Madam Gu said, "Not yet, there are some matters at the company that need handling, but he should be here soon."
Upon learning that Gu Qichen was not present, Song Nuan first breathed a sigh of relief, then looked towards Qin He's direction.
"Auntie, that's Sister Qin, isn't it? Did you send her an invitation too?" Song Nuan furrowed her brow as if in confusion.
Madam Gu followed her gaze and saw Qin He. Her originally happy expression instantly sank, "Why is she here? How could I have sent her an invitation?"
Qin He had caused the Gu Corporation so much trouble; she would never allow her to attend her birthday banquet.
"Ah, did she sneak in without an invitation?" Song Nuan said softly, "Auntie..."
Madam Gu coldly curled her lips, "Xiao Nuan, go ahead. Do whatever you want."
As long as Qin He was embarrassed, it was fine.
"Understood, Auntie."
When Qin He saw Song Nuan walking towards her, she had just exchanged glances with Qin Yun. The latter communicated with his eyes, telling her not to stir up any trouble.
She shrugged and then saw Song Nuan approaching.
It wasn't that she wanted to cause trouble; it was this annoying person who insisted on bothering her.
"Sister Qin, how did you get in without an invitation?"
As expected, Song Nuan's words attracted the attention of those around.
Upon learning that Qin He had snuck in without an invitation, some people's expressions changed.
The guests attending the birthday banquet were all wealthy and influential, naturally looking down upon such behavior.
Whispers began to spread.
"Sister Qin, if you really wanted to come, you could have just told me."
Qin He's expression was calm, a cold smile playing on her lips.
To say Song Nuan was intelligent would be true, and to say she wasn't, also true.
Qin He's back was straight, her slender and fair neck like a proud swan.
Her red lips curved slightly, and just as she was about to speak, a hand was placed on her shoulder from behind, drawing her into an embrace.
Concurrently, a rather unrestrained voice with a hint of coldness sounded, "She came with me. Would you like to see my invitation?"
The voice was familiar.
Indeed, as Qin He turned her head, she saw Lu Mingxi raising his eyebrows, casting a half-smile at Song Nuan.
Song Nuan's expression froze for a moment.
She hadn't expected Lu Mingxi to arrive so promptly.
The atmosphere suddenly became a little awkward, and the people who had been murmuring quietly beside them gradually fell silent.
Lu Mingxi was Qin He's rumored male lead...
And he was acting so openly.
While Song Nuan and Gu Qichen were always subject to gossip behind their backs, out of respect for the Gu family, people in these circles dared not speak ill of them openly.
At this moment, a cold voice cut through the silent air, slowly sounding, "Young Master Lu is truly capable of turning the tide and rescuing the Lu Corporation from my hands."
This week, the Gu Corporation had exerted comprehensive pressure on the Lu Corporation. He had initially thought Lu Mingxi to be a dilettante, but he hadn't expected him to repeatedly rescue the struggling Lu Corporation.
"Thank you for the compliment," Lu Mingxi replied, his smile clearly not reaching his eyes.
Gu Qichen walked slowly to Song Nuan's side, and she immediately linked her arm with his, "Qichen."
Qin He let out a cold snort.
This drew a glance from Gu Qichen towards her.
Qin He met his gaze directly and calmly.
His words had pulled Song Nuan out of her awkward situation, but Qin He didn't want to let her off the hook.
As she was about to speak again, Song Nuan gently interrupted her, "Sister Qin, I misunderstood just now. Please forgive me."
Qin He did not respond, as Lu Mingxi had already let out a cold laugh and led her away.
He took her to the dining table and handed her a glass of champagne, "Arguing with that kind of woman, aren't you afraid of losing face?"
Qin He took the glass but didn't drink, shaking it as she said, "I still have to cause some trouble tonight, believe it or not?"
"Does she still pose a threat to you, little cat?" Lu Mingxi clearly wasn't concerned about what Song Nuan might do, smiling dismissively.
Qin He did not reply.
Although she didn't know the specific details of their two years of marriage, in terms of divorce, she had indeed lost.
After a while, Lu Mingxi went to mingle with others, and Qin Yun was also in conversation. Qin He felt a bit bored and opened the door to the backyard to go outside.
The fountain in the backyard sparkled under the light, reflecting shimmering patterns.
Some guests who preferred quiet were conversing softly in the backyard. Qin He sat by the fountain and played on her phone.
She hadn't been there for more than a few minutes when she saw Song Nuan approaching, her dress trailing, a gentle smile on her face, looking concerned.
"Sister Qin, why aren't you inside?"