For some reason, she didn't dislike Shu Zhongze the first time she spoke to him. Considering he was Shu Yan's father and often suppressed the Ao Xiang Group, making him Shu Yan's accomplice, she should have hated him. Instead, she felt an inexplicable liking for him.
Besides Qin Tianyi, she hadn't felt this way about any other man.
Impossible, how could she like Shu Zhongze? It must be a misperception. Shu Zhongze was old enough to be her father.
She quickly suppressed this misconception in her heart, telling herself she couldn't have good feelings for Shu Zhongze.
He was Shu Yan's father. If he were to bring Shu Yan to justice, he would become her enemy.
"Hello, are you the designer of Mrs. Shu's gown?" A lady approached her, showing great interest.
Su Su immediately replied, "Yes."
"I am the design director of RJ, Lily Zhou," the newcomer introduced herself.
Su Su's heart leaped with joy. She had finally met a high-level executive from RJ. This banquet was not in vain.
Shu Yan, who was beside Jia Nanfang, saw that although the evening banquet was clearly a celebration for the Shu family, Gu Su Su had become the focus of the entire event. She felt both hatred and anger.
Although Jia Nanfang was talking with the ladies beside her, her eyes were constantly fixed on Shu Zhongze.
When she saw Shu Zhongze proactively greet Gu Su Su, her heart almost leaped out of her chest. She only wished she could hear what they were saying.
"Mom, quickly go change your gown," Shu Yan complained when there was no one around for a moment. "You shouldn't have worn her designed dress tonight. You look like her model, advertising for her. I'm so angry."
"You're always saying you're so angry! I'm upset right now, and I didn't expect it to turn out like this!"
Shu Yan also saw her father talking to Su Su and solicitously offering her juice. Thinking Jia Nanfang was jealous, she said, "This vixen has even hooked up with my dad. Look at how happy my dad looked talking to her. Could he have taken a liking to Gu Su Su? He's old but still hasn't changed his ways..."
"How can you talk about your father like that! Shut up." She wasn't worried about Shu Zhongze being a womanizer; she was afraid Shu Zhongze would discover Gu Su Su's background.
Gu Su Su's appearance was too pleasing, and she resembled Wen Shuman the most among Shu Zhongze's children.
Others might not know, but she knew best that the person Shu Zhongze loved and cherished the most was his mother, Wen Shuman.
If Shu Zhongze found out that Gu Su Su was his biological daughter, he would probably give the entire Shu Corporation to Gu Su Su without hesitation, and she absolutely could not let that happen!
"Mom, Dad upset you, so why are you taking it out on me?" Shu Yan said aggrievedly.
Jia Nanfang breathed a sigh of relief when Shu Zhongze left after only a few words with Gu Su Su. She said helplessly, "There are some things you don't understand. If you had half of Gu Su Su's ability, I wouldn't be so worried."
"If you think Gu Su Su is capable, then acknowledge her as your daughter!" Shu Yan said stubbornly and ran off alone.
Jia Nanfang still had to attend to guests and couldn't chase after her. She was also tied up and could only send someone to follow her, letting her go.
Qin Tianyi also saw Shu Zhongze greet Su Su proactively and was slightly surprised. He wondered how long Su Su's background could be kept hidden.
It seemed he had to confirm this matter sooner. Before Shu Zhongze found out, he should let Su Su know her background so she could be mentally prepared.
Then, seeing Su Su chatting well with the RJ executive, he didn't disturb her. He went with Huo Liangcheng to a room next to the banquet hall to discuss the second phase of the amusement park project.
After Huo Liangcheng heard his detailed explanation, he became very interested in the project.
At this moment, Shu Zhongze walked in proactively and greeted them.
"Zhongze, you've come at the perfect time," Huo Liangcheng said with a smile, looking at Shu Zhongze. "Are you also investing in Ao Xiang's amusement park phase two project? It's been a while since our two companies collaborated, and now we can cooperate on the same project again."
Shu Zhongze walked between them with a smile and asked, "I didn't expect your Huo Corporation to be interested in such a small project?"
"I just heard from President Qin. This is no small project; the prospects are considerable." Huo Liangcheng keenly sensed a hidden meaning in his words. "You don't want to cooperate with us, do you?"
"How could that be? If your Huo Corporation is willing to invest, then this project will be truly stable. I couldn't ask for more." Shu Zhongze insincerely flattered Huo Liangcheng.
Qin Tianyi watched their polite exchanges and, seizing the opportunity, said with a smile, "Uncle Shu, Uncle Huo, it seems you both wish for a three-party cooperation. Ao Xiang is truly honored. Do you two have time tomorrow? I cordially invite you both to Ao Xiang Group to formally discuss the three-party cooperation."
Shu Zhongze glanced at Qin Tianyi, seemingly not surprised by his proposal at all. He smiled and said, "Certainly, I have plenty of time tomorrow. Liangcheng, what about you?"
"I have no problem either," Huo Liangcheng nodded. "Then let's talk formally tomorrow."
Qin Tianyi raised his glass and talked with them about the past glories of the Shu family's founding. On this occasion, it was still important to support the Shu family.
Shu Yan stood alone in a corner, unnoticed by anyone. No one approached her to talk, and no one surrounded her with admiration.
This was her first appearance at such a large banquet since returning from the countryside, but her status had plummeted.
Those who had wanted to curry favor with the Shu family now paid her no attention, all flocking to flatter her previously neglected elder siblings.
These people had sharp noses, clearly knowing who was favored by Shu Zhongze and who was not. Having finally arrived at the Shu family's centennial celebration, no one would waste time on futile efforts.
Shu Yan looked hatefully at those snobbish people, especially Gu Su Su, who had suddenly become the focus of the banquet.
Who was she to overshadow the Shu family?
Shu Yan gritted her teeth, her heart plotting a scheme.
She picked up her wine glass and saw the notoriously lecherous Young Master Han passing by.
She smiled enigmatically and flirtatiously struck up a conversation with him. "Long time no see. Are you alone? Why aren't there any celebrities or models accompanying you?"
Young Master Han, never one to refuse an invitation, tossed his hair and said confidently, "Miss Shu, are you alone too?"
"Yes, it's so boring being alone."
Young Master Han unceremoniously put an arm around her waist and teased, "Yes, I'm bored too. Why don't we find a place to have a good chat, just the two of us?"
Shu Yan had previously looked down on this Young Master Han a hundred times, but now that she needed him, she had to reluctantly play along. She smiled and said, "Don't be in such a hurry. There are so many people here. Go wait in the number two lounge over there. I'll come over in a moment."
Saying this, Shu Yan pushed him towards the lounge, not forgetting to give him a seductive glance.