Chu Meng found it hard to believe, her eyes widening in shock. She squeezed her eyes shut tightly, then reopened them, wanting to confirm if she was seeing things.
But when she opened her eyes again, the person was still there, becoming even clearer.
That’s right, this wasn’t an illusion; it was the real Bai Xi!
At this moment, Bai Xi was walking step by step towards the charity auction that she had specifically asked her brother to organize for the Han family. She was wearing a crescent-white long dress, moving gracefully. Her sea-weed-like long hair was casually draped down her back, with only the top layer tied by a ribbon the same color as her dress. The ribbon trailed down, adding a touch of liveliness.
Beside her stood three men.
One wore a reddish-brown suit, his eyes smiling and full of charm – it was naturally Han Rui.
Another wore a black suit; he was tall and imposing, with sharp, eagle-like eyes – it was Xuan Feng.
The last one was in a beige suit, his features exquisite, his eyes placid. He wore a pair of metal-rimmed glasses, exuding a refined elegance with a hint of nobility, and a touch of dominance, making people want to look at him more.
All four of them were undeniably attractive. Their appearance together at this moment drew considerable attention.
Chu Meng’s eyes widened as if she had seen a ghost. She pointed directly at the person walking towards her and exclaimed, "Bai Xi!"
Her voice was so loud that it cracked slightly, and her outstretched hand trembled, unsure if it was from shock or fear.
Seeing this, Bai Xi raised an eyebrow slightly. She didn't speak and had no intention of acknowledging Chu Meng.
Chu Xiao was also mesmerized upon seeing Bai Xi, but was brought back to his senses by his sister's sharp cry: "Meng Meng."
As soon as he spoke, Chu Meng had already rushed forward: "Bai Xi, you promise-breaker! Didn't you say you were leaving, leaving Shang Yang, leaving the Han family? Why are you still here, still following Brother Han Rui? Have you no shame!"
Bai Xi raised an eyebrow. "Miss Chu, you have a rather broad scope of concern. Do you truly believe Shang Yang is yours, and the Han family belongs to you as well? Do I need to report to you if I wish to leave or stay? As for shame… Miss Chu, shouting at a guest invited by your own family like this, like a shrew in the marketplace, it is you who has completely disgraced the Chu family's reputation."
Chu Meng was blinded by anger and jealousy.
Seeing Bai Xi still in Shang Yang, and moreover, accompanying Han Rui, she was almost going mad.
"Guest? What guest are you? You are merely a female companion brought in by Brother Han Rui. My Chu family did not invite a shameless woman like you, who uses her face and body to seduce men. Guards, escort this uninvited woman out!"
As she finished speaking, security guards surrounded them.
Bai Xi raised an eyebrow, her eyes carrying a hint of cold sharpness.
Just then, Chu Xiao rushed over, his eyes sharp, and shouted, "Chu Meng, have you forgotten what I just told you?"
Chu Meng, already displeased and angered by Bai Xi's appearance, was now being yelled at by her own brother: "Brother, you're yelling at me? You're yelling at me for her."
Chu Xiao frowned, his eyes filled with disappointment: "That's not what I meant. Guests are guests. Your mother hired so many teachers for you since childhood to teach you etiquette and grace, to be a lady, to entertain guests, and you've forgotten it all."
Bai Xi was someone from the Dark Department, her position at least above that of a High Commander.
Such a person, although their Chu family was considered the foremost noble family in Shang Yang, the Dark Department… it was best not to provoke them.
Han Rui's words earlier had also made him reconsider.
Leaning on the Dark Department for support not only presented competitive challenges but also carried risks. What if he harbored other ambitions in the future, wouldn't he face a desperate end?
He, Chu Xiao, though not a playboy, was still an ordinary person. He couldn't guarantee such things himself, so it was best to let it go.
But he knew for certain that the Dark Department… was not to be offended.
"My younger sister has been unwell recently, and her emotions are very unstable. I hope Miss Bai will not mind. Chu Xiao apologizes to you on her behalf. There will be fine wine and delicacies available at the venue. Miss Bai, would you care to join me inside to partake?"
Seeing her brother's appeasing demeanor, Chu Meng's eyes widened, full of disbelief. This thought made her even more enraged: "Brother, are you still my brother? Look at you now, you're like a dog."
A pathetic sycophant.
Chu Xiao was finally provoked by his sister's words: "Chu Meng, if you continue to be so ill-mannered, don't blame me for being impolite."
The last time he had hit Chu Meng, the five finger imprints on her face had only faded the next day. He felt guilty and had decided then and there that no matter how angry he got, he wouldn't lay a hand on his sister.
But now, he was truly about to explode with anger.
Chu Meng, ignoring everything, declared, "Bai Xi, I'm telling you, this is a charity auction hosted by my Chu family. I, Chu Meng, make the rules. If you can't produce an invitation today, you won't be getting in."
Saying this, she crossed her arms and stood directly in front of Bai Xi.
Bai Xi glanced faintly at Xuan Feng, who then handed over the invitation.
Bai Xi said, "Xuan Feng, the eldest young lady of the Chu family has poor eyesight. Hand it closer, let her see clearly."
Xuan Feng naturally complied, holding the invitation almost to Chu Meng's forehead.
Chu Meng saw it clearly.
This invitation was for the Dark Department commander stationed outside Shang Yang, invited by the Chu family. How could it be in Bai Xi's hands?
"You, you, you say, have you also seduced a Dark Department commander!"
Did this woman have three heads and six arms, or was she a reincarnated fox spirit? She had a boyfriend yet was still entangled with her Brother Han Rui. Her own brother also seemed to be showing her special consideration, making him yield to her at every turn. Now, she had even seduced a Dark Department commander and used his invitation.
At this remark, everyone froze, and their gazes turned towards Bai Xi.
The Dark Department was not to be trifled with.
Could this beautiful woman before them truly have a connection with the Dark Department? If so, they would naturally want to curry favor with her.
After all, the Dark Department symbolized absolute strength and powerful protection.
Chu Xiao shouted sternly, "Nonsense! Chu Meng, do you know what you're saying?"
Chu Meng, hearing the whispers from behind her, seemed to realize she had said something she shouldn't have.
It was quite common for the Dark Department not to interfere in the affairs of noble families.
However, this invitation… her grandfather had once been saved by a Dark Department commander, so whenever the Dark Department had any events, they would send them an invitation.
But why had this invitation fallen into Bai Xi's hands?
She was a woman, just like Bai Xi, and there were no women in the Dark Department. Therefore, this invitation could only have come from her seducing a Dark Department commander. Yet her brother was scolding her, calling her unruly. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She stomped her foot fiercely, intending to argue with Bai Xi again.
She pointed a finger at Bai Xi and opened her mouth…
The next second, Bai Xi directly popped a lollipop into her gaping mouth and said faintly, "Chu Meng, you've provoked me repeatedly, and I've tolerated it because I find you both hateful and pitiable, judging others by your own inability. Let me tell you, a woman doesn't need to rely on clinging to someone to gain respect and power."
After speaking, she stepped aside and walked past Chu Meng.
She had too many things to attend to today and truly had no mood to bicker with Chu Meng.
After all, compared to those in the Kui Hall who treated human lives as child's play, Chu Meng was at most a noisy crow; all it took was to shut her mouth.