But no one dared to mock Yang Ming to his face. After all, he was still a member of a powerful family over in Beijing. They were nothing in comparison, no matter how affluent they were here in City A.

They had lost enough face with the revelations about the second branch of the Yao family.

If they had known early on, they wouldn't have looked down on Yao RongorJiang Wan. Now, they would do anything to winYao Yan's favor and secure their futures.

Since Yao Yanhad forbidden them from talking about business matters, surely it was fine to delve into theYao familyinstead.

The cunning ones were the first to think of this, and they wasted no time jumping into action.

A man in a suit walked up to Yao RongandJiang Wanand offered his congratulations.

"Your children are truly impressive. I heard that your daughter, Yao Tang, topped the Math Olympiad Competition. But I never expected that she got a perfect score! You must be so proud."

Everyone knew that if they made a good impression on the couple, there was no way Yao Yanwould brush them off so easily.

Understanding this, the rest of the guests followed the man's example and raised their glasses to Yao RongandJiang Wan.

"As sure as the saying goes, a tiger cannot have a dog for his son. The Yao familygenes sure are excellent. Their son is shaping up to be a dragon, and their daughter a phoenix!""That's right. Young Master Yao has become the CEO at such a young age, while his sister topped the Math Olympiad with full marks. How long has it been since someone from City Aachieved full marks?"

"I also heard that the girl is very beautiful. How nice would it be if I had a daughter like her?"

"Is the Young Miss taking the college entrance exams this year? I bet she would qualify for the country's top universities. She is bound to do great things like her brother. I do envy their family."

Everyone sang praises of Yao YanandYao Tangas If their lives depended on it.

Of course, Yao RongandJiang Wanwere pleased with this, and they couldn't help but beam at every word.

Yao Rong, in particular, could not hold back his pride. "Yes, yes, my Tangtangis a very good child. She is both beautiful and smart, and has always been at the top of her class. As her parents, we have nothing to worry about."

Yao Yan was quick to echo his father's words. His lips were stretched into a wide grin as he spoke ofYao Tang.

"My sister is truly amazing. She is diligent and well-behaved. I'm not at all surprised that she got a perfect score in the Math Olympiad. She definitely deserves it."

The guests' eyes lit up at that. They nodded along eagerly, afraid to lose the momentum and lose the Yao family's favor.

The subject also ignited Old Madam Yao's interest, and she couldn't help but join in. She clasped her hands together and grinned as though she had just eaten a spoonful of honey.

"My Tangtang is very filial, too. She knows that I suffer from a sore back, so she studied acupuncture all by herself to try and treat me. After a few sessions, my body feels light, and my appetite has become much better. That granddaughter of mine is very accomplished, indeed!"Her eyes glistened with pride as she continued to express her adoration for Yao Tang.

"I tell you, the Math Olympiad Competition was not difficult for my Tangtangat all. I heard that she submitted her paper after just half an hour. She practically breezed through the exam!"

Seeing an opening, the guests flocked to Old Madam Yaoand responded with even more praises. "The Old Madam is truly fortunate to have two brilliant grandchildren."

Old Madam Yao basked in their adulation forYao Tang. She was smiling so hard that her eyes had turned into slits.

The scene was like a dagger to Yao Ran's heart.

But this was not the time to lose her temper. She had no choice but to clench her fists and lower her head to hide her rage and envy.

'That damned old hag really loves Yao Tang! How unfair!'

It didn't take long for the guests to notice something else about Yao Rong's family. They usually retreated to the background during events and gatherings, and did the bare minimum in socializing with others.

However, they immediately warmed up at the mention of their daughter, Yao Tang. EvenYao Yan, who had been cold and distant just a while ago, was engaged in animated conversations.

Most of all, the Old Madam herself appeared to be utterly pleased with her granddaughter.

They really doted on the young lady!

A new window of opportunity seemed to have opened up for the guests. All they had to do was to sing adulation of Yao Tang, and they were sure to get theYao family's attention.

And so, for the next five minutes, the hall was filled with nothing but words of praise for Yao Tang, who wasn't even there to hear them.

"Your daughter is your family's treasure! She is so smart and capable!"