Lin Zhuonan sauntered into the reception hall at a leisurely pace. The reception hall of the Xiao residence was grand, with all its furniture crafted from golden nanmu wood, making it undeniably valuable.
At the entrance to the reception hall, Han JianYue entered with a beaming smile, his arm around a woman of extraordinary grace and elegance.
Lin Zhuonan leisurely raised his wine glass, his gaze sweeping past Han JianYue and fixing directly on his female companion.
“Young Master Han, why are you so late?”
Lin Guanyan, the steward of the Xiao family, always received distinguished guests on behalf of Old Master Xiao. Given Lin Guanyan’s position in the Xiao family, no one found it out of place.
“Heh, Uncle Lin, it’s been a long time. You’re still as vigorous as ever!”
Han JianYue stepped forward with a smile to greet him.
Even the eldest young master of the Han family showed such respect to Steward Lin, illustrating just how esteemed Steward Lin’s position was.
Lin Guanyan exchanged pleasantries with him, smiling, “Uh, and this lady is…”
“Uncle Lin clearly doesn’t watch movies often; he doesn’t even recognize Sister Rong!”
Shang RongRong maintained a reserved demeanor, merely nodding in greeting to Lin Guanyan.
From the moment she entered, she had seen Lin Zhuonan inside. He typically disliked attending such gatherings, so she hadn’t expected him to be here today.
She knew he had seen her too, but she deliberately angled herself away from his line of sight.
Lin Zhuonan downed the remaining half of his wine. While Han JianYue was being drawn into conversation by someone else, he walked towards Shang RongRong.
Shang RongRong was a consummate actress, dedicating herself solely to films and never participating in other activities. Her previous role as a judge for “I Am Your Grandfather” was only out of consideration for Xiao Yi and her good impression of Xia Weiliang, which led her to break her usual practice.
Therefore, her appearance caused quite a stir.
Despite her youth, her acting skills were profound, and her fans spanned all age groups. Several ladies present today were her fans.
It was rare to see her at such an event, and they all swarmed forward to request autographs and photos.
Such grandeur within the elite circle was perhaps something only Shang RongRong could command.
Shang RongRong was dressed in a black evening gown. Although its design was understated, everyone present was discerning enough to recognize it as a haute couture piece from a major international brand. Actresses of lesser caliber wouldn't even be able to afford it, even if they paid out of pocket!
It was that extravagant!
However, the brand had a particular fondness for Shang RongRong, and she had appeared in their gowns several times at public events, much to the envy of many other actresses.
These ladies were no exception; they all stepped forward to inquire if she had a personal connection with the brand.
Lin Zhuonan stood a short distance away, not approaching immediately.
The black gown she was wearing was a design that his company had recently completed. The moment he saw it, he felt it was tailor-made for her.
Thus, the gown had been delivered to her without delay.
He just hadn’t expected her to appear in it beside another man.
Heh…
Quite unexpected.
Shang RongRong knew he was behind her. After finishing her photo session with the last lady, she turned around gracefully. Upon seeing him, she gave a slight curl of her lips.
“You’re here too.”
“Yes, quite disappointed, aren’t you?”
Lin Zhuonan was casually dressed. Even his white shirt had its bow tie removed, the top two buttons undone, and his sleeves rolled up a few turns, revealing a segment of his firm, muscular forearm.
Shang RongRong lowered her gaze, her voice remaining calm, “It’s you who’s overthinking. There’s no disappointment to speak of.”
“Heh, Sister Rong has always been so calm and composed. Even when meeting her ex-husband, she can dismiss it with a simple ‘you’re overthinking.’ It makes you look like a total player~”
Lin Zhuonan seemed to have had too much to drink. With a tipsy haze in his eyes, he picked up another glass from nearby and downed more than half of it.
Shang RongRong glanced at the glass but did not stop him. “I thought we had parted on good terms and could remain friends when we met again. So… there’s no need to speak to me in such a barbed manner.”
She paused and added, “In this marriage, I did nothing to wrong you.”
With that, she excused herself with a brief “Excuse me” and turned to leave.
Lin Zhuonan narrowed his eyes dangerously, staring at her retreating back. His expression was frighteningly cold.
Hmph, what did she mean by “nothing to wrong you”? If she saw it that way, did that mean his current situation was her fault?
“RongRong.” Han JianYue smiled and walked towards her when he saw her.
He was handsome and had good rapport with women, but Shang RongRong wasn’t swayed by his type.
From agreeing to accompany him from the start until now, her reaction had been indifferent. She had even deliberately maintained a distance from him.
Han JianYue, the eldest young master of the Han family, had a notorious reputation for playing around, having been with countless actresses. How foolish would she have to be to fall into his trap?
Moreover, wasn’t Lin Zhuonan just as handsome? Was he any less talented? Since she could give up such an outstanding man, she naturally wouldn’t stoop to rummaging through the trash for a current partner.
What’s more, her focus was entirely on her career now. Her goal for next year was to win an award, and she simply didn’t have the leisure time to deal with them.
“Young Master Han.” Her demeanor remained composed and respectful.
“Oh, why be so formal? I’m a fan of yours, RongRong! Just call me JianYue.”
Han JianYue didn’t have time for women playing the coy game. Since Shang RongRong had agreed to his request to accompany him, it was as good as tacitly accepting whatever was to happen next.
His camera had already been set up.
“It’s better not to. It’s also my first time meeting Young Master Han, and we aren’t very familiar with each other. If we were to call each other so familiarly, it might cause trouble for Young Master Han if overheard by someone with ulterior motives.”
“Heh, your young master isn’t afraid!”
Han JianYue stepped forward, intending to put his arm around her shoulder. Shang RongRong frowned, “Han…”
Just then, his hand was caught.
Han JianYue’s face turned green. No one had ever dared to treat him like this, especially not in public!
He turned his head and seemed somewhat surprised to see Lin Zhuonan, raising an eyebrow, “Oh, isn’t this the great singer!”
Shang RongRong looked up at him, stunned. A flicker of hope flashed in her heart, but she quickly dismissed it.
He was merely displeased to see his ex-wife being harassed, not because it was her, Shang RongRong.
Therefore, she was just benefiting from being his “ex-wife.”
Upon realizing this, Shang RongRong lowered her gaze and gave a self-mocking smile.
Why did she still harbor such unrealistic fantasies at this moment?
He had said it himself: don’t expect anything from him; he was merely fulfilling a promise. So, now that they had amicably parted ways, this was the best outcome.
Lin Zhuonan’s expression was not good. He glanced at Han JianYue, then turned back to her and asked, “He didn’t do anything to you, did he?”
Shang RongRong froze for a moment and immediately shook her head, “No, Young Master Han was just joking with me.”
Her intention was clear: she didn’t want Lin Zhuonan to get involved.
She had heard about how insidious Han JianYue was.
However, to Lin Zhuonan, it all took on a different meaning. Her haste to deny it and her speaking up for this scumbag must mean she was annoyed that he had interrupted her good time.