Bai Shusu did not sleep peacefully that night. She kept feeling that Qin Jindu was planning something against her.
Who was the person in the photo?
By now, most of the main characters in the plot had already appeared. She sat up and unlocked her phone.
Next week’s Qin Family banquet……
Her mind began searching through the key plot points……
There didn’t seem to be any important clues. It was just Qin Yunshen publicly announcing his engagement to Cong Shuang, and her role as the supporting villainess going to ruin the scene……
She also remembered that Qin Yunshen’s childhood sweetheart returned from overseas and caused a major conflict with the male lead.
Could the person in the photo be Lu Qinghe, the male lead’s childhood friend?
Now that she had transmigrated into this world, she definitely would not interfere with the male and female leads anymore. But Lu Qinghe also loved Qin Yunshen deeply.
However, Lu Qinghe’s return to the country should still be some time later. Could it be that her presence had caused the plot to move ahead?
The male and female leads’ love story was truly full of hardship. Even without her, there would still be other supporting female characters trying to destroy them……
But why did Qin Jindu tell her this? Did he want her to compete with Lu Qinghe?
That didn’t make sense. He had already seen the surveillance footage. He should know she no longer liked Qin Yunshen.
Was she not making it obvious enough?
……
The villain boss’s thoughts were impossible to understand. Could it be that he had taken an interest in Cong Shuang instead?
Next week, the poison in her body would flare up again, and she would have no choice but to go……
Forget it. Soldiers will block the water when it comes; earth will cover it when needed.
It was already midnight!
Her beautiful face did not allow her to stay up late!!
The day of the Qin Family banquet arrived quickly. Many people attended—most of them influential figures from prestigious families. The majority were there to curry favor with Qin Jindu.
After much consideration, she still went with Bai Chenlan.
Today she wore a strapless fishtail gown that highlighted her curvy figure. Her exposed neck was long and fair, like a noble white swan.
Bai Chenlan always presented himself with gentle elegance. Dressed in a white suit paired with gold-rimmed glasses, his tall frame and refined aura made him look scholarly and composed.
The moment they entered, they became the center of discussion—
“Didn’t they say the Bai siblings were not on good terms?”
“So she is the Eldest Miss of the Bai Family? So beautiful. As expected of the first lady of high society……”
Her purpose in attending with Bai Chenlan today was also to dispel the rumors of discord. Only then could she better rely on her brother.
As soon as they entered, Bai Chenlan was pulled away by business partners to discuss work. “Stay safe. Come find me if anything happens.”
“Okay.”
Bai Shusu was led by staff to the back hall where other socialites were gathered.
The socialites flattered her, praising her beauty and her custom high-end gown.
“Miss Bai, you’re definitely going to be the highlight of the night.”
“I already saw several men looking over here.”
“……”
Bai Shusu was not used to such environments. She quickly escaped under the excuse of going to the restroom.
She crouched in the bathroom and messaged Lu Xiaoxiao—
【Oh my god, I’m scared to death!】
She briefly complained about what had just happened.
Lu Xiaoxiao replied with a laugh: 【That’s just how socialite circles are.】
【Ah, I wish I wasn’t on my period……】
Bai Shusu sent a cat-patting emoji: 【It’s okay, let’s go out for milk tea after this~】
【Mm-hmm (^o^)/】
She tucked her phone away and returned. When she came back, the group was already enthusiastically chatting again.
Someone guided her gaze toward a corner—
In the least noticeable seat of the leather sofa sat an extremely striking man. His black plaid suit looked like the newest design. His eyes were indifferent, but his high nose bridge and sharp features made him impossible to ignore. His slicked-back hairstyle was difficult to pull off, yet it only added to his cold masculinity. His slightly tanned skin enhanced his sexual tension. He lazily swirled half a glass of brandy in his hand, exuding a cold aura that still made women glance at him repeatedly.
His gaze shifted and met hers.
There was a faint smile on his lips, but she felt as though a hand had gripped her heart, making her uncomfortable.
“What are you looking at?” Zhong Jichen clinked glasses with him. His slightly tousled hair and suit made him look handsome.
Qin Jindu only smiled without speaking, his aura still overpowering.
At that moment, two people appeared in front of him.
Qin Yunshen’s outfit tonight still could not hide his outstanding aura. He had a woman by his side.
“Uncle, this is my girlfriend, Cong Shuang.”
The woman looked shy and softly said, “Hello, Uncle.”
Her lips were red and teeth white, a face that would make any man feel pity.
But the man showed no expression. He only took a slow sip of his wine. Cong Shuang felt overwhelmed by his pressure, her expression turning awkward.
Qin Yunshen, seeing this, quickly left with Cong Shuang. Tonight, the entire venue revolved around his uncle’s mood.
“Hey, I heard this kid is getting engaged tonight?” Zhong Jichen laughed, watching the drama unfold.
When they looked again, Bai Shusu was already gone.
Annoyed, he placed his glass on the table. “The Qin Family does not keep disobedient descendants.”
The banquet opening speech was given by an elder of the Qin Family, Old Fu.
“Tonight is the Qin Family banquet. I’m honored that everyone has come. On this wonderful occasion, I have an announcement.”
Qin Yunshen looked at the woman beside him. He had already told Old Qin that he would only marry Cong Shuang in this lifetime……
Hiding in the corner, Bai Shusu had already retreated the moment she saw the male and female leads, to avoid being discussed.
She scanned everyone in the venue.
But there was still no one from the photo……
“Qin Family is officially entering an alliance through marriage with the Lu Family.”
!!!
“What?”
“Wasn’t it supposed to be the Cong Family?”
“Even if not, it should be the Bai Family……”
Qin Yunshen immediately rushed onto the stage. “Grandfather! What is going on?”
The banquet doors were pushed open from the outside—
A woman entered.
She wore a layered white gauze evening gown, her skin glowing under the lights. Her features were delicate and beautiful.
Bai Shusu recognized her first.
It was Lu Qinghe.
Others also recognized her—
“Isn’t that the Lu Family’s youngest daughter?”
“Didn’t she go abroad?”
“She’s here for the engagement?”
Cong Shuang’s expression could no longer hold steady. Her heart pounded……
Why had Lu Qinghe returned?
Under everyone’s gaze, she walked onto the stage and took Qin Yunshen’s arm, smiling faintly.
“Qin Yunshen, I’m back.”
Qin Yunshen felt a sharp pain in his temples. Looking at Cong Shuang with teary eyes below the stage, he decisively pushed Lu Qinghe away.
“I will only marry Shuangshuang!”
Old Qin’s expression immediately darkened, his eyes widening. “A woman from a low-class family like that is not worthy of my Qin Family!”
“Grandfather! Don’t force me!”
“You don’t get a choice! This engagement is final!”
Lu Qinghe looked at the tearful figure below the stage, gripping her dress tightly, her fingers tightening……
She had only been abroad for three years—why had Qin Yunshen already become someone else’s?
“I absolutely will not agree to be engaged to Lu Qinghe!”
The murmurs in the banquet hall erupted like thunder, wave after wave.
“Fine… just fine…” Old Qin was so angry he could barely breathe.
Bai Shusu looked up toward the man upstairs.
He was smiling faintly.
Yet it sent a chilling sensation through her.
With the posture of an absolute ruler, he looked down at everything below—including her.
So who was this performance really for? Cong Shuang?
Then what was her purpose here……
Was he testing her?
Testing her feelings toward Qin Yunshen.
Why?