The following evening.
Liu Yutong changed into a custom-made, high-end evening gown.
Originally, she hadn't wanted to be so ostentatious, but Yu Xin had kept persuading her that for such an occasion, one must dress formally.
The moment she stepped into the charity banquet venue, she instantly became the focus of all eyes.
She wore a silver-gray sequined strapless gown that perfectly hugged her figure. The sequins shimmered under the lights like crushed stardust scattered across her form.
A necklace of the same color scheme adorned her neck, simple yet exuding an air of luxury.
The back of the gown featured a daring open-back design, revealing her flawless, fair skin, complemented by a pale gray tulle bow and train. She resembled a goddess who had stepped out of a dream, dazzling yet soft, making it impossible for anyone to look away. Everyone present, men and women alike, was utterly captivated.
Although Liu Yutong felt countless gazes fixed upon her, a faint, elusive smile played on her lips as she followed a server to the main banquet table.
She immediately spotted the name card bearing her title: "Liu Yutong, Chairwoman of the Wanlong Group."
Liu Yutong was somewhat surprised to find herself seated at the main table.
After all, those seated there were the true heavyweights of Mingzhu City, including important city leaders and venerable senior representatives of the business community.
Given her seniority and the relatively recent rise of the Wanlong Group, she shouldn't have qualified for the main table. Moreover, her seat was right next to the leaders, which carried an unusual significance.
Combined with Secretary Huang's attitude, she had a vague sense that this was likely a deliberate arrangement by the leadership.
However, she didn't dwell on it too much. Since she was here, she would make the best of it.
Liu Yutong proactively greeted several senior business figures at the main table.
For some reason, these entrepreneurs, all over fifty, were not warm towards her. They were even somewhat cold, with a hint of wariness underlying their demeanor.
What she didn't know was that the reputation of the Wanlong Society had already spread throughout Mingzhu City's business circles.
Perhaps due to information bias, in the eyes of these conventional businesspeople, this rapidly rising young heiress was widely perceived as having built her fortune through shady dealings, with a complex background and ruthless methods, which naturally evoked caution and wariness.
That's why they were reluctant to engage with her more than necessary.
Liu Yutong didn't take it to heart either, maintaining a perfectly polite smile on her face as she gracefully took her seat.
Since these seniors were unwilling to show her a friendly face, she naturally wouldn't go out of her way to ingratiate herself.
Meanwhile.
Guests in the hall who kept stealing glances at her couldn't help but whisper among themselves.
From the moment she entered, many had been stunned, and only now were they gradually regaining their composure.
"Who is that beauty at the main table? I've never seen her before. With that aura and looks, is she a celebrity? Or the daughter of some tycoon?"
"She doesn't seem like a celebrity. Celebrities lack that kind of presence. But her looks and figure are better than any actress on TV!"
"That evening gown suits her perfectly. When she walked past me earlier, I was almost blinded by her radiance. The key is it's not tacky at all."
"Not just not tacky. That look in her eyes, that poise... definitely not something cultivated in an ordinary family."
"I never thought we had such a figure in Mingzhu City. How come I never noticed before?"
"Hey, come to think of it, I think I saw the name card at her seat."
"Really? What's her name then? Which family's daughter is she?"
"The card said something like Chairwoman of the Wanlong Society Group, Liu... Liu Yutong."
The chattering group suddenly fell silent for a moment, as if they had all realized something.
A moment later.
"Liu Yutong? The Liu Yutong from Wanlong?"
"Wanlong Society? The Wanlong Society that's said to have wiped out most of the gangs in Mingzhu City? The actual female boss?"
"No way! You've got to be kidding me!"
"She looks like a celestial being, but she's actually involved with the underworld... That contrast is just too stark."
"Shh... keep your voice down! It's her. I've heard despite her youth, her methods are formidable!"
"No wonder she's at the main table. Tsk tsk... You can't get a seat there just with money. She's got the leaders' backing."
"Just a moment ago I thought she was stunningly beautiful. Now why do I feel a chill down my neck?"
"Me too. I was actually thinking of going over to strike up a conversation. In all my life, I've never seen such a beautiful, elegant woman. It's just a pity..."
"Don't all stare over there. A person like that, beautiful as she is, is a rose with thorns. No, a rose with blades! It wouldn't be good to get hurt."
"No wonder Mr. Wang and Mr. Li at the main table looked so uncomfortable. If I were sitting next to her, I'd be nervous too."
"Exactly. Better to be polite if we ever encounter anyone from the Wanlong Society in the future."
"......"
They couldn't afford not to be polite.
Although this was their first time seeing the heiress of the Wanlong Society, it wasn't the first time they had heard the name.
Anyone who wasn't completely out of touch couldn't possibly be unaware of the major stirs the Wanlong Society had caused.
For instance, how did Zhao Tianxing, the boss of the Donghai Alliance, die? Shot!
How did Zhao Tianxing's son become mentally disabled? Thrown off a building!
And these were all verifiable facts!
After learning the woman's identity, the looks in the guests' eyes shifted from initial awe and covetousness to something much clearer and more cautious.
Just as everyone was still exchanging pleasantries, a slight commotion arose at the entrance.
The somewhat noisy banquet hall quieted down again, all eyes turning towards the main door.
Several leaders, accompanied by an entourage, entered the venue with smiles.
At the forefront was Mingzhu City's second-highest ranking leader.
After offering a brief greeting to the crowd, the leader made his way to the main table.
Everyone at the table rose to greet him, offering smiling welcomes.
After shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with the senior entrepreneurs, the leader finally turned his gaze to the most radiant figure in the room, Liu Yutong.
The smile on his face became noticeably more genuine, though tinged with a hint of subtle scrutiny.
"Chairwoman Liu, this is our second meeting, isn't it? Actually, I've been wanting to invite you to my home for a visit, to introduce you to a promising young talent."
Liu Yutong offered a slight smile. "The promising young talent you speak of, leader, would he perhaps have the surname Lin?"
The leader was momentarily taken aback, then chuckled. "Haha, I didn't expect Chairwoman Liu to already be acquainted with the young man I have in mind. It seems my effort was unnecessary."
"You are correct, it's young Lin. I find his abilities quite outstanding. I think you young people would have more in common. If you could join forces, combining your strengths, it would be a wonderful thing, both professionally and personally."
His words were rather blunt, almost explicitly stating his hope for the two to spend more time together.
If they could get closer, then he could also reveal his other identity to her.
Liu Yutong understood perfectly well and had already guessed the leader's intentions.
The leader couldn't possibly be unaware of the fact that she and Lin Muyang were already quite close. Lin Muyang had joined the Bright Pearl Chamber of Commerce she founded and was also one of the partners at Bright Pearl Capital.
By saying this deliberately, aside from feigning ignorance, the leader likely had another motive.
However, she was destined to disappoint them.
"Leader, I also think Mr. Lin is young and promising, and will undoubtedly become a successful entrepreneur in the future. However, for now, we are both focused on our careers, and our collaboration is based more on commercial considerations.
On a personal level, I believe maintaining some distance is better for both of us."
She slightly emphasized the last sentence.
