Upon entering the Lu Family Manor, Qin He and Xu Wanwan chatted while also introducing Shen Yilin.
"This is my assistant, a top student from Qing University, Shen Yilin," Qin He said with a smile.
Xu Wanwan looked at him, her eyes shining, "What a handsome young man."
Shen Yilin stood obediently beside Qin He and said, "Hello, Miss Xu."
"Don't call me Miss Xu, call me sister," Xu Wanwan stared at Shen Yilin, tilting her head in thought, "I feel like I've seen you somewhere before."
Shen Yilin blushed. He had been a male model once, and the client was this very Miss Xu. Fortunately, Xu Wanwan had drunk heavily that day, and the young man sitting beside her was a bit of a player, so she didn't have a clear memory.
Qin He changed the subject, "You've been working hard taking care of my brother lately, and I wanted to find an opportunity to thank you. But I've been busy managing Qin Corporation, so I haven't had time. I'll treat you to a meal later."
"No need, sister. I take care of your brother at night, and I usually catch up on sleep during the day, so I don't have time either."
Qin He looked puzzled, "My brother doesn't need constant care all night. His injury is to his bones. You should still get your sleep at night."
Xu Wanwan coughed lightly and turned her face away guiltily, "Where's Lu Mingxi? He's the protagonist today."
A short while later, Lu Mingxi arrived.
"Little Cat, Miss Xu," Lu Mingxi was dressed in a dark blue suit. He was already handsome, and at that moment, he attracted the attention of many young girls in the venue.
The three chatted for a while, and Lu Mingxi subtly positioned himself to separate Shen Yilin and Qin He.
Xu Wanwan teased with a smile, "Young Master Lu has always been a charmer. Now that he's about to become the CEO of Lu Corporation, he'll probably attract even more attention."
Shen Yilin stood silently to the side, staring at the man's head. This man is definitely doing this on purpose! This man is probably interested in sister!
A slight smile played on Lu Mingxi's handsome face, "I've settled down now. I'm only interested in one person." His gaze fell on Qin He, who was beside him.
Qin He swirled her wine glass, "Yes, Young Master Lu has always been interested in one person at a time." Qin He knew her brother's best friend well. Lu Mingxi was a notorious playboy in Qingcheng, but unlike other playboys who juggled multiple women, he was passionate about the pursuit itself. The women he pursued all thought they were the ones who made him settle down, thanks to his fiery and intense advances, which were never unsuccessful.
Lu Mingxi looked wronged, "Little Cat, how could you think that?"
Qin He glanced at him, her voice icy, "Young Master Lu, a rabbit doesn't eat the grass near its burrow."
"If I don't eat the grass near my burrow, should I leave it for other rabbits?" Lu Mingxi's words were roguish, but his face was truly handsome, which was one of the reasons women fell for him one after another. "Little Cat, the scenery at my manor is quite nice. Would you like me to show you around?"
Qin He knew his ways too well. She took a step back and then a step to the side, returning to Shen Yilin's side. "I have a companion, so I won't trouble you, Young Master Lu."
Lu Mingxi narrowed his eyes, looking at Shen Yilin, "Your little assistant?"
Shen Yilin stood his ground, his tall figure meeting the gaze. They stared at each other for a few seconds before Lu Mingxi chuckled, "Interesting." A penniless young man, yet his aura didn't falter. This kid is not simple. Could his rival for Qin He's affection be increasing by one more? Lu Mingxi didn't mind such challenges. He was determined to win Qin He over.
After a bit more conversation, a servant from the Lu family came to relay a message.
"Young Master, the master wants you to come over. You'll be speaking on stage soon."
Lu Mingxi acknowledged the message and left.
Xu Wanwan watched his retreating figure and sighed, "It won't be easy for Lu Mingxi to take over Lu Corporation."
"Hasn't he already taken over?" Qin He asked in confusion.
"His parents never liked him, so it was a last resort to let him take over. But I still think he'll face some obstacles."
Before long, Lu Mingxi was on the stage at the venue, giving his speech. Qin He listened, mostly hearing official pleasantries, talking about the future development of Lu Corporation and thanking partners. She felt a bit tired, and the arm she had linked with Shen Yilin's grew heavier.
Shen Yilin turned his head, "Sister, would you like to lean on me and rest for a while?"
"I'm fine." Qin He had been exhausted these past few days, otherwise, such a banquet wouldn't tire her out.
Halfway through the speech, the last guest arrived at the manor. Gu Qichen was the latest to arrive. Seeing Lu Mingxi already speaking, he stood at the entrance and listened. He had little interest in official speeches.
In a corner, Song Nuan, who wanted to shrink into nothingness, saw Gu Qichen and quickly walked over.
"Qichen, you're here!" Song Nuan took his arm, as if she had found her anchor, her eyes slightly red.
Gu Qichen frowned slightly, his voice cool, "En." If it were any other time, he would have asked Song Nuan what was wrong. Her eyes clearly showed she had been crying. But today, he wanted to know if she would really not say anything if he didn't ask.
Song Nuan bit her lower lip, waiting for Gu Qichen to ask her... But she had specifically gone to the restroom earlier to add some red eyeshadow to her eyes. Otherwise, wouldn't all that have been for nothing? Song Nuan, with a tearful expression, softly recounted what had just happened.
"Qichen, it seems Sister Qin doesn't like me anymore."
Gu Qichen looked up at Qin He in the distance, who was leaning on a man. His breath turned cold, and he looked at Song Nuan with some doubt, "Why should she like you?" For Qin He, Song Nuan had, after all, ruined her marriage. Song Nuan's current statement even seemed outrageous to Gu Qichen.
"I... I just felt that since you and she were married once, and were once family, it would be best to make peace," Song Nuan stammered, her large almond eyes glistening as proof of her sincerity. Make peace? Given Qin He's current temperament, that was unlikely. Gu Qichen's gaze locked onto the figure in blue. Qin He's current personality was bold with a touch of wildness, her movements were exceptionally skilled, and standing there with a lazy air, she was out of place with the people around her. Like a pearl among gravel, it was hard not to notice her.
Lu Mingxi's speech ended, and the crowd applauded. Soon, people saw Gu Qichen, and many immediately came over to toast him. Qingcheng was the headquarters of Gu Corporation, but Gu Corporation's business had spread globally. No one didn't want to cooperate with Gu Corporation. Similarly, Qin He also began to be surrounded by more people. The only entity at the venue that could compare to Gu Corporation was Qin Corporation. Gu Qichen had wanted to find an opportunity to speak with Qin He. His late arrival today was due to his grandmother's affairs. He wanted to discuss it with Qin He, but he hadn't had the chance. Qin He was smiling charmingly and gracefully amidst the crowd, while Shen Yilin beside her looked serious. Many people flattered Qin He, and some, unaware of Qin He and Shen Yilin's relationship, flattered Shen Yilin as well. Words like "talented," "distinguished," and exaggerated praises were spoken by the diverse people in front of them in a seemingly natural manner. Shen Yilin had witnessed the darkness of human nature. Now, seeing these gorgeously dressed "upper-class individuals" fawning over them, he felt an unprecedented clarity. These people all had ulterior motives. Amidst the crowd, a portly man suddenly looked at Shen Yilin, his eyes lighting up, "Little Lin?" The moment Shen Yilin saw the man, his face paled slightly. This was the owner of Jialan Club. How could he be here?!