The financial crisis presented the group with unprecedented difficulties, but thanks to its thorough preparation, it managed to survive the wave of bankruptcies without suffering significant impact.

Meanwhile, Lu Wanqing and Lin Ye were on vacation on a cruise ship at sea.

Luxury cruise ships offer a variety of entertainment facilities, allowing passengers to fully relax.

After watching a beautiful romantic movie, the two went to a Western restaurant for lunch, then went back to their room for a short rest. In the afternoon, they played ball or worked out for half a day, and in the evening, they attended a dance party, enjoying delicious food while dancing to their hearts' content.

The people around me were either blond-haired, blue-eyed Westerners or Easterners who looked similar but were still easily distinguishable.

Everyone is a stranger, but sometimes that makes it easier to relax.

That's how the world is. Despite the fact that the economies of all countries are in bad shape due to the financial crisis, and many people have gone bankrupt, become homeless, or even committed suicide, there are still some wealthy people who are not affected at all and continue to enjoy themselves as they please.

Those who can afford to spend 50,000 yuan on a cruise ship at this time are either rich or powerful.

This is a cruise ship from the United States, owned by Mark, the boss of the company where Lin Ye works, and it has a history of over a century.

Lin Ye and Lu Wanqing were invited by Mark as a reward for Lin Ye's hard work over the past year.

That day, Mark hosted a dinner party and invited his close friends to attend. He also specifically asked someone to inform Lin Ye and his wife to attend.

Lin Ye picked out a modified cheongsam evening gown for Lu Wanqing that accentuated her figure. The gold dress was studded with rhinestones, and under the lights, it shimmered with iridescent colors, making her look radiant.

Lu Wanqing didn't want to wear it at first, but with Lin Ye's encouragement, she put it on and even picked out a very fitted suit for him.

The two of them standing together are a perfect match.

The two walked hand in hand down the corridor to the entrance of the banquet hall, only to bump into Sophie with a young woman with blonde hair.

They also wore revealing, glamorous gowns with very low slits, as if afraid that others wouldn't see their ample bosoms.

Sophie recognized Lu Wanqing at a glance, her eyes revealing disgust and contempt.

She had been humiliated at Lu Wanqing's hotel, and Chun Tao was working for her. Now she not only hated Han Tao and Chun Tao, but also their friends.

“Lisa, I saw this woman when I went back to China last time. She didn’t have an invitation, so she must be here to crash the dinner.”

Sophie spoke to Lisa in English, her voice neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough for Lin Ye and his wife to hear.

Lin Ye wanted to step forward and refute, but was stopped.

"There's no need to get angry with this kind of person. We can just line up to get in."

Lisa smiled gently and said:

“That woman is very beautiful, and the man next to her is also very handsome. It’s fine to let them in. My dad likes to make Chinese friends, so he shouldn’t mind.”

She is Mark's daughter. She lived in China with her father for a period of time when she was young and has a great fondness for Chinese civilization. She was able to befriend Sophie because Sophie could cater to her interests and tell her about Chinese mythology and architecture.

Lisa meant no harm, but Sophie didn't think so, and continued:

"It's your birthday today. Are you going to let that woman in and steal your thunder? How about this, I'll help you kick them out!"

Lisa's beautiful eyes widened, and before she could even express her opinion, she had already swayed over.

"Hello, do you have an invitation? This isn't a place just anyone can walk into," Sophie said to Lu Wanqing, crossing her arms.

Lu Wanqing, who was in the queue, ignored her and continued walking forward with the group.

"I'm talking to you!" Sophie said angrily, reaching out to grab her arm.

Lu Wanqing's cheongsam sleeves were only a short section, and when he tugged at her fair skin, a bloody mark was left.

Lin Ye stepped forward, slapped her hand away, and said sternly:

"Madam, please have some self-respect."

In front of many people, all of whom were Asian, he didn't want to make things too awkward.

Lin Ye's strength was so great that it hurt Sophie's hand. She clutched her hand and cried out sharply in English:

"Everyone, come and see! These two people walked in without invitations; they've completely disgraced the Chinese people!"

People in the corridor were drawn by her voice and all turned to look at Lu Wanqing and Lin Ye.

Even among a group of handsome men and beautiful women, they were still very dazzling. The man looked at Lu Wanqing with admiration, already fantasizing about dancing with her.

The woman looked at Lin Ye with a smile, attracted by his slightly rugged face, her heart fluttering with desire.

“Such a beautiful lady, even without an invitation, I would gladly bring her in.” A man smiled politely, believing himself to be incredibly charming.

The two young ladies looked at Lin Ye, their expressions shy, and extended an invitation to him:

Would you like to come in with me?

Sophie stomped her feet in anger.

Those who can get into this kind of banquet are all successful people in the industry, elegant ladies, and daughters of wealthy families. Why should they be allowed to sneak in like this?

She worked so hard for so many years to get this opportunity.

Just as she was about to make another move, Lisa stopped her, telling her to restrain herself and not cause any more trouble. Maybe they had an invitation, but just hadn't shown it yet.

Besides, the more Lisa looked at Lin Ye, the more fascinated she became, and she even developed a slight crush on him.

She thought that she was beautiful, especially younger than the women around him, and that if she used her charm, she might win his favor.

Sophie had no idea what she was thinking; she stood in front of them, refusing to let the group move forward.

Just as the crowd was in turmoil, Mark appeared with his assistant. He was furious to see Sophie making trouble for his VIP over such a matter.

"Who are you? Why are you interfering with my VIP?" Mark's voice was loud and carried an irresistible air of authority.

Sophie shuddered, immediately realizing that the person in front of her was Lisa's father.

VIP?

Could it be that I made a mistake?

“Uncle, I’m sorry, I must have made a mistake. Please forgive me. I am Lisa’s friend, and it is an honor to attend the dinner.”

She spoke fluent English, and although it was an apology, it subtly revealed a hint of smugness.

Now that she can talk to someone as important as Mark, she can finally join high society.

To everyone's surprise, the next second, Mark spoke sternly to Lisa:

“What kind of shady friends do you know? I won’t allow you to bring people like that to the banquet.”

After saying that, without even glancing at Sophie, he warmly shook Lin Ye's hand in Chinese.

Sophie, like a peacock whose feathers have been plucked, hung her head and begged Lisa for mercy.

Lisa was a pampered young lady who relied on her father, so she couldn't resist him. She could only comfort Sophie and say that she would take her to other banquets in the future if there was an opportunity.

She slunk away amidst the laughter of the crowd.