Among the second-tier wealthy families in the Imperial City.
The Lu Family’s banquet tonight was likely the most grand one in history.
The elite gathered, but most came because of Bo Shiyue.
Many people’s first action upon arrival was to ask if Bo Shiyue had arrived yet.
Some were also curious about Bo Shiyue’s relationship with the Lu Family. Could it be that the Lu Family had climbed the social ladder and was about to become the new aristocracy of the Imperial City?
Mu Qing, having just been discharged from the hospital, dressed up elaborately to attend the banquet. Holding her child, she chatted animatedly with numerous wealthy ladies and young socialites.
The Mu Family was considered the lowest tier among the Imperial City’s elite. At every major banquet, they were always looked down upon.
She had taken advantage of the relationship between the Mu and Lu families to steal Mu Wantang’s marriage.
Fearing that Lu Yanchen might change his mind, she was willing to suspend her university studies to marry him and bear his child.
Now, she had finally reaped the rewards after enduring hardships.
Tonight, Mu Qing shone brilliantly, carrying an aura meant to outshine all others. Every smile seemed meticulously crafted.
After mingling for a while, she handed the child to Lu Yanchen and walked toward Xi Ning.
Xi Ning, who had just arrived from the hospital, wore an elegant and noble velvet gown. She sat by the bar, gently swirling a glass of red wine in her hand.
A mysterious glimmer in her eyes made her hard to read.
“Miss Xi!”
Mu Qing addressed her respectfully. After all, the Xi Family was a top-tier aristocratic family in the Imperial City, a status the Lu Family couldn’t compare to.
Mu Qing knew how to tailor her words to whomever she was speaking.
“This velvet gown suits you perfectly, Miss Xi. It makes your skin look snow-white.”
Xi Ning was pleased by the compliment and glanced up at her. “If Mu Wantang shows up tonight, remember to teach her a lesson for me!”
She didn’t plan to make an appearance herself.
But that woman who dared to steal Brother Shiyue—she had to make her pay!
Mu Qing was well aware that she was merely a pawn being used.
However, both the Lu and Mu families were delighted to climb the social ladder through the Xi Family and treated her with high regard.
In the two years since she married Lu Yanchen, she had never been fully accepted by the Lu Family. But after forming a connection with Xi Ning, the Lu Family almost revered her.
“Don’t worry. Since I managed to drive her out of the Mu Family before, I have what it takes to hurt her again!”
Having just given birth, Mu Qing couldn’t drink alcohol yet.
She took a glass of plain water from a waiter. “Let me toast you with tea instead of wine, Miss Xi!”
Mu Qing drank it down boldly in one go.
The banquet had been going on for over an hour, but Bo Shiyue still hadn’t appeared. Many guests found it dull and considered leaving.
The Lu and Mu families were eager to mingle with the elite families of the Imperial City.
Yet, they often found themselves unable to join the conversations.
Especially Mu Jinliang, who stood awkwardly to the side holding his wine glass, unsure of what to say and could only drink in silence.
Mu Qing walked over and cheerfully linked arms with him. “Dad~”
Only then did Mu Jinliang snap out of his thoughts. Looking at his radiant daughter, a smile spread across his face.
“Make sure you get enough rest. Let Yanchen handle the socializing here. Why don’t you go check on the child?”
As he spoke, those nearby finally noticed his presence.
They observed him carefully.
It had to be said, Mu Jinliang was in his forties but had maintained his figure well. Traces of his former handsomeness were still visible in his features.
No wonder he had managed to marry the daughter of the Nan Family back in the day. His looks alone were enough.
Out of regard for his status as the Nan family’s son-in-law, some guests came over to toast him. After all, even if they had no dealings with the Nan family now, it was hard to say what might happen in the future.
Everyone present was shrewd—they didn’t want to befriend him and offend the Nan family, nor did they wish to offend him either, so they maintained only a nodding acquaintance.
While most attendees came out of respect for Bo Shiyue, the Lu Family mistakenly believed it was because Mu Qing had befriended the young lady of the Xi family.
Mu Jinliang felt particularly proud of his daughter, praising her repeatedly, claiming she brought good fortune to her husband and had a limitless future.
After three rounds of drinks, as many guests prepared to leave, news finally arrived that Bo Shiyue had appeared.
Instantly, some sat up straight while others hurried to greet him. Only the Lu and Mu families exchanged bewildered glances—Bo Shiyue? The heir to Bo Corporation!!!
Although the invitation had been sent to the Bo family, no one truly believed he would attend.
When stepping out of the car, Mu Wantang nestled in his embrace, her arms looped around his neck. Clad in a cloak with its hood drawn tightly over her face, her features remained completely hidden.
Thus, when Bo Shiyue carried her into the banquet hall, no one caught a glimpse of her appearance. They only knew Bo Shiyue had brought his cherished Songbird along.
Those originally eager to forge ties with the Bo family hesitated to approach, fearing Bo Shiyue might misinterpret their intentions as coveting his delicate wife.
Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Mu Wantang leaned close to Bo Shiyue’s ear and whispered, “Uncle, are there many people here?”
It had been over three years since she last attended such an event. The previous occasion was her mother’s funeral, where she’d been too distraught to socialize, weeping uncontrollably throughout the service, only vaguely aware of the large crowd.
His treasured young lady was somewhat shy around strangers.
Bo Shiyue affectionately pressed his forehead against hers. “Don’t worry, I’m here.”
Hearing his voice steadied Mu Wantang’s heart. Uncle Bo was the most capable—he could handle anything. All she needed to do was follow him obediently.
Leaning against his shoulder, she responded with a soft murmur.
Mu Jinliang felt his heart racing, as if something momentous was about to happen. Staring at the girl in Bo Shiyue’s arms, he found her strangely familiar yet dismissed the thought—how could that wretched girl be so fortunate as to know Bo Shiyue?
Meanwhile, Mu Qing, who’d been tending to her child in the lounge, overheard guests buzzing about the Bo heir’s arrival. Initially confused about the Bo family’s stature, it wasn’t until a wealthy matron enlightened her that she grasped the concept of “beyond the mountains, there are higher mountains.” In the Imperial City, the Bo family stood as the unattainable pinnacle.
Suddenly thrilled by Bo Shiyue’s presence, she watched as even Lu Yanchen adjusted his tie before the mirror. “President Bo’s attendance is an honor for the Lu Family!”
Old Master Lu himself hurried out to welcome the guest, fearful of appearing neglectful. Leaning on his cane, he approached slowly. “President Bo, your presence at my great-grandson’s full moon celebration honors our family.”
Bo Shiyue merely glanced at him indifferently. “Hm.”
He then carried the young woman to a sofa and sat down. Soon, a crowd gathered around him.
When someone offered a cigarette, Bo Shiyue declined. “Apologies, my little one can’t tolerate smoke.”
The words spoken with utmost indulgence came so easily from Bo Shiyue that many present quickly stowed away their cigarettes.
No smoking.
Absolutely dare not smoke!
When Lu Yanchen and Mu Qing approached arm in arm, they witnessed this very scene.
Mu Qing instantly turned deathly pale, frozen in place as if her feet were weighed down by a thousand pounds, utterly unable to take another step.
Seeing Bo Shiyue surrounded by the crowd, confidently discussing business matters with everyone, Mu Qing was reminded of the phrase: “Beasts and her are forbidden to enter!”