Soon, Dongfang Junze and his secretary Chen Yuchu arrived before Lin Xingwan and Jia Yanzhen.
Chen Yuchu greeted Lin Xingwan warmly, "Miss Lin, long time no see."
Lin Xingwan had always thought Chen Yuchu was merely approachable. Seeing her current attitude, it wasn't just approachability, but a subtle fawning mixed with respect.
"Secretary Chen, long time no see. You've become even more graceful," Lin Xingwan also greeted Chen Yuchu with polite insincerity, then turned her gaze to Dongfang Junze, "Mr. Dongfang, how is your injury recovering?"
The masked man's gaze was cold and distant. He replied in a low voice, "It's healed."
"Tch, putting on airs, acting mysterious, playing games. Heaven's will turns, and heaven spares no one. It's not that retribution doesn't come, it's just that the time hasn't arrived yet."
Jia Yanzhen's chin was raised so high it almost touched the sky, his demeanor one of arrogant disdain. The formidable Dongfang Junze seemed like mere air in front of him.
Clearly, Dongfang Junze paid no attention to Jia Yanzhen and spoke directly to Lin Xingwan, "The Elysian Feast is about to begin. Shall we go in?"
Lin Xingwan nodded and followed behind Dongfang Junze.
To Lin Xingwan's regret, she was standing to Dongfang Junze's left, and the mole he had was on his right ear. With Chen Yuchu now on his right, it was inconvenient for her to move to that side. This time, there was no opportunity. She would have to wait until they reached the banquet venue to investigate further.
As soon as Lin Xingwan and the others left, Lawrence and Ye Qingning appeared behind them. They were wearing matching evening gowns. Lawrence's arm was even around Ye Qingning's waist. If not for Lawrence's family, Ye Qingning would not have had the qualifications to attend such a high-class event as the Elysian Feast.
"How is it? Only by following me can you experience a life above others," Lawrence's tone was inexplicably proud and smug.
Ye Qingning found the touch of this man, nearly twenty years her senior, repulsive. However, with the Cheng family in decline and countless people waiting to witness her and the Ye family's downfall, Ye Qingning, with her pride, could not possibly become an object of ridicule. While she outwardly assured Cheng Zhiyuan and Hao Manqing that she would wait for their son's release from prison, she secretly threw herself at Lawrence. Once detesting Lawrence, she had now compromised and become his mistress. It was all because of Lin Xingwan's existence that she had been dragged from her pedestal into the mud. Just now, she had seen Lin Xingwan's name on the guest list. This woman was involved with Jia Yanzhen; she wasn't a chaste maiden after all! Since fate had arranged for them to meet tonight, she was determined to personally deal with this woman.
"You promised me you'd help me deal with that bitch Lin Xingwan!" Ye Qingning endured the feeling of nausea as Lawrence's hand on her waist crept towards her chest, forcing herself to maintain a calm expression. After all, she had done more disgusting things than this. What was being held by Lawrence's arm in comparison?
"Of course. As long as you please me more in bed, you won't suffer any losses or grievances," Lawrence said with certainty. He already had a grievance with Lin Xingwan. He had originally planned to settle old and new scores at the banquet he was preparing to host, but now that fate had brought them together, Lawrence would naturally not let this opportunity pass.
Ye Qingning's smile was stiff, but her eyes were already filled with venom and malice.
In the core area of the Elysian Feast, countless guests in magnificent attire were conversing. When Lin Xingwan, Dongfang Junze, Chen Yuchu, and Jia Yanzhen appeared, they immediately drew everyone's attention. Their appearances were too outstanding, especially Lin Xingwan and Dongfang Junze. The noble and distant aura they exuded seemed as if the blood flowing in their veins carried ancient aristocratic lineage. Most of the people present knew Dongfang Junze's identity. However, Lin Xingwan, standing beside him, sparked immense curiosity. Who was this woman, dressed in an exquisite evening gown like a descending goddess? Was she Dongfang Junze's rumored fiancée? She was too beautiful!
While everyone was curious about Lin Xingwan's identity, Lin Xingwan herself was observing everyone with the curiosity of a child. Unlike previous opulent banquets, the guests present tonight were dressed with great care. The jewelry they wore was no longer excessively ostentatious luxury items, but everything was chosen to complement their temperament and attire. Yet, the more understated and restrained something was, the more priceless it became. For instance, there was a noblewoman wearing a cheongsam with an imperial green bracelet. Her demeanor was dignified and elegant, yet her eyes held a hint of sternness, clearly indicating she was a shrewd and capable individual. There was also a man in a Western suit, not even wearing a watch, but his sapphire cufflinks gleamed brilliantly, making him appear young and refined at first glance.
"See that man with his hair impeccably combed? He's a famous sponsor in the industry. Any film he looks at, he'll invest a fortune. The movie 'Rongcheng's Richest Man' was invested by him, and he even provided his mansion for free to the crew during filming." Jia Yanzhen immediately pointed out a middle-aged man to Lin Xingwan. Lin Xingwan looked over, her expression indeed becoming excited. "Rongcheng's Richest Man" had set a box office record of over a billion yuan in a single day. The mansion in the film was everyone's dream home.
"He only likes exaggerated and satirical films. 'Miracle' is sci-fi, not to his taste," Dongfang Junze said blandly. Jia Yanzhen quickly pointed to another man, "What about him? Although he's young, he's invested in many sci-fi films over the years."
"Although he invests in sci-fi films, he prefers TV dramas to movies. As far as I know, he doesn't like any sci-fi movies." Compared to Jia Yanzhen's emotionally charged tone, Dongfang Junze's calm demeanor seemed to be deflecting with ease.
Next, Jia Yanzhen mentioned several more, all of whom Dongfang Junze dismissed. Finally, Jia Yanzhen said angrily, "You're just targeting me! Anyone I mention, you deliberately smear! If that's the case, I, this young master, will become the sponsor of 'Miracle.' I'll pay whatever it takes. I have no shortage of money!"
Dongfang Junze's tone grew even more disdainful, "That would be even more tragic. Everything you've invested in over the years has flopped. The only one that showed some promise was propped up by your own paid online trolls."
Jia Yanzhen: "..."
Chen Yuchu chuckled softly beside them, and Lin Xingwan also found the conversation between Dongfang Junze and Jia Yanzhen incredibly amusing. One was cold and calculating, the other was chuunibyo and wolf-like. They had an inexplicable chemistry.
"If that's the case, then tell me, which sponsor should 'Starry Treasure' look for?" Jia Yanzhen was unconvinced and decided to challenge Dongfang Junze today.
Dongfang Junze habitually leaned slightly towards Lin Xingwan and said, "See that man in the Tang suit? His name is Brady. Although he's a foreigner, he's been very fond of Eastern culture over the years. He's invested in several films and TV shows. Although they were small-budget investments, they achieved unprecedented success. If 'Miracle' is fortunate enough to catch his eye, it's already half the battle won."
"What good is a small investment! Without the special effects created by huge expenditures, it's useless! In this superficial society, audiences won't buy it," Jia Yanzhen used Dongfang Junze's method of refuting him to retort.
"A fifty-million investment, if the return rate can reach five hundred million, is the same as a three-hundred-million investment with a return of five hundred million. However, the former saves two hundred and fifty million. If you treat the audience as fools, then the audience will treat you as a fool! The simplest truth is the greatest. Don't measure the world by your intelligence. Good things will never be buried, and those flashy things will inevitably be forgotten with the passage of time."
After speaking, Dongfang Junze smiled at Lin Xingwan, "Miss Lin, do you think what I said makes sense?"
Lin Xingwan looked at the man standing so close to her, her mind frantically overlapping his profile with Zhou Jinnbai's. He looked so similar, truly so similar! Especially Dongfang Junze's mouth, it was exactly like Zhou Jinnbai's! No wonder she had always felt a sense of familiarity with Dongfang Junze. Now she realized this man wasn't just slightly similar to Zhou Jinnbai. Lin Xingwan refocused her attention on Dongfang Junze's right ear. Although she couldn't see anything, her heart was filled with nervousness and fear.
"Miss Lin, my boss is asking you a question," Chen Yuchu whispered to remind Lin Xingwan, seeing her dazed expression.
Lin Xingwan then snapped back to reality, "What you said makes a lot of sense."
Dongfang Junze smiled faintly, saying nothing further. Lin Xingwan, however, easily understood what he meant. She then said, "Mr. Dongfang, Secretary Chen, Mr. Jia, I'll go and talk to Mr. Brady first, and try to secure a major sponsor."
Dongfang Junze nodded slightly, and Lin Xingwan walked towards Brady.
Jia Yanzhen's mockery intensified. He said dismissively, "When did I ever notice you had such a perverted taste for role-playing games? Look at your hypocritical act. Don't you find it disgusting?"
However, Zhou Jinnbai completely ignored Jia Yanzhen's mockery, as if an invisible barrier had been erected around him, deflecting all of Jia Yanzhen's attacks. Jia Yanzhen became even more enraged. Seeing Zhou Jinnbai's calm demeanor, he felt his lungs aching. "If you keep ignoring me, I'll immediately tell Lin Xingwan that you are Zhou Jinnbai." Jia Yanzhen couldn't stand being looked down upon, especially so openly.
Dongfang Junze merely sneered, his voice filled with arrogance, and a murderous intent appeared in his eyes, "You can try."
Jia Yanzhen: "..."
Lin Xingwan finally reached Mr. Brady and greeted him, "Hello, Mr. Brady."
Brady, who was chatting with a friend, turned his gaze to Lin Xingwan, his eyes filled with admiration. "And you are?"
"My name is Lin Xingwan, and I'm the owner of an entertainment company. I heard Mr. Brady is very fond of sci-fi movies. Our company is currently looking to invest in a sci-fi film. I don't have much experience in this area, and you are a veteran in sci-fi films. I'd like to ask for your advice on some questions." Lin Xingwan's attitude towards the sponsor magnate was extremely respectful and humble.
Upon hearing it was a sci-fi film, Mr. Brady couldn't help but become interested. "May I ask what the general content of the film your company plans to shoot is? And how do you intend to present it? If it's within my capabilities, I'll certainly offer some suggestions." Any man, regardless of age, would be pleased when a beautiful woman actively sought his advice. Who didn't like beautiful things? Especially since Lin Xingwan possessed the mysterious aura of an Eastern classical beauty, Brady found her very appealing.
So, Lin Xingwan explained the general content of "Miracle" and her expectations for it to Brady. They were having a pleasant conversation. Just as Lin Xingwan was about to seize the opportunity and extend an invitation, a familiar female voice called out from behind.
"Mr. Brady." Both Lin Xingwan and Brady turned their gaze to the speaker. It was Ye Qingning! What surprised Lin Xingwan was that Ye Qingning was accompanied by Lawrence, who was affectionately arm in arm with her. Coupled with the similar colors and fabrics of their evening gowns, it was evident they were a couple. Didn't Cheng Yanzhe only go to prison a few days ago? And Lawrence was a married man. Why were these two involved?
Perhaps it was Lin Xingwan's gaze on Ye Qingning that made Ye Qingning uncomfortable. She pushed Lawrence away and, with the casual tone of old friends meeting, said to Lin Xingwan, "What a coincidence, Xingwan. You're here too? Seeing you, I thought I was attending an ordinary banquet." Ye Qingning's implication was that Lin Xingwan only deserved to attend ordinary banquets. Lin Xingwan, however, was not angered. She replied naturally, "Indeed, seeing you, I had the same feeling."
At that moment, Ye Qingning's face turned very unpleasant. How dare Lin Xingwan, the owner of a "wild chicken" company, compare herself to her, the dignified daughter of the Ye family and an internationally renowned dancer? She swore she would crush this woman under her feet!
"You two know each other?" Brady asked.
"Of course, we do. Miss Lin Xingwan is planning to shoot a film with the same content as mine. I heard Miss Lin just signed a half-baked director this morning. Coincidentally, this half-baked director once knelt and apologized for slandering me. Miss Lin, if you have money to burn, go do charity. Why do you need to humiliate yourself and ride my coattails?" Brady's previously pleasant expression turned serious. He asked in a cold voice, "What do you mean by shooting a film with the same content? And signing a half-baked director?"
Lin Xingwan knew that sponsors were most wary of plagiarism and imitation. She quickly explained, "Mr. Brady, it's not that..." However, before Lin Xingwan could finish, Ye Qingning interrupted her. "It means exactly what you understand. This woman wants to swindle you. Do you remember the incident where someone knelt before Mr. Lawrence during the last awards ceremony? Lin Xingwan hired that man as the chief director and cinematographer. Mr. Brady, don't listen to her sweet talk. If you investigate a little, you'll find that Lin Xingwan is a person of extremely poor character. The author of her film 'Miracle' also has extremely poor character, and Peak Entertainment is a company that can't even make it to the top three in Rongcheng!"
After Ye Qingning finished, Lawrence also spoke, "Mr. Brady, I came to find you specifically to discuss cooperation. We've already cooperated twice, and you know my capabilities. This time, the content of our film 'Imperial Majesty' is roughly the same as what Miss Lin described. I believe you're a smart person and know who to cooperate with to avoid losses."
Mr. Brady looked at Lin Xingwan with disappointment and said unceremoniously, "Miss Lin, you have a wicked heart. I will not cooperate with you."
"Mr. Brady, let's talk over there." Lawrence and Ye Qingning both looked at Lin Xingwan with schadenfreude. Lin Xingwan still didn't want to give up. She followed behind Brady and said, "Mr. Brady, although 'Miracle' and 'Imperial Majesty' have similar content, it's 'Imperial Majesty's' author who plagiarized 'Miracle.' Moreover, the detailed descriptions in 'Miracle' are more brilliant than in 'Imperial Majesty.' You can take a look at the novel 'Miracle.' I really..."
Lin Xingwan was interrupted again, this time by Ye Qingning, who was holding a glass of red wine. She directly splashed the red wine onto Lin Xingwan's face. Watching Lin Xingwan stand there in disarray, Ye Qingning looked at her with disdain, "Miss Lin, don't be so shameless. If you keep pestering Mr. Brady, I'll have you thrown out." At this moment, Ye Qingning had forgotten that without Lawrence, she was nothing. But some dogs just liked to rely on others' power.
The cold red wine dripped from her hair, blurring Lin Xingwan's vision. She quickly raised her hand to wipe the wine stains from her face, only to be embraced in a safe and secure hug the next second. Then, Ye Qingning's scream rang out. When Lin Xingwan opened her eyes again, she saw two small lobsters and some stringy cheese hanging from Ye Qingning's hair. Dongfang Junze had actually poured an entire plate of cheese-baked lobsters onto Ye Qingning. Lawrence and Brady's expressions gradually turned grim. Their eyes even showed reverence and fear towards Dongfang Junze. They had never imagined that Dongfang Junze would help Lin Xingwan in front of everyone.
Ye Qingning tried to remove the lobsters from her hair, but the lobster claws pulled at her hair. Ye Qingning could no longer control her anger and roared at Dongfang Junze, "Mr. Dongfang, why are you doing this to me? I know our Ye family is nothing compared to even a single hair on your body, but what you're doing is too much. I was just teaching Lin Xingwan, this clingy leech, a lesson!"
"I'm also teaching a leech a lesson," Dongfang Junze said. Although he was wearing a mask, the murderous intent in his eyes made Ye Qingning feel like she was being strangled by a venomous snake. Dongfang Junze didn't notice that Lin Xingwan, whom he was holding, was staring intently at his right ear. In the exact same spot, there was indeed a very, very small mole. Lin Xingwan's shock was even greater than being splashed with red wine by Ye Qingning. Why did Dongfang Junze and Zhou Jinnbai have moles in the same position on their ears? Was this a coincidence or something else? There was no such thing as moles growing in the same spot. The only possibility was that they were the same person. This also easily explained why Zhou Jinnbai was never around when Dongfang Junze was present; it also explained why she couldn't contact Dongfang Junze after his car accident. But what about the woman who never showed her face? And... the photos that woman sent her? Countless questions arose in Lin Xingwan's mind. Just at this moment, she felt as if someone was sawing at her head with a chainsaw. Waves of intense pain struck her, and she couldn't even control her hands, clutching her head in agony. Some fragmented images reappeared in her mind, clearer this time than when she was at the police station. She remembered her mother again, but this time her mother was holding her, sitting on the rooftop, humming her childhood favorite song.
"Daughter, death is the end of everything. Shall Mother take you with her? No one can separate us mother and daughter. Let those schemes and tricks rot in the darkest corner of the world..."
"Mom, Xingwan is scared. Xingwan doesn't want to die."
"If you don't want to die, you'll have a very painful life when you grow up. Since Xingwan doesn't want to die, Mother will ask you again next time."
Then, her mother carried her down from the rooftop. But her mother was smiling eerily and strangely, and Lin Xingwan cried in fear. Lin Xingwan, held in Dongfang Junze's arms, convulsed violently due to the severe headache, repeatedly murmuring "Mom."
"Lin Xingwan, you green tea bitch, how can you pretend so much? I only splashed you with red wine. You're not going to bring up cancer or leukemia, are you?" Ye Qingning stared in disbelief at the "affected and pretentious" Lin Xingwan. She had underestimated Lin Xingwan's ability to be a green tea bitch.
Dongfang Junze picked Lin Xingwan up in his arms in front of everyone and warned in a cold, emotionless tone, "If Xingwan has any problems tonight, I'll make your entire Ye family pay with their lives." With that, he quickly carried Lin Xingwan away. Jia Yanzhen and Chen Yuchu, seeing this, also hurried to follow.
Lin Xingwan was carried into an incredibly luxurious bedroom. She had expected to wake up after a brief headache, as she had last time. However, she had been lying on the bed for over an hour with no signs of waking up. Doctors from Elysian City came one after another, but all were helpless regarding Lin Xingwan's condition. Her bodily functions showed no problems, yet she remained like a sleeping beauty, unable to wake up.
"Young Master, perhaps we should contact the doctors from the Dongfang family? If the young madam continues to be in a coma, it won't do," Chen Yuchu said, looking at Lin Xingwan on the bed. This was the first time she had encountered an illness that even high-tech medical equipment couldn't detect.
"I think this is Sleeping Beauty syndrome. I, the prince, need to kiss her awake. Starry Treasure, I'm coming to kiss you," Jia Yanzhen said, puckering his lips and leaning towards Lin Xingwan. Dongfang Junze pressed one hand against Jia Yanzhen's face and pushed him forcefully aside. Jia Yanzhen fell onto the sofa, four limbs splayed. Just then, a gentle, heavenly laugh sounded from the doorway.
"Miss Lin isn't sick, so calling doctors is useless." Everyone turned their gaze to the speaker, and both Chen Yuchu and Dongfang Junze showed surprise.