversation.

However, it wasn’t long before the banquet was declared open.

The evening’s program alternated between auctions and song-and-dance performances to liven the atmosphere and warm up the crowd.

But for Ye Wenjin, the auction was merely a curiosity. She didn’t recognize most of the items up for bid and could only gauge their rarity by the prices others called out.

Occasionally, if something piqued her interest, she would ask Jian Mo about it—but nothing more.

After a few rounds, Jian Mo turned to her thoughtfully and asked, “Xiao Jin, is there nothing you like?”

It was because Ye Wenjin only occasionally inquired about items but never showed any intention to bid. Though she seemed engaged, her interest was purely out of curiosity.

If this continued, they might leave empty-handed. Jian Mo had a hunch about her hesitation, so she decided to ask directly.

Ye Wenjin shook her head and replied softly, “Just looking is enough. I don’t think I’d have much use for any of these, and…” She smiled sheepishly. “The prices are too high.”

Hearing this, Jian Mo sighed inwardly—just as she’d suspected. With an amused chuckle, she said, “Don’t worry about the price. If there’s anything you like, just raise the paddle. Didn’t I say it before? What’s mine is yours.”

Ye Wenjin’s fingers curled slightly, her heart pounding.

She knew Jian Mo wasn’t joking, but she couldn’t get past her own reservations. She had come to the banquet just to broaden her horizons, never intending to actually bid on anything.

Besides, compared to the auction, the song-and-dance performances held far more appeal for her. She couldn’t help but imagine how well she could perform if given the chance.

Most of the stars and artists performing were people she had only ever seen on TV—aside from Mei Yan, she had never met any of them in person.

Seeing so many up close now, it was hard not to feel excited.

So when the next item went up for auction and Jian Mo placed a bid, Ye Wenjin didn’t react at first, thinking she must have misheard.

But when Jian Mo raised the paddle a second time, Ye Wenjin suddenly realized what was happening and turned to her in surprise. “Sister? Do you like that item?”

Jian Mo shook her head gently. “It’s for you.”

Ye Wenjin froze suddenly. “But I didn’t think—”

Jian Mo patted her hand lightly and said softly, “Xiao Jin, since we were invited here, it wouldn’t be right not to raise our bid at all. Besides, the proceeds from the auction will go to charity. Don’t feel burdened.”

Ye Wenjin had originally thought that if neither of them fancied anything, they wouldn’t need to participate in the bidding. But Jian Mo’s words made her realize she had been too naive.

The auction at the charity gala was an essential part of fundraising, and it was only right for her sister to take part.

What she didn’t know, however, was that donations could also be made directly without bidding.

But Jian Mo hadn’t chosen to donate outright because she had indeed taken a liking to one of the auction items.

It was a sapphire necklace—serene and beautiful. The moment Jian Mo saw it, she felt it would suit Ye Wenjin perfectly, so she didn’t hesitate to place a bid.

Since their marriage, Jian Mo hadn’t really given Ye Wenjin any gifts. The moment she saw the necklace, she immediately thought of her.

Yet Ye Wenjin didn’t even process Jian Mo’s words about the item being for her. She just stared blankly as Jian Mo calmly raised the bid.

In the blink of an eye, the price of the necklace had doubled.

Ye Wenjin gasped. The brief auction had her heart racing, and for the first time, she truly grasped that Jian Mo was wealthy.

She had never seen Jian Mo like this before—casually spending hundreds of thousands without batting an eye.

Nor had she ever understood the scope of her company’s operations or how large it was. But now, it finally felt real.

Several times, Ye Wenjin wanted to suggest they stop bidding, but each time she hesitated, Jian Mo’s bids came faster than her words.

And besides… Jian Mo seemed genuinely happy.

Ye Wenjin couldn’t bring herself to interrupt. Perhaps this was just a level of indulgence she couldn’t comprehend—spending money for joy.

In the end, Jian Mo won the necklace at a staggering price. The moment the hammer fell, Ye Wenjin was stunned.

“Sister, isn’t this price too high?!”

It was just a necklace—it really wasn’t worth this much!

Ye Wenjin thought in disbelief, her face frozen in shock.

But Jian Mo remained unfazed and said gently, “Xiao Jin, to me, the meaning behind the necklace is what matters most. It’s worth this price.”

Ye Wenjin was bewildered. What meaning could this necklace possibly hold?

But Jian Mo didn’t elaborate further, so Ye Wenjin had no choice but to suppress her confusion for now.

All around them, people kept congratulating Jian Mo on acquiring such a treasure.

It was then that Ye Wenjin learned the price wasn’t even considered high.

The last time this necklace had been auctioned, it had sold for hundreds of thousands more. Not only was it beautiful, but it was also designed by a world-renowned designer, making it highly collectible.

Under normal circumstances, the necklace wouldn’t have sold for such a “low” price.

The only reason Jian Mo secured it at this cost was because she was Jian Mo.

Knowing it was something she wanted, everyone was willing to give her face.

Ye Wenjin suddenly didn’t know how to describe her emotions at that moment. She exhaled slowly.

She could feel more eyes gathering on her.

The envious and jealous gazes made her skin crawl, and Ye Wenjin’s expression gradually tightened.

Because she knew that now, she wasn’t just Ye Wenjin—she was also Jian Mo’s wife. To a certain extent, her every action represented Jian Mo.

So she absolutely couldn’t embarrass herself…

Ye Wenjin struggled to keep her expression composed, but out of the corner of her eye, she caught Jian Mo’s lips curving upward, nearly making her lose her composure.

“Jiejie—”

She called out softly, her eyes carrying a hint of reproach.

Jian Mo’s smile deepened. “Xiao Jin is so adorable. But you don’t have to force yourself—they wouldn’t dare say anything.”

Ye Wenjin knew those people wouldn’t dare say anything to her face, but behind her back was another matter.

She didn’t want Jian Mo to be badmouthed in secret.

Jian Mo chuckled softly and said gently, “Xiao Jin, you have to understand—when a person is strong enough, everyone will show kindness in front of you. As for what they think behind my back, I don’t care. It doesn’t matter.”

Ye Wenjin’s heart trembled, and her shoulders slowly relaxed. “I understand, Jiejie.”

Because of Jian Mo’s words, Ye Wenjin gradually ignored the surrounding gazes. And then she realized—as long as she didn’t care, the stares of others couldn’t affect her.

To onlookers, her reaction only reinforced the impression: As expected of someone Jian Mo favors, remaining unruffled even in such an environment.

Sometimes, there was no need to deliberately prove anything. The more indifferent one was, the more surprising the effect.

However, Yin Feifei watched this scene with undisguised resentment and malice in her eyes. Then, her gaze shifted, and when she caught sight of a certain figure, a smile surfaced on her face.

The auction didn’t last too long, and Ye Wenjin let out a sigh of relief when it ended.

She thought they could finally leave, but as soon as they stood up, they were immediately surrounded again.

Watching Jian Mo converse with the guests and drink quite a bit, Ye Wenjin grew a little worried. Fortunately, Jian Mo knew her limits, refusing several toasts, and no one dared to push further.

Ye Wenjin understood—this was Jian Mo’s confidence. So she relaxed a little.

Unable to follow their conversation, Ye Wenjin’s mind began to wander.

When she caught sight of Yin Feifei from the corner of her eye, she instinctively wanted to look away—but then she suddenly noticed that Yin Feifei wasn’t alone. There was another person beside her, and a familiar one at that.

How did those two end up together?

Yin Feifei and Tong Tong? Why does this pairing seem so strange?

Ye Wenjin froze, staring at the two chatting and laughing like old friends, her brows unconsciously furrowing.

“Xiao Jin? What’s wrong?”

Hearing Jian Mo’s voice, Ye Wenjin snapped back to reality. “It’s nothing, I just… saw Yin Feifei and Tong Tong together. They seem to be on very good terms.”

Jian Mo’s expression didn’t change. She only said softly, “Perhaps they’ve known each other for a while.”

Hearing this, Ye Wenjin stopped dwelling on it. After all, those two had nothing to do with her.

But just as they were about to leave, Tong Tong suddenly appeared, saying her sister was waiting for Jian Mo and wanted to talk.

Ye Wenjin frowned slightly and glanced at Jian Mo, only to see a thoughtful look in her eyes. She felt a little puzzled.

“Where is she?”

Tong Tong hesitated before answering, “On the balcony outside.”

Without another word, Jian Mo took Ye Wenjin’s hand and headed in that direction.

Tong Tong grew anxious. “Why are you bringing her?”

Jian Mo turned to look at her. “My wife naturally goes wherever I go. Does Miss Tong have any objections?”

Tong Tong: “…N-no, I don’t.”

Jian Mo ignored her and walked straight toward the balcony.

Ye Wenjin was full of doubts but didn’t speak rashly. Only when she saw Tong Yan on the balcony did Jian Mo raise a brow slightly. Turning around, she said, “Xiao Jin, wait here for me. I’ll be back soon.”

Ye Wenjin was taken aback but still nodded obediently, staying put.

Yet, an unavoidable question arose in her heart.

Her sister and Tong Yan—their relationship didn’t seem simple. Weren’t they meeting for the first time?

Could they be… old acquaintances?

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