Zhang Lao's birthday banquet was held at the luxurious Huangting Hotel in City A, attracting prominent figures from all walks of life. Bai Ning, however, disdained such events, only to be dragged out of bed early by Qin Mu. Qin Mu glared at her coldly, "Don't embarrass our Ma family!"
The banquet was a lively affair, brimming with clinking glasses and bustling conversations. Bai Ning, however, found it utterly boring. After glancing at a captivating man who commanded everyone's attention, she excused herself to get some fresh air on the rooftop.
A few steps later, she found her path blocked by a group of women: Zhang Wan'er and her friends. Zhang Wan'er displayed a dazzling diamond ring on her slender finger, enhancing her already elegant appearance. She deliberately glanced at Bai Ning, a smug smile playing on her lips. "See this? Designed by the world-renowned Ada, a limited edition is available globally. My grandfather specially bought it for me from a Parisian auction last year for my birthday."
Wan'er's friend 1: "It's so beautiful!"
Wan'er's friend 2: "Only someone like Wan'er deserves such a precious ring."
Bai Ning found the whole thing tedious. She briefly looked at the ring. It was beautiful, but the diamond was rather small; insignificant compared to those her grandfather had given her.
Bai Ning: "Excuse me, please."
She brushed past them, walking away without a second glance. Behind her, she heard Zhang Wan'er and her friends' sneering remarks.
Zhang Wan'er: "A country bumpkin is a country bumpkin, after all."
After spending some time on the rooftop, Bai Ning returned to the banquet hall. A uniformed waiter pointed at her and shouted,
Waiter: "It's her! I saw her earlier!"
Bai Ning stopped, confused. What was this person's problem? Why was she pointing at her?
Upon hearing this, Zhang Wan'er quickly approached Bai Ning, demanding,
Zhang Wan'er: "Bai Ning, so it was you who stole my diamond ring?!"
Stealing a ring? What nonsense? Bai Ning frowned.
Bai Ning: "What diamond ring?"
Zhang Wan'er's friends surrounded her, showering Bai Ning with accusations.
Wan'er's friend 1: "I can't believe it! Mr. Ma's fiancée is a thief!"
Wan'er's friend 2: "Wan'er, don't be polite with her. Call the police!"
Another friend: "What fiancée? She's just a country bumpkin. She's probably never even seen such a precious ring in her life. If she couldn't afford it, she had to steal it."
Bai Ning understood; they were framing her for theft. She glanced at Zhang Wan'er's hand – the ring was gone.
Zhang Lao (Zhang's Grandfather): "What's going on here?"
Zhang Lao, hearing the commotion, approached with his cane.
Zhang Wan'er, dramatically clinging to her grandfather's arm, glared at Bai Ning.
Zhang Wan'er: "Grandpa, you must help me!"
Zhang Wan'er: "Bai Ning stole the ring you gave me."
Zhang Lao patted Zhang Wan'er's shoulder reassuringly, then narrowed his eyes at Bai Ning.
Zhang Lao: "Miss Bai, did you take Wan'er's ring?"
Bai Ning smiled calmly.
Bai Ning: "No."
Zhang Lao frowned.
Zhang Lao: "A ring isn't a big deal, but it's Wan'er's favorite. If you like it, Miss Bai, I'll give you a better one another day. But now, please return it to Wan'er."
Bai Ning was speechless.
Bai Ning: "I didn't take it, so how can I return it?"
Wan'er's friend: "Bai Ning, are you shameless? Someone saw you take it, and you're still denying it?" Bai Lan, pulling the waiter forward, added fuel to the fire.
Bai Ning: "Oh really?"
Bai Ning's lips curled into a smirk. This was a trap set by Zhang Wan'er. She wanted to see how this play would unfold.
Zhang Lao: "What exactly happened?" Zhang Lao questioned, though he secretly doubted that Qin Feng's fiancée would steal anything. His granddaughter's insistence, coupled with an eyewitness, made it difficult to dismiss.
Wan'er's friend: "Well, Wan'er was showing us her ring when Bai Ning walked by. She seemed to like it very much and stared at it for a long time." Bai Lan stated dramatically.
Bai Ning: ??? When did she like the ring? And stared at it for a long time??
Wan'er's friend: "Then we went dancing. Wan'er put the ring in her bag, but after we finished, the ring was gone."
Zhang Wan'er: "Yes, we searched the banquet hall and met this waiter who said she saw someone take the ring – Bai Ning!"
Zhang Wan'er, inwardly thrilled, added her testimony. "This perfectly planned scheme will destroy Bai Ning. Qin Feng will never marry a thief. Once their engagement is broken, the position of Qin family's daughter-in-law will be mine!"
Watching Zhang Wan'er and Bai Lan's coordinated performance, Bai Ning sneered, her sharp gaze fixed on the waiter.
Bai Ning: "Did you see me take Zhang Wan'er's ring?"
The waiter avoided eye contact, nodding timidly.
Waiter: "Yes…I saw it."
Wan'er's friend: "Don't be afraid, tell the truth!" Bai Lan subtly encouraged the waiter.
The waiter understood.
Waiter: "I went to the restroom and saw Miss Shu wearing the ring. When she saw me, she quickly hid it in her bag."
Qin Mu: "Bai Ning, return the ring to Wan'er immediately! You've disgraced our Ma family!" Qin Mu suddenly appeared with Malin, her voice sharp with fury.
Malin: "Auntie, don't be angry. It has nothing to do with our Qin and Ma families." Malin attempted to calm her aunt. She then glared at Bai Ning. "This country bumpkin has nothing to do with our Qin family. My brother will never marry a thief."
Malin's words solidified everyone's belief that Bai Ning stole the ring, sparking a flurry of whispers.
Bai Ning watched them coldly, a smirk playing on her lips. This show was getting increasingly entertaining.
Zhang Lao: "In that case, Miss Bai, please return the ring." Zhang Lao's face was grim; this was happening at his birthday banquet, and the alleged thief was Qin Feng's fiancée.
Bai Ning was impatient and didn't want to waste time arguing.
Bai Ning: "I told you I didn't take it."
Zhang Wan'er: "Did you take it or not? Open your bag and let's see!" Zhang Wan'er blocked Bai Ning's attempt to leave. Security guards, at Zhang Lao's signal, surrounded Bai Ning.
Bai Ning frowned. It seemed she couldn't leave until this matter was resolved. She sighed and handed her bag to Zhang Wan'er.
Bai Ning: "Since you're so eager to see, take a look."
Zhang Wan'er took the bag, a barely perceptible gleam of triumph flashing in her eyes, noticed by Bai Ning. She handed it to the head of security.
Zhang Wan'er: "Check it."
The security guard carefully opened the bag. A gasp rippled through the crowd.
There it was – Zhang Wan'er's sparkling diamond ring, nestled inside Bai Ning's bag.
Zhang Wan'er: "This is my ring!"
Zhang Wan'er, overcome with excitement, looked at Bai Ning with disdain.
Zhang Wan'er: "Bai Ning, you stole it! The evidence is clear. What else do you have to say?"
Despite the ring being found in her bag, Bai Ning remained calm. This was expected. From the moment the waiter accused her, Bai Ning knew the ring would be in her bag. She'd been framed, obviously by Zhang Wan'er.
Zhang Wan'er: "Bai Ning, if you'd returned the ring and apologized earlier, I would have let it go." Zhang Wan'er caught sight of Qin Feng and softened her tone dramatically.
Wan'er's friend: "Wan'er, you're too kind. Someone like Bai Ning shouldn't be spared. We should call the police for a fair and impartial investigation." Bai Lan played the contrasting role.
Zhang Wan'er nodded.
Zhang Wan'er: "Let's call the police."
Malin: "Bai Ning, this is your fault. Stealing something so expensive is a serious crime. Get ready for jail!" Malin, eager to distance herself from the situation, gloated.
Bai Ning remained composed. Calling the police? Perfect. She could expose Zhang Wan'er's scheme in front of the officers.
Qin Feng: "What's going on?"
A familiar male voice broke through Bai Ning's thoughts. She looked up to see Qin Feng approaching. His impeccable suit highlighted his physique, his handsome face radiating power, and his intense gaze commanded respect. The lights of the banquet hall seemed to cast a golden aura around him.
Crowd: "Mr. Qin!"
People parted to make way for him. He walked towards Bai Ning with steady steps.
Zhang Wan'er: "Qin Feng, Bai Ning stole my ring." Zhang Wan'er, playing the victim, bit her lip.
Zhang Wan'er: "It was a birthday gift from my grandfather."
Qin Feng frowned.
Qin Feng: "It wasn't her."
Bai Ning was surprised. Was Qin Feng…defending her?
Malin: "Brother, don't let her deceive you!" Malin interrupted before Zhang Wan'er could speak again. "Someone saw Bai Ning steal the ring. Security found it in her bag. We all saw it!"
Zhang Wan'er: "Yes, I don't believe Miss Bai would steal either, she is your fiancée. But…" Zhang Wan'er paused, leaning closer to Qin Feng, looking pitiful. "Everyone saw my ring in her bag. It didn't jump in there by itself, did it? Qin Feng, are you taking sides?"
A wave of green tea vibes washed over Bai Ning. Zhang Wan'er's acting was superb.
Qin Feng's gaze fell on Bai Ning.
Qin Feng: "Did you take it?"
Bai Ning met his gaze, smiling slightly.
Bai Ning: "If I say no, will you believe me?"
Qin Feng: "I believe you." He said it without hesitation. Her confident and honest demeanor couldn't be faked. He chose to trust her.
Bai Ning smiled. Unexpectedly, when everyone was condemning her, Qin Feng believed her.
Malin stamped her foot, frustrated. She couldn't understand why Qin Feng was so captivated by this country bumpkin.
Wan'er's friend: "If you didn't take it, how did it get into your bag?" Bai Lan, prompted by Zhang Wan'er, questioned Bai Ning.
Bai Ning looked directly at Zhang Wan'er, a smirk playing on her lips.
Bai Ning: "Someone planted it there."
Bai Ning's sharp gaze made Zhang Wan'er feel uneasy. Could this country bumpkin know something? Impossible! Her plan was flawless. Bai Ning was doomed.
Qin Feng: "Check the security footage." Qin Feng's face darkened as he instructed his assistant, Lin Ruofeng.
Lin Ruofeng: "Yes, sir."
Bai Ning's eyebrows twitched. The banquet hall had security cameras; reviewing the footage would reveal the thief. But Zhang Wan'er wouldn't make it that easy.
A few minutes later, Lin Ruofeng returned.
Lin Ruofeng: "Sir, the security cameras in the banquet hall are malfunctioning."
Qin Feng's eyes narrowed, his expression unchanged. This was suspicious. A hotel hosting such an important event wouldn't have malfunctioning cameras.
Bai Ning frowned.
Bai Ning: "It's simple. If I took it, my fingerprints would be on the ring. Forensic examination will reveal the truth."
Zhang Wan'er: "Bai Ning, stop playing games." Zhang Wan'er looked at Bai Ning and Qin Feng, feigning magnanimity. "I'll let this go if you apologize, for Qin Feng's sake."
If Bai Ning apologized, she'd be admitting guilt in front of everyone. Even if Qin Feng believed her, a confession would disappoint him. Moreover, Qin's mother wouldn't accept a thief as her daughter-in-law. Zhang Wan'er could maintain her image as kind and forgiving, improving her standing with Qin Feng.
Bai Ning looked at her calmly.
Bai Ning: "What? Are you afraid to have it tested, Miss Zhang?"
Zhang Wan'er, uncomfortable under Bai Ning's gaze, gritted her teeth.
Zhang Wan'er: "Bai Ning, since you insist on a fingerprint test, I have nothing to fear!"
Bai Ning: "Fine, let's call the police for a thorough investigation."
Bai Ning was unfazed. She hadn't touched the ring; a fingerprint test would clear her name.
Zhang Lao: "Qin Feng, what do you think…" Zhang Lao looked to Qin Feng for guidance. Bai Ning was his nominal granddaughter-in-law.
Qin Feng made a call, and soon, the police chief arrived with forensic experts.
Chief: "Mr. Qin, this is our best forensic expert."
The forensic expert quickly concluded the examination.
Police Officer: "According to our analysis, Miss Bai's fingerprints are on the ring."
Bai Ning's heart sank. Her fingerprints? Impossible! She hadn't touched the ring. This officer was called by Qin Feng and was unlikely to be bribed by Zhang Wan'er; the only explanation was that Zhang Wan'er had surreptitiously obtained Bai Ning's fingerprints.
Zhang Wan'er: "Bai Ning, the test results prove you stole the ring. Anything else?"
Bai Ning: "Nothing." Her expression remained unchanged.
Zhang Wan'er: "The results are in, and you still dare to deny it!"
Malin: "Brother, why bother with her? Our Qin family doesn't associate with thieves. She's not good enough for you!"
Chief: "I'm sorry, Miss Bai, but we must take you to the station for questioning." The chief stated, "Someone witnessed you stealing the ring, it was found in your bag, and your fingerprints are on it. You are the prime suspect."
Bai Ning: "No, I can prove I never touched the ring." Bai Ning's calm voice carried an undeniable authority.
Zhang Wan'er: "Prove it? What can you prove? You stole the ring, plain and simple!" Zhang Wan'er raised her voice, unable to contain her excitement.
Bai Ning: "Of course I can." Bai Ning smiled confidently. She turned to the chief. "Please give me the ring."
The chief, after a nod from Qin Feng, handed the ring to Bai Ning. Bai Ning looked around, her gaze settling on the waiter.
Bai Ning: "You said you saw me take the ring?" The waiter nodded repeatedly.
Waiter: "Yes, I did."
Bai Ning's gaze hardened. "Then watch closely." Bai Ning held out her hand. "Look closely at my hands." Her fingers were smooth and flawless.
Everyone wondered what she was doing. Qin Feng watched intently, his expression unreadable. This woman's calmness in the face of accusation was striking. She didn't seem like a simple country girl.
Bai Ning held the ring. After a few minutes, her fingers started to swell and develop red bumps.
Zhang Wan'er: "What's happening?"
Everyone stared in surprise. Bai Ning handed the ring back to the police officer.
Bai Ning: "I'm allergic to white gold, and the ring's setting is made of white gold."
Bai Ning: "As you can see, the moment my skin touches white gold, I have an allergic reaction, causing swelling and bumps that last for hours."
Bai Ning: "If I stole the ring, my hands would have reacted earlier. But as you saw, my hands were fine. Only after touching this ring did they become like this. This means I never touched the ring before and couldn't have stolen it."
Bai Ning demonstrated, showing her affected hand.
Zhang Wan'er: "No, this is impossible!"
Zhang Wan'er stared in disbelief. How could Bai Ning be allergic to white gold?
Zhang Wan'er: "You must have tampered with it!" She snatched the ring from the police officer, inspecting it closely. It was indeed her ring, flawless.
Her face shifted; her perfect plan had failed! Bai Ning noticed her panic. She calmly took the ring with her other hand.
Bai Ning: "If you still don't believe me, I can demonstrate again." The result was the same.
Bai Ning: "Now, can we confirm that I didn't steal this ring?"
Chief: "Indeed, Miss Bai is allergic to the ring. She couldn't have stolen it."
Bai Ning: "Thank you." Bai Ning thanked the chief. Her sharp gaze fell on the waiter. "Explain how you could have seen me steal the ring?"
Waiter: "...I..." The waiter, panicked, looked at Zhang Wan'er for help. Zhang Wan'er's glare was threatening. The waiter trembled and knelt before Bai Ning.
Waiter: "I'm sorry, Miss Bai. I stole the ring."
Bai Ning: "Really?" She was skeptical. A simple waiter wouldn't have the audacity to frame her.
Waiter: "I'm sorry. I was desperate. My mother is very ill, and I need money for her surgery."
Bai Ning: "Who told you to do this?"
Waiter: "No one. I did it myself." The waiter looked at Zhang Wan'er fearfully.
Zhang Wan'er, fearing consequences, bit her lip.
Zhang Wan'er: "Forget it. The ring is back. I won't pursue this further, considering your circumstances."
Waiter: "Thank you, Miss Zhang!"
Bai Ning: "Forget it? You weren't so forgiving when you accused me!"
Zhang Lao: "Since the ring is back, and Wan'er isn't pressing charges, let's end this." Seeing Zhang Wan'er speechless, Zhang Lao patted her shoulder.
Zhang Wan'er dismissed the waiter and tried to leave.
Bai Ning: "Wait." Bai Ning stepped in front of Zhang Wan'er.
Zhang Wan'er: "What do you want?"
Bai Ning smiled, a hint of disdain in her voice.
Bai Ning: "Miss Zhang, are you just going to leave? You and your friends falsely accused me of theft and tried to have me arrested. Now that the truth is out, shouldn't you apologize?"
Zhang Wan'er: "You!"
Qin Feng: "Apologize to Bai Ning." Qin Feng's commanding voice silenced Zhang Wan'er.
Zhang Wan'er, unwillingly, stepped back.
Zhang Wan'er: "I'm sorry, Bai Ning. I misunderstood."
Bai Ning: "What did you say? I didn't hear you."
Zhang Wan'er, gritting her teeth, forcefully said, "I'm sorry!" She turned and left.
Zhang Lao, clearing his throat, addressed Bai Ning.
Zhang Lao: "Miss Shu, I sincerely apologize. It was a misunderstanding. Please don't take it to heart."
Bai Ning smiled faintly.
Bai Ning: "I hope next time, Mr. Zhang, you'll investigate thoroughly before jumping to conclusions and accusing others."
Zhang Lao gave a forced smile.
Zhang Lao: "Miss Bai, is your hand alright? Shall I send you to the hospital?"
Bai Ning: "No, thank you. I'm tired. I'm leaving."
Bai Ning left the hotel. As she hailed a taxi, a sudden downpour began. Just her luck! She had no umbrella.
Suddenly, a black Bentley pulled up beside her. It was Qin Feng's car. He opened the door.
Qin Feng: "Get in."