Junlan Club, located near the Forbidden City, is one of the four major clubs in the capital, with membership fees starting at ten million. Money isn't the issue; the key is the limited number of members—only two hundred nationwide. The club only admits new members when an existing member withdraws.
Junlan Club operates on a commercial basis, thus becoming a major venue for fashion brand launches and film and television meet-and-greets.
Xue Qiandai's father used to be a member. However, now that the Xue family has fallen on hard times, he should have been automatically expelled. Xue Qiandai wasn't quite sure.
As for what items to bring to the auction, Xue Qiandai chose perfumes and lipsticks that expire easily, and casually pinned a brooch to her Valentino dress. Her makeup remained impeccable, and finally, she set off carrying a Birkin bag.
Xue Qiandai arrived at the club at about 6:30.
The clubhouse was quaint and elegant, a modern design that preserved the architectural style of ancient buildings. Two large red lanterns hung above the entrance. Neatly dressed security personnel patiently verified the guests' invitations. Xue Qiandai saw rising stars and wealthy young men from the entertainment circle with attractive female companions.
Xue Qiandai didn't have an invitation, and Hua Se didn't give her one either. She chuckled; this was probably the first embarrassing moment, but she planned to make an appearance.
"Miss, please show me your invitation," the security guard politely requested.
Xue Qiandai brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, looked around leisurely, and smiled, "Then, could you please give Miss Hua Se a call? She kindly invited me here. I was very busy, but she insisted, and I couldn't refuse her. The invitation is with her too."
The two security guards exchanged glances. Hua Se's reputation was quite useful, and they certainly wouldn't dare to neglect her VIPs. However, one of the tall guards said, "Miss, an invitation alone is not enough. Tonight's banquet requires each guest to bring their own partner."
That Hua Se, she really has ulterior motives. She didn't even tell her such important information; was she trying to embarrass her? Leaving like this would be a waste of all the previous preparations, and Xue Qiandai wasn't like that. She walked to the side and dialed Huo Meiren's number.
Huo Yunchao answered immediately. "Dai Dai?"
"Did I bother you?" This was the first time Xue Qiandai had called him since their breakup, and her heart was filled with a sense of joy.
"I won't disturb you, go ahead." Huo Yunchao put down the business documents in his hand and strolled to the window.
"I'm at Junlan Club. Could you come over? The sooner the better." She spoke the last four words very softly, because even if it's a date between boyfriend and girlfriend, they should at least let each other know beforehand. Inviting someone so abruptly is never appropriate.
Huo Yunchao glanced at the time on his phone and replied in a magnetic voice, "Is half an hour okay?"
It's rush hour now, and it's the weekend, so half an hour is practically like taking a rocket.
"Mmm." Xue Qiandai couldn't stop smiling. After hanging up the phone, she instructed the security guard, "I'm going to a nearby coffee shop. If Miss Hua Se comes out, tell her not to feel guilty. She probably didn't mean it. I'm easygoing and won't hold it against her. After all, she's a good friend!"
Inside the club, a man who looked like an assistant turned and disappeared into the night.
No sooner had Xue Qiandai finished speaking than a startled exclamation rang in her ears, "What are you doing here?"
Looking in the direction of the sound, she saw Zhao Jiening, dressed in a white dress, holding a man's arm, stopping in front of her.
Last time, Xue Qiandai was wondering why Zhao Jiening, who wore an exceptional outfit, would drink takeout coffee, even though she was a rich second-generation. She extended her hand gracefully, "Miss Zhao, it's a pleasure to meet you here. Let me introduce myself, Xue Qiandai."
Xue Qiandai, without any embellishment.
Zhao Jiening's expression became even more interesting, because she had dominated the trending topics that morning. The bankrupt heiress not only worked as a delivery driver but also sold cosmetics online, becoming the focus of online attention, and yet she openly appeared in high society circles. What incredible nerves and heart! However, Zhao Jiening's focus was elsewhere. "Your freckles? Did you apply countless layers of concealer?"
Xue Qiandai chuckled; she actually still remembered this. "Have you heard of freckle makeup? It's very fashionable. I only tried it out a little before."
The man next to Zhao Jiening seemed to be hearing this for the first time, and laughed heartily, "Jiening, your friend is truly a wonderful person!"
It turns out that Miss Zhao's full name is Zhao Jiening, which sounds quite nice. Returning the compliment, Xue Qiandai naturally wouldn't be impolite, and openly praised, "Miss Zhao, your male companion is simply handsome and has impeccable taste."
The man was clearly enjoying himself, his chin practically pointing to the sky. Zhao Jiening glared at him. "My brother, Zhao Jiequn. Why aren't you going in yet? Did your boyfriend stand you up? Or, can I lend you my brother?"
What an enthusiastic girl! She sold out her own brother in a heartbeat. And Zhao Jiequn, in an extremely gentlemanly manner, bowed slightly, extending an invitation.
Xue Qiandai almost coughed up. "My friend will be here soon. You guys go in first, I'll come find you later."
"Alright, see you later." The Zhao siblings entered the clubhouse.
Zhao Jiening lowered her voice casually and said, "I've never seen you so attentive to any woman before."
Zhao Jiequn still had a smile on her face, "A bankrupt heiress attending a socialite gala, yet she exudes a queen-like aura and is so poised and powerful. I haven't seen such a person in a long time. To be honest, my heart skipped a beat just now."
"Do you need me to play matchmaker?" Zhao Jiening teased.
"No need. My passion for women doesn't last more than three minutes. Once it cools down, I forget about them."
Haha, still a heartless man.
After seeing the Zhao siblings off, Xue Qiandai prepared to rest for a while nearby when a middle-aged woman approached. She was the shrewd and capable type. She had dark circles under her eyes, the kind that came from long hours of overtime work, which even concealer couldn't hide. She didn't bring a male companion because she was a colleague and had come at the invitation of the other party.
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