Over the next few days, Gu Xingnian rarely went out, immersing herself in research within her small laboratory.
On Saturday evening, the Fu family’s private pier was brilliantly illuminated, bright as daylight.
A staggeringly massive five-story luxury cruise ship stood quietly docked, its entire hull snow-white, gleaming with a pearl-like luster under the spotlights.
This was not merely a ship—it was a symbol of Fu’s Group’s power and wealth.
Today marked the grand occasion of Fu’s fiftieth anniversary, with the celebration held aboard this vessel named “Stellar.”
Luxury cars streamed continuously onto the pier, their doors opening to reveal none other than prominent business figures and social elites from Hai City and across the nation.
Guests boarded in an orderly fashion, presenting their gold-embossed invitations.
“Did you hear? Fu Zong has spared no expense this time—he specially arranged a fireworks display with five million shots!”
“Five million shots? Good heavens! I heard Actress Jiang loves fireworks. Fu Zong is spending extravagantly just to win a smile from the beauty!”
“The key point is, Fu Zong seems to be making an official announcement tonight. I heard Old Master Fu is aboard too. I wonder which young lady it will be!”
“I think it must be… Jiang Kexin.”
“Who else could it be? Not long ago, Young Master Fu personally flew abroad to celebrate her birthday banquet. That’s clearly the treatment of a future madam president!The guests whispered among themselves, faces alight with excitement and anticipation, as they followed attendants through the exclusive passage onto the “Stellar.””
Inside the cruise ship, the banquet hall was decorated like a dream palace, every detail showcasing the host’s wealth and taste.
A massive crystal chandelier hung from the vaulted ceiling, its radiant glow reflecting off the polished marble floors.
The air was filled with a blend of high-end perfumes and the fragrance of fresh flowers.
Elegant classical music flowed through the spacious banquet hall, where waiters gracefully weaved through the crowd, carrying trays laden with champagne and exquisite canapés.
Suddenly, a commotion arose at the entrance. The murmuring crowd fell silent in unison, all eyes turning toward the doorway.
Fu Beichen had arrived.
He wore a custom-tailored white suit that fit his frame perfectly—every line fluid and precise, where any addition would seem superfluous and any reduction would diminish his presence.
Handsome.
But not the gentle, harmless kind of handsome. His was an aggressive, aloof handsomeness with pronounced brow bones and sharp, dark eyebrows that swept toward his temples, radiating an imposing aura.
And resting solemnly in the crook of his arm was the popular actress, Jiang Kexin.
Jiang Kexin wore a haute couture red strapless gown that accentuated her snow-white skin, a priceless diamond necklace glittering around her neck.
Her makeup was flawless, a proper smile gracing her lips, yet her eyes betrayed unconcealed pride and triumph.
In this moment, she was the queen of the entire event.
“Good evening, Fu Zong.”
“Fu Zong and Miss Jiang make such a perfect match!”
“Fu Zong is truly fortunate—Miss Jiang grows more radiant by the day!”
“A talented man and a beautiful woman—a union made in heaven!”
Compliments and praises surged like tidal waves.
The elites stepped forward one after another to greet them, their attitudes respectful, their eyes filled with acknowledgment for the future lady of the Fu household.
Jiang Kexin responded with grace, an uncontrollable sense of vanity swelling within her.
Today’s glory was more precious to her than any award she had ever received.
Just as Jiang Kexin was basking in the joy of being the center of attention, the music in the banquet hall abruptly stopped, plunging the entire venue into silence once again.
Someone else had arrived.
This time, the entrance created an even greater sensation than Fu Beichen and Jiang Kexin’s appearance.
Lu Lie slowly entered the banquet hall, escorting a stunning woman in a golden backless evening gown.
The flowing satin fabric of the gilded long dress shimmered with a high-end metallic luster. Under the lights, the skirt trailed like molten gold, spreading gracefully across the floor.
If Jiang Kexin was a charming red rose, then this woman was a noble golden tulip.
She possessed exquisitely beautiful features, with deep, dark eyes that seemed capable of captivating one’s soul. A waterfall of chestnut-brown hair cascaded casually over her shoulders, accentuating her snow-white complexion. Vast areas of delicate, fair skin were exposed to the air, and the elegant shape of her shoulder blades resembled butterfly wings, creating an alluring curve with her subtle movements.
The gown perfectly outlined her curvaceous figure, every contour precisely defined and breathtaking.
Even more impossible to ignore was the dazzling sapphire necklace around her neck, gleaming with a mesmerizing radiance under the lights.
This was no ordinary piece of jewelry—it was a treasure from the royal family of Country F, symbolizing supreme honor and favor!
“Oh my god, who is this beauty? She’s absolutely stunning!”
“That figure… it’s simply perfect!”
“My goodness, she’s wearing what looks like the ‘Heart of the Emperor’ from Country F! That’s priceless and impossible to acquire!”
“What… what is her background?”
“Is this the legendary Lu Zong from Green Bird Technology? So handsome. Could this be Lu Zong’s fiancée?”
The venue erupted in whispers, with everyone’s attention drawn to Gu Xingnian. Admiration, envy, jealousy—various emotions intertwined.
Even Fu Beichen was struck by Gu Xingnian’s beauty.
He had known Gu Xingnian for a long time, but he had never seen her so dazzling, so aggressively beautiful.
Was her grand attire today for Lu Lie’s sake, or for her own?
Fu Beichen quickly composed himself, plastered a smile on his face, and stepped forward to greet them.
“Lu Zong, welcome.” He extended his hand warmly, his eyes fixed intently on Gu Xingnian.
Yet, he detected no emotion on her face.
Jiang Kexin also approached, a stiff smile on her face as she politely extended her hand. “Lu Zong, hello!”
Lu Lie glanced at her but made no move to shake her hand, completely ignoring her.
“Are you hungry? Let me accompany you to get something to eat over there,” Lu Lie asked Gu Xingnian gently, his tone dripping with affection.
Gu Xingnian nodded.
“Excuse us,” Lu Lie said with a nod to Fu Beichen, then elegantly escorted Gu Xingnian away.
Jiang Kexin’s face instantly turned ashen.
She was a popular film queen, the future wife of the Fu family’s CEO!
To be so blatantly ignored was an utter humiliation!
“Beichen gege, what does this Lu Zong mean? How did Gu Xingnian get involved with him? Does she even know her place?” Jiang Kexin whispered sharply, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Fu Beichen frowned and was about to respond when two business partners approached, greeting him enthusiastically.
“Fu Zong, hello.”
“Congratulations, Fu Zong.”
“Kexin, go over there and have something to eat. I’ll join you shortly,” he said softly to Jiang Kexin.
Though displeased, Jiang Kexin could only suppress her feelings, nodding before turning toward the dessert area.
Her bright eyes venomously locked onto Gu Xingnian’s figure.
Lu Lie’s phone rang. He whispered something in Gu Xingnian’s ear, and after she nodded, he turned and walked away.
Unbothered by the surrounding noise, Gu Xingnian walked directly to the dessert table, picked up an exquisite macaron, and took a delicate bite.
“Mmm, not bad,” she murmured to herself.
The thirty-tier Champagne Tower, with its crystal-clear glasses stacked high, reflected the banquet hall’s dazzling crystal chandeliers, creating a spectacular visual feast of shimmering colors.
Gu Xingnian stood not far from it, holding a glass of juice and idly watching the liquid swirl inside.
Suddenly.
Without any warning.
The towering symbol of luxury and celebration emitted a teeth-grating sound of tilting.
Then, before anyone could react, it collapsed with a thunderous crash!
Right toward where she was standing!
“Ah—!”
Screams instantly pierced the previously elegant atmosphere.
Countless glasses fell like hailstones, their fragments refracting deadly cold glints under the lights, densely shooting toward Gu Xingnian!
Too close.
She was standing far too close to that tower of death!
Gu Xingnian’s mind went blank, her body frozen stiff, seized by overwhelming terror.
Jiang Kexin’s eyes widened with excitement, waiting to see Gu Xingnian’s beautiful face and snow-white back torn to shreds…
A tall, stern figure flashed swiftly across…