Jiang Kexin trembled with rage, but her remaining reason told her she couldn’t make a scene here. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I have matters to attend to, so if you’ll excuse me.”
“Don’t be in such a hurry to leave.” Sheng Weiwei grabbed her wrist with considerable force, making Jiang Kexin wince in pain.
Leaning close to her ear, Sheng Weiwei whispered with malicious amusement, “Miss Jiang, you’re dressed so beautifully today. Why not go catch Young Master Gu’s attention? I’ve heard MC is currently scouting for a spokesperson, and the preliminary candidate is Ma Xiaoxiao. If you don’t step up your game, this golden opportunity will slip away.”
MC was now an international luxury brand under the Gu Corporation.
Jiang Kexin’s heart clenched tightly!
A Gu Corporation endorsement? Ma Xiaoxiao?
That woman had been gaining momentum recently. If she really snatched the Gu Corporation endorsement, wouldn’t that undermine my position in the fashion circle? More importantly, the Gu family…
Her face alternated between pale and flushed. She forcefully shook off Sheng Weiwei’s hand, shooting her a venomous glare, no longer bothering to maintain her movie queen composure as she hurried off in a specific direction.
Watching Jiang Kexin’s fleeing figure, Sheng Weiwei’s eyes flashed with triumphant satisfaction.
She beckoned to a waiter not far away.
The waiter immediately approached respectfully.
Sheng Weiwei whispered a few words in his ear, her expression relaxed as if merely instructing him on some trivial matter.
The waiter listened attentively, his face showing no extra expression, only giving an almost imperceptible nod after Sheng Weiwei finished speaking.
Then he quietly withdrew, blending into the crowd.
Only then did Sheng Weiwei turn back to rejoin Gu Xingnian.
Gu Xingnian was sipping juice in small mouthfuls, as if the earlier commotion had nothing to do with her.
“Angry?” Sheng Weiwei sat down, blinking at her playfully.
Gu Xingnian smiled, her voice soft as she said, “Are you underestimating me, or overestimating her?”
Sheng Weiwei gently nudged her shoulder, grinning mischievously.
“That Champagne Tower incident was definitely Jiang Kexin’s doing. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. We’ll return favor for favor!”
Just then, the banquet hall lights dimmed, with spotlights focusing on the main stage.
After the host’s remarks, Fu Beichen was invited onto the stage.
He had changed into a black tuxedo, the wound on his hand bandaged with gauze, yet it didn’t diminish his noble bearing in the slightest. His profound gaze swept across the venue, carrying a faint smile.
“Good evening, distinguished guests.” His deep, magnetic voice resonated throughout the hall through the microphone.
“There was a minor incident earlier that may have startled everyone. I apologize for that.”
After speaking, he bowed slightly.
Thunderous applause filled the venue, showing understanding. A hostess presented red wine, and he reached out to take a glass.
“Thank you all for taking time to grace this occasion and celebrate with us. Today marks the fiftieth anniversary of Fu’s Group. Fifty years of weathering storms together would not have been possible without your trust and support—the most precious cornerstone on our path forward. On this auspicious occasion, may we continue to join hands, shoulder to shoulder, embarking on new journeys and creating splendid achievements together! Thank you all, cheers to everyone!”
Fu Beichen’s speech was concise yet powerful. Raising his glass in celebration, he earned enthusiastic cheers from the entire audience.
After he stepped off the stage, the host announced that the evening’s performance segment was officially beginning.
The first performance turned out to be Jiang Kexin’s violin solo.
Under the spotlight once again, Jiang Kexin had changed into a white evening gown and gracefully walked onto the stage holding her violin.
It had to be admitted that as a film queen, her stage presence was exceptionally strong.
Every smile, every glance perfectly showcased her charm.
The melodious sound of the violin rose, playing a technically complex classical masterpiece.
Jiang Kexin’s performance was smooth and precise, earning admiration from many guests present.
“Wow, I never knew Film Queen Jiang played the violin so well!”
“Yes, truly multi-talented—beautiful and gifted.”
“This level could warrant a concert, couldn’t it?”
“Film Queen Jiang is Fu’s future CEO’s wife after all—she’s truly outstanding.”
Hearing the surrounding discussions and the gradually rising applause, the smile on Jiang Kexin’s face grew increasingly confident and proud.
The corner of her eye even subtly glanced in the direction of Gu Xingnian and Sheng Weiwei, carrying a hint of barely noticeable provocation.
Sheng Weiwei curled her lips and quietly complained to Gu Xingnian:
“Putting on airs, playing like sawing wood—only fooling amateurs here.”
After Jiang Kexin’s performance ended, the host excitedly introduced the next performing guest.
“Next, we are honored to invite a heavyweight artist from Country F! Known as the Nightingale of Country F, she is a hall-level singer. Let’s welcome with our warmest applause—Ms. Marianne!”
The venue erupted into even more enthusiastic applause and exclamations than before.
Ms. Marianne’s name enjoyed international renown. Apart from performing at national-level theaters, she never accepted any private invitations.
That she could be invited to this celebration fully demonstrated the Fu family’s influence and connections.
A plump, dignified woman walked onto the stage.
Dressed in an elegant dark gown, she wore a kindly smile and greeted everyone in fluent French.
Even simple words carried an operatic rhythm before she signaled for the music to begin, ready to start singing.
As the prelude played, Marianne closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and slowly began to sing.
“Ah…”
Just a single syllable seemed to carry magic, instantly capturing everyone’s attention.
Marianne’s voice was high, clear, and penetrating, as if capable of striking deep into the soul.
Everyone was stunned by Marianne’s singing; the entire hall fell silent.
The heavenly voice echoed through the banquet hall.
Jiang Kexin, who had been quite pleased with her violin performance, immediately changed expression upon hearing Marianne’s singing.
How could this fat woman be so talented?
No way—she absolutely couldn’t let this woman steal her spotlight!
A trace of malice flashed in Jiang Kexin’s eyes.
Just as Marianne’s singing reached its climax, suddenly, the banquet hall’s lights went out.
The entire venue plunged into darkness, emergency lights flickering on.
The music stopped abruptly, and Marianne’s singing ceased instantly.
“Ah—”
Screams and exclamations filled the banquet hall as chaos erupted.
“What happened? A power outage?”
“What’s going on?”
“Could there be some problem?”
Discussions and unrest spread through the crowd.
A faint, almost imperceptible smirk curled at the corner of Jiang Kexin’s lips.
Just as panic was about to overwhelm the crowd, a melodious piano melody suddenly emerged from the darkness.
The piano notes were clear and bright, like a mountain spring, instantly soothing everyone’s frantic emotions.
The restless crowd gradually quieted down.
Everyone held their breath, listening intently to this unexpected piano performance.
The music was gentle and soft, tinged with a faint melancholy, yet brimming with hope and strength.
It felt like a guiding light in the darkness, showing people the way forward.
Then, that ethereal, crystal-clear singing voice slowly rose again, intertwining with the piano notes in perfect harmony, as if they were naturally one.
The piano flowed with an accompaniment that blended seamlessly with Marian’s song. Once again, everyone was captivated by the fusion of voice and piano, immersed in the world the music created.
They forgot the darkness, forgot their unease, leaving only endless emotion and awe.
The lights came back on.
To everyone’s astonishment, they discovered that the person whose fingers were dancing across the black and white keys of the white grand piano on stage was—Gu Xingnian!
At this moment, she resembled the goddess of moonlight, pure and beautiful.
What was even more shocking was that Gu Xingnian was playing with her eyes closed!
Her slender fingers leaped nimbly across the keys, every note struck with perfect accuracy.
Every melody was deeply moving, as if she weren’t just playing the piano but singing with her soul.
Blind Play!
It was actually Blind Play!
Everyone was stunned by Gu Xingnian’s performance, hardly believing their eyes.
Fu Beichen’s pupils trembled with shock.