Although he had only met Xue Qiandai two days ago, today the girl was wearing an off-the-shoulder dress and carrying a beautifully packaged box, exuding a unique charm. Zhao Jiequn was momentarily captivated by her beauty.
Huo Yunchao frowned, looking rather displeased. There were always unwanted suitors eyeing Madam Huo.
"Mr. Huo, Miss Qian Dai, please come in." Zhao Jiequn realized his lapse in composure and regained his composure as a refined gentleman, ushering them inside.
Xue Qiandai lifted her leg, then suddenly remembered something and asked, "Have we arrived at Blue Mountain yet?"
"Jie Ning went to pick him up."
What a devoted girlfriend! Xue Qiandai smiled like an aunt, thinking how lucky Lan Shan was.
Just as she was about to enter the courtyard, she heard someone call her from behind, "Ah Xue."
My best friend, Hua Se.
Hua Se, dressed in a red dress and red lipstick, exuded confidence as she linked arms with Jin Heng. "It's been a long time since I've seen you in an event like this."
Social circles of elite families naturally do not welcome bankrupt heiresses.
Jin Heng frowned, dissatisfied but remained silent.
Before Xue Qiandai could retort, Huo Yunchao put his arm around her waist and said indulgently, "Look at you, every time I ask you to come along, you say you're too lazy to watch all that pretense and mutual flattery. In this superficial world, how many people truly understand your noble character?"
Xue Qiandai felt incredibly comfortable being praised by her boyfriend; men are indeed the best label for women. She half-closed her eyes, thinking about the photos Li Shen had taken, and sneered. "Sese, I forgot to congratulate you, you're about to walk down the aisle with the person you love. I wish you both faithfulness and a long and harmonious life together."
Hua Se's face paled. "Of course."
Zhao Jiequn had long known about the feud between the two. Hua Se had been targeting Xue Qiandai at the charity gala, and now that it was his turf, he couldn't let Hua Se cause trouble. "Miss Hua, everyone attending today's banquet is here to sincerely celebrate my father's birthday. Miss Xue and President Huo are distinguished guests specially invited by my father. Please be aware of this, Miss Hua."
The distinguished guests, who were specially invited, clearly demonstrate their high status.
Jin Heng tugged at Hua Se, "Se Se, let's hurry up and go to offer our birthday wishes, lest we miss the auspicious time."
The birthday banquet was held in the Zhao family courtyard. Signposts led through the winding paths from the courtyard gate.
Xue Qiandai lingered, admiring the scenery of the courtyard, stopping and starting as she went. The Xue family's old villa was also in this modern Chinese style, which she fondly remembered.
"Do you like the courtyard?" Huo Yunchao saw through her thoughts.
Xue Qiandai nodded repeatedly, "Yes, this courtyard is much larger than Xianghu Bay. Just think of what the great writer Byron said: A person's wealth is not shown in having a lot of money at home or a bustling house, but in having the mood to arrange his courtyard and garden. Today, this investment tycoon, who is celebrating his birthday, is in a very good mood."
“Dai Dai.” Huo Yunchao pulled her along. “Actually, you are the richest one. Look at all you’ve been through, yet you can still calmly and serenely appreciate the beauty of the courtyard. No one can match your state of mind.”
Xue Qiandai wrinkled her nose at her, looking charming and adorable. "You know, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You like everything I do and can come up with all sorts of reasons for it."
"Isn't this what it's like for lovers to be together?"
If every day feels like the first time we met, that would be wonderful.
The Zhao family's courtyard is in the currently popular Neo-Chinese style. Spanning 2,000 square meters, it features artificial hills and water features, mimicking the beauty of nature. Beside the cascading water is a waterfront platform, the main venue, where about ten tables are set up. Although not large in scale, the attendees are all of high status and caliber, truly representing the elite circle.
Hidden behind the cascading water is the gift register, a tradition of the capital. After receiving the gifts, the host uses them as a basis for reciprocal gift-giving at the next banquet or wedding/funeral.
The Zhao family steward registered the documents, and someone collected them.
At this time, there were several other guests presenting gifts, with Huo Yunchao and Xue Qiandai at the back.
"Consort Dai, you've come too!" Only one person addressed her as Consort Dai, and that was Rong Xiao. He awkwardly followed Consort Dai's lead and called out, "Beautiful Lady Huo."
Everyone around was focused on Huo Yunchao, the most sought-after entrepreneur in the tech world, who had such an endearing name—"Huo the Beauty"—a name that suited him perfectly. These people registered for gifts but didn't leave, probably hoping to take the opportunity to chat with Huo Yunchao.
"Are you very free? Dai Dai doesn't like idle people." Huo Yunchao was not polite.
"Tch!" Rong Xiao ignored him and explained to Dai Dai, "My old man asked me to come and offer birthday greetings, otherwise I would have preferred to have fun by myself. Consort Dai, I want to sit with you in a bit."
Having offended the beauty, how could she possibly sit with her? Dai Dai's survival instincts were strong. "The host has made arrangements; you can sit wherever you're assigned."
"Prioritizing romance over friendship, humph."
When it was Huo Yunchao and Xue Qiandai's turn, they presented their gifts with grace. Suddenly, a female voice rang out from the side: "Oh, isn't this Miss Xue? Don't you know what gift you brought today?"
As the voice approached, it was Guo Wen. She emphasized the word "precious daughter" with a particularly heavy tone, her voice full of mockery and sarcasm.
"Miss Guo, what gift I give is none of your business," Xue Qiandai said, showing no kindness to the plagiarist.
Guo Wen tilted her head, looking at the butler's ledger, and let out a cold laugh. "I never knew you could do haute couture. I just didn't know you could design things without even graduating from fashion school?" She presented her gift and changed to a respectful tone. "Uncle Butler, this is an autumn outfit that my sister tailored for the old master. Please give it to him."
Zhao Sheng, also known as the head of the Zhao family, is rarely addressed as such these days; most people call him President Zhao or Chairman Zhao. Many have almost forgotten that he is the head of a top-tier family in the capital. Guo Wen's words were also intended to curry favor.
Rong Xiao rubbed his chin, his fingers cracking as he pinched it. "Even those who haven't graduated are better at designing than you. Otherwise, you wouldn't have plagiarized. I think someone has forgotten the pain once the wound heals. They deserve a beating."
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