"Isn't that so? Brother Li, I don't care what your identity is, but as my male escort to the banquet, if this video gets out, what will people say about me?"
Mu Qi was already filled with regret. The main reason she had taken a liking to Li Chonglou, besides his newcomer status, was the honest impression he gave her.
Every person brought to this kind of event would be noticed. She didn't want any gossip to come back to her afterward!
After all, she had rejected Du Shu for this very reason.
There was another point that Li Chonglou was unaware of. When she received the video, she was still talking with her girlfriends about finding a suitable candidate and had promised to introduce him to them after entering.
Seeing Mu Qi becoming increasingly wronged, Li Chonglou sighed.
"You're overthinking it. Don't you wonder why this video appeared on your phone?"
"What do you mean?"
Li Chonglou could only briefly explain what had happened.
He concluded, "It was right at the entrance of the bar. If you don't believe me, you can ask Captain Bai. Also, my bank account deposit records are readily available for verification."
Li Chonglou even took out his bank card. Mu Qi then asked, half-doubtingly, "So you're saying they deliberately framed you?"
Li Chonglou nodded.
However, he omitted the details about the underwear incident during the gambling match with Dong Yulin and his own strength, only mentioning it briefly.
Seeing Li Chonglou's serious expression, Mu Qi finally felt relieved.
"I hope what you're saying is true."
"How could it be false? I'm already married."
Mu Qi was immediately surprised. "You're married?"
"Yes, but my wife isn't in Shangjing. She's in my hometown."
Only then did Mu Qi completely believe him, as marriage was a very sacred thing in her view!
However, her expression quickly turned troubled again.
"Then, would it be inappropriate for me to ask you to be my male escort?"
Li Chonglou retorted, "Does it bother you?"
Mu Qi immediately shook her head. "No, I'm just afraid my sister-in-law might misunderstand."
Li Chonglou smiled. "Don't worry, we're not doing anything improper, and I won't do anything that would betray my wife."
In this regard, Li Chonglou truly didn't pay much attention. It wasn't about doing anything out of line; it was just going through the motions. He believed that even if she were present, she wouldn't overthink it.
Of course, such matters were not suitable for public discussion. Li Chonglou's indifference stemmed mainly from his self-confidence.
Mu Qi finally let go, and a sweet smile returned to her face.
"Alright then, let's go in now. The banquet is about to start."
Li Chonglou nodded and followed Mu Qi to the security check, presenting the passes they had received earlier.
"Miss Mu, Mr. Li, we wish you a pleasant banquet."
The security personnel, appearing to be ushers, performed their duties with great professionalism. They bowed slightly and gestured for them to enter.
"Thank you for your hard work."
Mu Qi returned the gesture before leading Li Chonglou into the walkway.
First, there was a low-key yet luxurious dark-themed corridor. From ceiling to floor, it was adorned with black fabric, exuding a sense of understated elegance in the dim light. While it lacked overt technological elements, it conveyed a sense of ancient mystery.
The corridor was not too long, perhaps only ten meters, leading to an automatic door.
Mu Qi skillfully moved to the side. Just as she stopped, a slit appeared in the metal frame in front of them, and a blue light scanned Mu Qi's eyes.
"Identity confirmed. Door unlocked."
As an electronic voice sounded, the door in front of Li Chonglou slowly opened.
What greeted them was a spacious venue, and one word could describe it: magnificent!
However, Li Chonglou was no stranger to grand occasions, so he wasn't particularly impressed. He turned to Mu Qi and asked, "Should I also scan?"
Mu Qi walked over.
"No need. The real security is outside. Here, all that's needed is to open the door."
Li Chonglou made an "oh" sound and then followed Mu Qi through the door.
The area was at least the size of two basketball courts, not excessively large, but it had few tables and chairs, making it feel quite open.
As for the number of people, there were about a dozen, divided into small groups of two or three. Each person held a wine glass, engaging in lively discussions and laughter.
Their arrival naturally drew the attention of many.
"Oh, isn't that Mu Qi? Who is that next to her? I thought Du Shu would be accompanying her."
"He looks so unfamiliar. Has anyone seen him before?"
The attention of everyone was almost instantly drawn to Li Chonglou. Those who could enter were almost all acquaintances, or at least knew each other.
Having Mu Qi bring in a stranger was, while within the rules, quite uncommon.
Among them was Young Master Long, who had seen Li Chonglou and Mu Qi together before.
Upon seeing them, his eyes lit up.
"Hey, Li Jie, didn't you say you wanted to pursue Mu Qi? Can you stand this?"
Young Master Long was accompanied by four young people, three men and one woman. The "Li Jie" he mentioned was a fair-skinned young man dressed in a blue suit.
He was quite handsome. Upon hearing Young Master Long's words, he immediately let out a cold snort. "Wait for me here, I'm going to see what kind of esteemed guest this is!"
With that, Li Jie strode directly towards them, holding his crystal wine glass.
Concurrently, another three men and two women approached.
All of them were handsome men and beautiful women.
Mu Qi, being the person involved, naturally noticed this. She quickly whispered to Li Chonglou, "Try not to talk much later, I'll handle it."
Li Chonglou nodded, but then found Mu Qi suddenly linking her arm with his. He instinctively wanted to pull away but managed to restrain himself.
In their social circle, linking arms was merely a form of etiquette, carrying no other implications.
Shortly after, the group of four men and two women arrived in front of them.
"Qiqi, you're here!"
A blonde beauty greeted Mu Qi warmly, but without any further physical contact. Mu Qi returned a sweet smile.
"Sisi, where is your Brother Hua?"
The blonde beauty pointed to another side. A man raised his glass in acknowledgment, and Mu Qi nodded.
The blonde beauty then said, "He's such a workaholic. Today he's supposed to be relaxing, but he's gone off to talk business with someone else."
The complaint in her words was almost palpable. At this moment, another woman chimed in.
"Sisi, that's a good man. Unlike my own, who just loafs around all day."
As soon as she finished speaking, another man walked over, took the woman's hand, and chuckled, "An An, I've just been traveling for work a bit more lately, but that doesn't mean I'm loafing around."
"Hmph, I don't care. After you finish this deal, you have to take me on a trip to Europe."