"No rush, you can sign it later. There's something else." Wen Lijing took out an invitation from his pocket. "This is an invitation from the Huo family. They're inviting us to a banquet to celebrate the establishment of their branch in the capital."

Qiao Wanwan took the invitation and looked at it. "I've heard about this. The Huo family has always lived a quiet life in Haicheng. Why did they suddenly decide to develop in the capital?"

"Although the Imperial View Group dominates the capital, it's normal that many people want a piece of the pie."

“Yes, that’s normal, but I won’t be attending this banquet.” Qiao Wanwan closed the invitation. “I’m heavily pregnant and it’s inconvenient for me, and I don’t want to show my face in public.”

“Wanwan, you really have to go,” Wen Lijing said. “Jingting has been missing for almost three months, and there are all sorts of rumors going around. Some say Jingting is dead and you are sick in bed, while others say you lost your child due to excessive grief.”

"This dinner party hosted by the Huo family is for the upper echelons of the capital. Your presence can quell some of the unfounded rumors and will also benefit the Imperial View Group."

Qiao Wanwan thought for a moment and could only agree, "Okay, as long as it's for the good of the group, I'm willing to attend."

"Yes, I'll go with you. Let everyone know you're in good shape, and some rumors will naturally fall apart."

"good."

......

Saturday arrived in the blink of an eye.

In the evening, Qiao Wanwan picked up her two children from kindergarten and told them, "Be good at home. Mommy has to go out for a bit and will try to come back as soon as possible."

Eleven's eyes lit up, "Mommy, my brother and I want to go play too."

"Mommy isn't going on a trip; she has important business to attend to, so she can't take you with her."

Eleven looked dejected. "Alright then..."

Qiao Wanwan hugged the two children. "Mommy knows it's been a long time since I've taken you out to play. Wait a little longer, until Daddy comes back and our family is reunited. Then Daddy and Mommy will take you out to play, okay?"

"All right."

Xiao Jiu nodded obediently.

“My son is the best.” Qiao Wanwan kissed them hard on the forehead.

Xiao Jiu's face immediately turned red.

Qiao Wanwan went back to her room to change her clothes and put on some simple makeup. When she came downstairs, Wen Lijing was already waiting for her.

When Wen Lijin saw the girl coming out of the elevator, his eyes lit up and he couldn't hide his amazement.

Qiao Wanwan was wearing a black dress. Although she was in her late pregnancy, her belly was small and her limbs were slender, so she did not look bulky at all.

"What's wrong?" Qiao Wanwan walked up to him and asked curiously, "Is there something wrong with me?"

“No,” Wen Lijing said. “Let’s go.”

Where is Zhan Yin?

"Zhan Yin is going too?"

"Yes, I'm heavily pregnant, so I have to be careful. Zhan Yin can protect me closely."

"I can protect you too."

Qiao Wanwan smiled and said, "Zhan Yin is Jing Ting's nephew, and I am his aunt. I can attend such occasions arm in arm with him, but it's different for you. If we go hand in hand, there will probably be more rumors."

Wen Lijing frowned. "Sorry, Wanwan, I didn't think that much about it."

"We have nothing to fear if we are upright, but the Zhan family is at a critical juncture right now, and I don't want any more rumors to spread."

"I see."

Zhan Yin quickly came out of his room, dressed in a white suit, looking incredibly handsome.

The three of them went to the hotel together.

Although the Huo family was based in Haicheng and had only recently arrived in the capital, the banquet was attended by many prominent figures, demonstrating the extent of their connections.

Qiao Wanwan appeared arm in arm with Zhan Yin, instantly becoming the focus of the entire room.

Many people came over with their wine glasses to offer a toast.

"Madam Zhan, I never expected to see you here."

"Madam Zhan's belly should be six or seven months along, right? Congratulations!"

"Madam Zhan, there are all sorts of rumors circulating outside. What exactly happened to Master Zhan?"

Qiao Wanwan smiled and said slowly, "Thank you all for your concern. My husband has been harmed by villains and is indeed missing. You all have many connections, so please keep an eye out for him. I would be extremely grateful if you could help me find him."

"So that's how it is. Who is so heartless as to want to harm Master Zhan?"

"Exactly, they've really got a lot of nerve."

"......"

Qiao Wanwan didn't plan to chat with them much; she just wanted to show her face, say hello to the Huo family, and then leave.

Just as she was about to turn and leave, she suddenly saw someone pointing behind her, "Master Zhan... Master Zhan..."