Shen Yihan was quite busy today, and the traffic was terrible, so he arrived rather late.
After entering, he first went to see Xu Yali with his gift in hand.
He hadn’t actually expected to receive an invitation—he didn’t even know Xu Yali.
But his sister had mentioned that she was her dance teacher, so he had put extra thought into the gift.
As soon as he stepped into the villa’s grand hall,
he spotted Shen Feng in a red suit.
Shen Yihan twisted the Buddhist beads around his right wrist with his left hand, his brow slightly furrowed.
He’d heard his second uncle had gotten married—could it be to Xu Yali?
Xu Yali, noticing it was almost seven, had asked Shen Feng to check if all the guests had arrived.
When he saw Shen Yihan, Shen Feng grinned with smug satisfaction, "Nephew! Welcome to my home!"
Shen Yihan’s heart sank.
He’d guessed right!
Shen Feng really had some tricks up his sleeve—now he’d even managed to climb his way into the Xu family of Jingnan.
The Xu family had extensive business interests in Jingbei as well. Xu Yali pursued art and didn’t involve herself in those matters, but her younger brother, Xu Zunlong, held her in high regard.
Seeing Shen Feng’s triumphant expression, Shen Yihan couldn’t help but worry that he might try to undermine him.
Now that his sister was back, he had to protect the company and ensure it thrived for her sake.
Though uneasy inside, his expression remained cold. "Seems you’ve really made it."
Shen Feng laughed inwardly—green with envy, weren’t you?
"Of course! Your uncle has reached the pinnacle of success now. Don’t worry, I won’t forget my dear nephew!"
A smile that hid daggers.
Ignoring him, Shen Yihan headed toward the reception room.
Inside, he saw Xie Guanyan, Huo Tingshen, and the head of the Xu family.
He first presented his gift to Xu Yali. "Madam Xu, happy birthday. I’m Lin Mo’s second younger brother, Shen Yihan."
Xu Yali looked surprised but smiled warmly. "Thank you, Mr. Shen."
Back when she took on students, she had only cared about talent and potential, never background, and never charged tuition.
However, they had to travel to Jingnan for training, though she covered all their travel and living expenses.
So she hadn’t known about Lin Mo’s family situation.
It wasn’t until Lin Mo’s parents passed away unexpectedly and she gave up dancing that Xu Yali learned she had three younger brothers.
She only found out about Zhao Ziling’s circumstances after settling in Jingbei.
Lin Mo and her brothers had different surnames—probably because one side took their mother’s name.
Hearing the name "Lin Mo," a young man glanced at Shen Yihan.
Shen Yihan didn’t notice and turned to greet Xie Guanyan. "Mr. Xie."
Xie Guanyan smiled and introduced him to Xu Zunlong. "This is the CEO of Starlight Group, Shen Yihan."
Then he introduced Xu Zunlong to Shen Yihan.
Shen Yihan was deeply grateful.
Mr. Xie was helping him break into higher circles of influence!
Huo Tingshen shot Xie Guanyan a sidelong glance.
Tch. Already paving the way for his brother-in-law, huh?
In the garden,
Lin Mo had been chatting with a few wealthy young men but found them utterly dull.
It felt like their heads were filled with nothing but air.
"Miss Lin, someone as beautiful as you must already be taken, right?"
Yet another one probing about her relationship status.
Lin Mo was exhausted and leaned her head against Zhao Ziling’s shoulder. "Master, take me away!"
The young man who’d asked gaped at the scene.
Wait—were these two lesbians?
Was this why Huo Tingshen was divorcing Zhao Ziling?
Poor Huo Tingshen!
Cuckolded by a woman!
Zhao Ziling’s red lips curled into a sultry smile. "Hahaha, that title really gets the blood pumping!"
Lin Mo had said it offhandedly, but Zhao Ziling’s reaction made her think twice.
Plenty of steamy stories played out like this.
What if it were Xie Guanyan…
The thought of Xie Guanyan made her quickly stop herself.
She’d seen him arrive earlier but only caught a glimpse of his white-suited back.
The birthday celebration was about to begin.
Lin Mo told Zhao Ziling, "I’m going to the restroom."
Water, the source of life, brings endless trips to the bathroom.
Zhao Ziling nodded and kept sipping her champagne.
Suddenly, someone tapped her shoulder.
She turned to see a girl in a pink princess dress.
"Jiang Wan," Zhao Ziling greeted with a smile.
Jiang Wan’s eyes sparkled with gossip. "I heard you’re getting divorced? Did Huo Tingshen catch you with male models again?"
Zhao Ziling lifted her chin. "No, I’m the one divorcing him!"
Jiang Wan looked stunned. "Seriously?"
Zhao Ziling didn’t want to elaborate. "Let’s just say I’ll be single soon."
Jiang Wan didn’t press further and changed the subject. "I heard Xie Guanyan is here. Have you seen him?"
Zhao Ziling studied her. "Still hung up on Xie Guanyan?"
Jiang Wan smoothed her hair. "Just curious, that’s all!"
At seven o’clock sharp,
the banquet officially began.
A renowned professional orchestra played soft, melodious music.
All the guests gathered in the garden.
Xu Yali stepped out from the main hall and stood at the center,
a spotlight illuminating her graceful, dignified figure.
Lin Mo returned from the restroom and found Zhao Ziling,
noticing a girl in a pink dress beside her.
Zhao Ziling spotted her and whispered, "This is Jiang Wan."
Then she turned to Jiang Wan. "This is my best friend, Lin Mo."
Jiang Wan had never heard Zhao Ziling introduce anyone as her "best friend" before and studied Lin Mo closely.
Wow! What a stunning beauty!
Zhao Ziling had been hiding such a gorgeous friend and never invited her to join them!
Lin Mo also took a longer look at Jiang Wan.
She was adorable, with chestnut-colored curls.
Was this the girl Zhao Ziling had mentioned—the one who’d been rejected by Xie Guanyan and threatened to become a nun?
Under the spotlight, Xu Yali smiled and addressed the crowd.
"Thank you all for taking the time to attend my fifty-fifth birthday celebration. Truthfully, I’m not one for grand gatherings. Since settling in Jingbei, I’ve attended very few parties, let alone hosted one this large."
"But this time, I’m truly overjoyed—that’s why I’ve made an exception."
Shen Feng straightened his tie and suit, puffing out his chest.
Any moment now. Xu Yali was about to introduce him, her husband, to the entire upper echelon of Jingbei society.
Taking back the company from Shen Yihan was within reach!
Shen Jing, who had been in a sour mood, also emerged for this moment.
Since her stepmother was going to introduce her, she had to make an appearance.
From now on, she’d be recognized as a true high-society lady!
Lin Mo would have to look up to her!
Both of them fixed their eager gazes on Xu Yali, ready to be called to the center.
But then Xu Yali turned in another direction, her smile deepening.
"My most talented former student has returned. I’d like to ask her—Lin Mo, would you consider being my disciple again?"
