Bing Shi took a closer look at Lu Ren as she joined in the applause for the birthday man. 'Two eyes, a nose, a mouth... hmm, not bad,' she thought to herself, though she didn't seem overly impressed. As she looked back toward the crowd, she noticed a pair of black eyes staring at her. She smiled and waved cutely as he patted her shoulder.
"I'm going to discuss some business with them, be good," he whispered in her ear.
"I'm always good," she whispered back, waving at the group of powerful men as they left. "Have fun!" Like a chain, every woman waved at their husband with laughter.
Watching them go, Bing Shi couldn't help but feel amazed. "They sure love their work, don't they?" she mused, glancing over at Xuan Mu with a wry smile.
'Ah, that's what I call handsome.'
"Bing Shi, my dear," Lu Ren's mother said as she approached her, "We're about to leave the youngsters to their own devices. It was a pleasure meeting you. Please enjoy the rest of your evening." She smiled warmly at Bing Shi, before joining the group of women.
Bing Shi turned to the group of women next to her, who were all chatting animatedly. "Do you mind if I join you all?" she asked, and they welcomed her with open arms. Smiling, she grabbed her clutch and followed them out of the ballroom, curious to see where the night would take them.
As they made their way to the exit, Bing Shi couldn't help but steal a glance at Mia. She observed as Mia gracefully rejected a few persistent suitors vying for her attention.
'Does she like their attention or not? It's hard to tell. She could be doing it for Xuan Mu and me.'
'Is she waiting for me to make the first step?'
Bing Shi dialed Mia's number, hoping to offer her help with the suitors that were bothering her. "Do you need my help with those guys?" she asked when Mia answered the call. "We've known each other for years, so no need to be afraid. I'm happy to help if you need it." She waved at Mia with a warm smile.
Mia waved in response and said, "I can handle them on my own, don't worry."
Bing Shi persisted, "Do you want some company?"
Mia hesitated for a moment before replying, "It's okay. I don't want to trouble you."
Bing Shi felt a pang of disappointment, "Alright then, you can always call me if you need some help."
'I thought she wanted a friend. I suppose she didn't.'
· · ────────── · ⊱❈⊰· ────────── · ·
Xuan Mu was a mystery to most, and despite his enigmatic presence, he didn't elicit the same level of excitement or admiration as an idol. It wasn't that he was unattractive, but rather that he had an uncanny ability to remain hidden and undetected.
Additionally, Xuan Mu was already taken, and not just by anyone, but Bing Shi. It was common knowledge that any woman who dared to try and pursue him would be going up against Bing Shi, which was not a battle anyone would want to fight.
The prevailing opinion was that it was more advantageous to collaborate with Bing Shi than to oppose her.
· · ────────── · ⊱❈⊰· ────────── · ·
As Bing Shi and a group of middle-aged women walked towards a private lounge far away from the ballroom, they talked about their children. Bing Shi listened as one woman in a golden qipao mentioned her son.
"My son Zhu Cai is turning 31 soon," the woman said. "And he is still single! Who cares that he is the CEO of the largest telecommunications provider in the world?! I want some grandchildren instead!"
Another woman asked, "Has he never brought anyone home? Maybe he just hasn't found the right person yet."
Zhu Cai's mother shook her head. "Never. I don't think he's even thought of looking for someone. He's always been so focused on his work. I just wish he would find someone and settle down."
Meanwhile, the mentioned man was on his way to a business meeting when he heard his mother's voice. He stopped in his tracks and listened as her friends talked about his single status and impressive career, "..." Though his height was similar to Xuan Mu's, his sharp, mature features were a striking contrast to Xuan Mu's youthful appearance.
'He's one of the few people who have earned Xuan Mu's recognition. He must be something,' Bing Shi thought to herself. She smiled reassuringly. "Madam, maybe you should try looking at it from a brighter side. At least you will forever be the number one woman in his heart."
Zhu Cai's mother smiled at Bing Shi's words. "You're right. I should be grateful for the wonderful relationship we have."
"Are you going to throw a birthday party for him?" a friend asked.
All of them walked inside the luxurious lounge with comfortable sofas and coffee tables.
"No, he is not into such things," Zhu Cai's mother looked at Bing Shi, "He attends parties as often as Xuan Mu. What do you give a young man who has everything?"
"He has everything? I remember you just said he doesn't have a partner," Bing Shi raised an eyebrow with a chuckle, "If he loves his work so much, maybe you should give him just that. A marriage certificate with his job."
Zhu Cai's mother nodded with laughter, considering this option very seriously.
"Zhu Cai, is that you?" Zhu Cai's mother exclaimed, spotting a figure behind the doors. She approached the figure with concern and recognized her son. She immediately introduced him to Bing Shi, "Bing Shi this is my son Zhu Cai. You never got a chance to meet each other right?"
"Yes, this is our first time meeting," Bing Shi's eyes lit up, "Thank you for providing us with your services."
'Thanks to him and his father, I got a chance to meet Xuan Mu via the Internet, didn't I? Better be grateful.'
Zhu Cai nodded at Bing Shi, intending to walk away, but his mother grabbed his arm, stopping him in his tracks. He glanced at his mother with a perplexed expression, his eyebrows furrowed and his lips pursed. His gaze seemed to convey a sense of confusion as if he were silently asking her, 'What else do you expect me to do?'
╔═══ Author's note ════╗
I'll continue sharing chapters up to the latest ones on the pirated sites.
For the newest ones, visit WEBNOVEL and show your support through reviews, votes, and even gifts.
Thank you for standing by me. :)
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