20 Stunning
"Yes, I'm with Nan Qiao. We've had dinner and I'm getting my hair and makeup done now. Uncle Li has sent over my dress. You can pick me up on Central Avenue later."
Ye Zhenzhen hung up the phone, and the makeup artist continued applying her makeup.
The two arrived quite early, so they decided to have a spa treatment at the beauty salon before starting their hair and makeup routine.
"What's wrong? Your husband is worried about you being with me?" Zhao Nanqiao saw that she had a smile on her lips and didn't seem unhappy, so he became even more certain that the relationship between the two of them was progressing, and teased her tentatively.
"That's enough! We originally agreed to meet the stylist at my place and go over tonight. But I moved here to keep you company," Ye Zhenzhen said with a laugh.
"Oh dear, then I'm sorry, Mr. Gu. You're my stylist, and I'm going to stick with you today no matter what." After saying that, Zhao Nanqiao looked at Ye Zhenzhen's makeup and praised, "This makeup is beautiful, clean and clear, and it suits you perfectly. Your makeup skills are amazing!"
"Miss Ye has a great foundation. Not only is her skin flawless, but her bone structure is also excellent. She doesn't need any contouring or concealing; her makeup is naturally flawless," the makeup artist explained with a smile.
"Hey, you're really good at this. These eyebrows look so much better than the thick Korean-style eyebrows she had on that show before." Even though Zhao Nanqiao was used to seeing them, she couldn't help but admire Ye Zhenzhen's beauty. "After you finish your styling, I'll take some pictures of you. You'll look absolutely stunning."
Gu Tingshen led Gu Sinan into the beauty salon, where they were guided inside by the receptionist. Ye Zhenzhen was a VIP customer and had her own private room.
The receptionist who led them there knocked, and the door opened from the inside.
Gu Tingshen looked up and saw Ye Zhenzhen with her hair piled high under the crystal chandelier, a few strands of hair curling around her ears. She wore a black velvet dress that made her skin look as white as snow and showed off her slender and graceful figure.
Hearing the door open, she turned around, a bright and captivating smile blooming on her face, the dimples at the corners of her mouth like intoxicating wine.
At that moment, Gu Tingshen couldn't take his eyes off him.
The Jiang family's villa in the southern district of City A was constantly bustling with guests.
Jiang Cheng, accompanied by his younger sister Jiang Xue, followed behind their father at the door to greet guests.
A black Rolls-Royce stopped, the driver opened the back door, and Gu Tingshen got out first. He reached into the door and a fair, jade-like hand landed on his large palm.
Then Ye Zhenzhen, dressed in a long dress, stepped out of the car and affectionately took his arm. Gu Sinan pulled on her trailing skirt behind her, and the three of them walked towards the door together.
Jiang Cheng raised his eyebrows, full of surprise.
He had known Gu Tingshen for so many years and knew his friend's quirks deep down, including his strong aversion to physical contact with others.
He had never seen his friend so close to anyone before, and at one point even thought he was destined to live a lonely life. How could he have suddenly changed his mind?
He remained outwardly calm and led the three of them inside to meet Jiang's mother.
Jiang's mother is fifty years old this year. She has a gentle and kind look in her eyes. She was very happy to see the three of them. She held Ye Zhenzhen's hand with one hand and put her arm around Gu Sinan with the other. She was very happy to see them.
"Zhenzhen has become even more beautiful lately. It's clear that older men know how to take care of women. She looks much healthier than before." Then she looked at Gu Sinan, "Nannan, how have you been lately? I heard you went to record a show. How was it? Did you have fun?"
Ye Zhenzhen was beautiful and well-behaved since childhood, and was most popular with middle-aged and elderly people. After chatting and laughing for a while, the topic turned to Jiang Cheng.
"Tell me, you're a year older than Ting Shen, and you still can't even settle down on a marriage partner..."
Jiang Cheng begged for mercy with a tearful face. After listening to a long scolding, she finally escaped. She couldn't help but complain to Gu Tingshen, "Ever since you got married, all the pressure has fallen on me. My mom doesn't like me at all."
Gu Sinan was kept by Jiang's mother, who told them to have fun and not to worry about leaving the child with her.
Ye Zhenzhen linked arms with Gu Tingshen and walked out, unable to suppress a smile. It seems that even wealthy families can't escape the pressure to get married.
The spacious villa hall was filled with elegantly dressed people, and passersby secretly observed the perfect couple.
"...Wasn't it rumored that they both had sullen faces when they got married and were constantly arguing about divorce?"
“Even Crown Prince Gu accompanied me to the recording of the program, and he has never brought a female companion to a banquet before. This doesn’t seem like a bad relationship at all.”
"Really? I don't pay much attention. For a CEO like him, time is the most precious thing. The fact that he can take time to accompany his wife to record a show is definitely true love!"
"Putting everything else aside, these two are really pleasing to the eye when they stand together. Their figures, temperament, and looks are a perfect match."
"What are you saying? Why the long face?" A lazy female voice came from behind.
Ye Zhenzhen looked over and recognized her as Su Lingfei from the Su family, followed by her half-brother Su Lingyun.
The Su family is a long-established financial family with a deep foundation. Su Lingfei, as the eldest daughter, is a well-known strong woman in the industry. After graduation, she did not join the family business, but instead founded her own company and built an empire.
Unlike her sister, Su Lingyun loved music from a young age and went straight to a music academy in college, showing no interest in the family business.
She was about the same age as Gu Tingshen and not familiar with Ye Zhenzhen. Su Lingyun, on the other hand, was about the same age as Ye Zhenzhen and they were fairly well acquainted when they studied abroad.
"She said my mom's pressuring me to get married," Jiang Cheng teased familiarly when he saw her. "Where's your little boyfriend from last time? Why didn't you bring him?"
“The young man is too clingy. Let him film a TV series to give him a few days of peace and quiet.” Su Lingfei, dressed in a striking red dress, explained casually before turning to Gu Tingshen to chat about work, “How’s your company’s project in Bishuiwan progressing lately?”
Ye Zhenzhen didn't understand these things very well, so she just quietly stayed by her side and listened carefully. In terms of company management, these people were all big shots, and she could learn a lot from any of them.
As Su Lingfei spoke, she secretly observed the couple.
She deliberately acted as if she knew Gu Tingshen well, using professional terms that Ye Zhenzhen didn't understand, to see their reactions.
She discovered that beneath Ye Zhenzhen's stunning appearance lay an unexpected tranquility.
Women from good families and who are beautiful are often arrogant. After all, they rely on their beauty to get ahead, and they are used to the adulation that beauty brings, so they find it hard to tolerate being ignored.
But Ye Zhenzhen's eyes were clear and bright, and she was completely innocent. She didn't care about their neglect in their conversation, and she was completely unaware of their feigned intimacy.
Su Lingfei curled her red lips into a playful smile, thinking, "She's still a clueless kid."
Then look at Gu Tingshen, a person who has always hated physical contact with others, but seems like a different person when he's with Ye Zhenzhen.
As the waiter carried a tray of champagne around, Gu Tingshen put his arm around Ye Zhenzhen's waist and pulled her away.
After that, his arm remained wrapped around the beauty's waist, displaying a strong sense of possessiveness. Every now and then, he would lower his head to whisper a few words to the person in his arms, not letting her stand there idly, showing utmost thoughtfulness.
The air conditioning in the lobby was on full blast. Gu Tingshen squeezed Ye Zhenzhen's hand and felt it was a little cold, so he simply led her to the sofa on the terrace, took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders, and also instructed a waiter to bring over some hot milk.
Only then did he return to speak with them, his eyes still glancing towards the terrace from time to time.
Su Lingfei watched this scene with a smile and teased, "What's wrong? Are you afraid of losing your little wife in public? You like her that much?"
"She's not like your other mistresses, don't tease her." Gu Tingshen's tone was low, carrying a hidden warning.
This shows that he realized Su Lingfei had deliberately provoked him earlier.
"Wow, that's quite something! You're more than just a rare sight; you're protecting it like it's your own eyeball. You can't even be teased?" Su Lingfei looked it over, finding it increasingly amusing.
"Old Gu, this won't do. If you care so much, how come you haven't won over the little princess after being married for so long?"
Having been through many romantic encounters, she could tell at a glance that Gu Tingshen was truly in love, but he definitely hadn't made a move. Ye Zhenzhen was still completely oblivious.
Tsk tsk, she shook her head inwardly. She never expected that Gu Tingshen would be so patient as to play the innocent love game with a little girl.
Su Lingyun nudged his sister's lower back from behind, asking why she kept provoking Gu Tingshen. Was Gu Tingshen someone to be trifled with?
Gu Tingshen is a standout among his generation. Despite his low-key demeanor, he's ruthless and decisive in business; when he strikes, it's a decisive blow. His domineering and tough personality is evident in his actions. And his sister, always looking for a thrill, insists on provoking him. Tsk.
Gu Tingshen glanced at her indifferently, raised his hand and drank the wine in his glass in one gulp, the diamond cuffs on his sleeves sparkling with dazzling light.
He had imagined his own marriage, which was nothing more than a marriage between people of similar social standing. He didn't have much aversion to it, and his highest expectation was to be like his parents, sharing the same ideals and treating each other with respect.
Ye Zhenzhen was an unexpected surprise, far beyond his expectations. She brought him boundless energy and beauty, showing him a different way of life and how wonderful life could be.
She was so full of vitality; she would pause to admire a flower, be captivated by a fish, and spend time with Gu Sinan amidst her busy schedule. She was always happy and loved life. Like a vibrant peach blossom, she illuminated his barren spiritual world.
Ye Zhenzhen was actually a little cold just now, but when that big hand embraced her, it felt warm and quite comfortable.
Now that I'm sitting down, I can finally relax my feet, which are clad in high heels.
Wearing the man's coat, she was enveloped in the woody scent and his body heat. A sip of hot milk went down her throat, and her icy fingertips slowly warmed up. She closed her eyes in comfort.
"Finally found you!" Zhao Nanqiao sat down next to her, carrying a plate of chocolate cakes. "This is so boring. I hate attending these kinds of banquets. I just graduated, and my mom is already arranging blind dates for me."
"Watch your posture, Mumu. You're wearing a skirt, not pants, today!" Ye Zhenzhen pulled down her skirt to prevent it from revealing too much. "Brother Beichen is married, so you're the only one left."
Zhao Beichen is Zhao Nanqiao's older brother. He got married two years ago and is now the owner of a film and television company under the family business.
"My mom's just bored. She'll just wait for my brother to give her a grandson to play with." Zhao Nanqiao sat up straight and complained, looking at Su Lingfei chatting over there with envy. "Women, you still have to have your own career! Look at Sister Lingfei, she broke away from the family and went it alone. She changes her young boyfriend every few days, and her family can't control her even if they want to."
"Then work hard! When you become a great director, no one will be able to control you." Ye Zhenzhen knew she genuinely loved directing and could work tirelessly on filming, so she encouraged her without hesitation. "Girls must have their own careers; only through economic independence can one achieve true freedom!"
"Yes! Tao Tao, don't let love cloud your judgment. Although your husband, Lao Gu, is a good person and doesn't mess around outside, you also own several companies. If you manage them well, they will always be your source of strength." Zhao Nanqiao had seen too many couples in the industry who were only superficially loving in public, but each did their own thing behind closed doors.
She was pessimistic about marriage. Although Gu Tingshen seemed perfect now, she believed that a woman should not entrust her fate to a man's affection.
Seeing Ye Zhenzhen's clear eyes, she felt relieved. Turning her head, she saw a female director in the corner of the hall, and her eyes lit up. "You can rest here. I saw my idol! I'm going to go see him!"
Ye Zhenzhen watched as she walked briskly in her high heels, quickly approaching a gray-haired woman and striking up a conversation. Her smile was brighter than the sun, which made Ye Zhenzhen chuckle.
Bai Xue also came to the Jiang family's villa today; she was brought along by Wang Qi, the newly rich second-generation heir she had recently married.
The Wang family is no match for large conglomerates like the Gu family; Wang Qi has an older brother who inherited the family business.
He's mediocre at best, just dabbling in the entertainment industry. He pursued Bai Xue for a while, but she initially looked down on this kind of rich kid, planning to wait until she rose to fame after "I Am an Actor" aired before looking for someone better.
Bai Xue is rational and clear-headed. She knows her looks and acting skills aren't top-notch, making it difficult to succeed in the cutthroat entertainment industry. To climb the social ladder, she has to use any means necessary while she's young.
Today she wore a white fringed dress, a haute couture gown that Wang Qi had personally found for her, which made her otherwise plain features appear more elegant and ethereal.
Wang Qi had just won her over and was feeling quite smug. Upon arriving, he immediately went to show off to his cronies. Bai Xue, disgusted by the greasy gazes of the men, barely managed to maintain her composure in public before making an excuse to go to the restroom to escape.
She paused in front of the buffet counter, secretly scanning the room. Seeing Ye Zhenzhen sitting alone in a corner, she took two glasses of champagne and went over.
"Miss Ye, would you like a drink?"
Ye Zhenzhen shook the milk in her hand and politely declined. She had a low alcohol tolerance in both her past and present lives, and coupled with her sensitive sense of taste, she didn't enjoy drinking.
"I was hoping to learn some acting skills from you on 'The Actor,' but it's a pity you didn't participate." Bai Xue sat down opposite her, deliberately bringing up "I Am an Actor" to subtly mock her for running away at the last minute.
Ye Zhenzhen looked at the original owner's nemesis and said calmly, "Compared to performing on stage, I still prefer being an audience member."
Bai Xue gritted her teeth in resentment, feeling that Ye Zhenzhen was particularly difficult to deal with today.
In the past, Ye Zhenzhen would lose her temper with just a little teasing, and if she acted pitiful and pretended to be bullied, Ye Zhenzhen would be so angry that she would say hurtful things. But now it was like punching cotton, with no way to exert any force.
"What has Mr. Gu been busy with? Why did he leave you here all alone?" Bai Xue continued to provoke her, ignoring her indifference.
Ye Zhenzhen watched her perform alone, feeling a little bored, and was about to speak.
Gu Tingshen came over with a cup of hot cocoa, replacing the milk that had gone cold in her hand, and casually put his hand on her shoulder.
"What are you talking about?"
"Just chatting, are you done talking?" Ye Zhenzhen smiled and looked up.
"Hmm, are you rested enough? Let's go pick up Nannan?" Gu Tingshen didn't give the woman opposite him a single glance from beginning to end.
"Okay." She stood up with the man's arm around her, adjusted her oversized suit jacket, and turned to Bai Xue, "Miss Bai, excuse me."
Bai Xue gritted her teeth as she watched them talk as if no one else was around. But she didn't dare to be disrespectful to Gu Tingshen. She nodded reservedly and watched them leave, her eyes icy cold.
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