Chapter 7

An hour later, the roundtable discussion broke for a recess.

The padded door swung open, and Chu Tong guided the guests toward the adjacent lounge.

While on duty, she remained strictly professional, deliberately avoiding any search for Shao Yihuai. After ushering the main group into the lounge, she was intercepted by the event coordinator, who instructed her to stand inside the door and stay sharp, warning her against daydreaming.

She nodded in compliance. Just then, someone raised a hand to signal, and she hurried over, bowing slightly. "Hello, is there anything I can help you with?"

The man asked where he could smoke.

Chu Tong stood straight, gestured toward a direction, and dutifully reminded him that the discussion would resume in fifteen minutes, requesting that he return in time. The man thanked her and left with his assistant.

She returned to her post at the door. No sooner had she settled than someone else beckoned. She kept busy for a while until she suddenly heard, "Hey, pretty lady."

That tone, that form of address... it was the bald, pot-bellied man who had asked about the malfunctioning power outlet earlier.

Pausing for a second, Chu Tong steeled herself and approached, hands clasped in front of her, offering a composed, polite smile. "Hello, how can I help you?"

"Pour me some tea." The bald man gestured with his chin.

Each sofa in the lounge was accompanied by a low table holding a teapot and cups. Chu Tong bent down, keeping her posture as modest as possible to avoid showing her figure, and began to pour.

Even so, a burst of raucous laughter erupted around them.

Suppressing the discomfort rising in her heart, she quickly poured two cups, stood up, and turned to leave—

"Hey, did I say you could go?"

In the year and a half since she started university, she had worked over a dozen etiquette gigs. She had encountered all sorts of people in various settings, and this was not uncommon. It was just a part-time job to make money, and she had always maintained a policy of avoiding trouble, choosing to act as if she neither saw the leering gazes nor heard the whispers.

Today was no different.

She struggled to keep her expression unchanged, stopped, and turned back. "Is there anything else you need?"

"Is there anything you can satisfy?" The bald man looked at her with a smirk, and the surrounding laughter grew even more piercing.

The harassment was blatant.

Chu Tong hadn't expected him to be so brazen. Just as she was racking her brain for an escape, she heard a low, magnetic voice from behind her: "Tongtong."

She froze for a second, then turned mechanically.

On a single sofa at the head of the room, Shao Yihuai sat with his legs crossed, leaning back. One hand rested on his thigh, while the other was nonchalantly accepting a tablet from his assistant. Throughout, his gaze remained fixed on her with a faint, unreadable smile—a look of indulgence and generosity, like an elder toward a younger relative.

Upon entering the lounge, he had been swarmed by people vying to talk to him and exchange business cards. Initially, he hadn't noticed Chu Tong’s situation a few steps away. It was only when the mocking, lewd laughter grew increasingly brazen that he had glanced over.

Almost without thinking, he had called her name.

Chu Tong suspected she had misheard. Shao Yihuai called her... "Tongtong"?

Deeply confused, she tentatively responded, "...Mr. Shao?"

Shao Yihuai looked at her gently, smiling as he said unhurriedly, "Why have you forgotten how to call me Uncle? Your father just called me earlier to ask how you were doing."

His voice was deep and, in that moment, carried a playful, laid-back tone that was incredibly pleasant to the ear, yet it only deepened Chu Tong's bewilderment.

There was a sudden intake of breath from the people around them, followed by murmurs. The atmosphere shifted instantly.

"Having a spat with your family and working part-time out of spite?" Shao Yihuai continued to pile on, giving a light, dismissive scoff. "Is it fun?"

The whispers grew louder, and scattered words reached her ears.

"Whose daughter is she? Close with the Shao family?"

"I knew it. She’s too exquisite and refined to be a regular kid."

Chu Tong looked back at the bald man who had been harassing her. His face had gone pale, his eyes filled with panic and unease as he looked imploringly between Shao Yihuai and her.

Only then did she realize: Shao Yihuai was bailing her out, "fabricating" an identity for her.

Turning back to meet Shao Yihuai's gaze, her heart tightened. She hurriedly lowered her eyes and stuttered, "...Uncle Shao."

"Hmm," Shao Yihuai looked at her with approval. "Come here, I have a few words for you."

Chu Tong immediately played the part of a child caught doing something wrong, lowering her head as she stood before his knees, appearing to accept a lecture.

Shao Yihuai turned and gave instructions to his assistant, who nodded solemnly and headed straight for the door to find the event manager.

Chu Tong peeked at him through her lashes.

Shao Yihuai had set aside his playful demeanor and looked at her quite gently. "Are you staying here tonight?"

Chu Tong nodded.

"Stay safe. Remember to call me if anything happens."

Chu Tong nodded obediently again; she had to keep her mouth shut to avoid giving the game away.

Shao Yihuai, perhaps seeing how well-behaved she was, looked at her with even greater warmth. "Go on, get back to work."

Walking out of the padded door and into the bustling corridor, Chu Tong realized her hands were shaking.

She clasped her hands together, struggling to calm her mind. Everything that had just happened felt earth-shattering, leaving behind long-lasting tremors.

The sensation was like the murky, relentless rain of ancient times, leaving her world transformed, as if the landscape itself had been leveled and changed beyond recognition.

At the other end of the corridor, Shang Yunmeng was walking briskly, checking her walkie-talkie and saying, "Group B received." Seeing Chu Tong standing there in a daze, she hurried over. "Tongtong, what’s wrong?"

Chu Tong snapped out of it and shook her head. "Nothing."

As she spoke, she realized her voice was raspy.

Just as Shang Yunmeng was about to press, a commotion drew closer. Both of them looked up.

A bald man was being half-pushed and pulled along by several men in suits. The leader was the event manager, who was trying to persuade him with forced politeness. But the bald man, clearly unwilling, accidentally caught sight of Chu Tong. As if seeing a savior, he rushed toward her. "I can't go! I can apologize to this lady! I'm sorry, really, I didn't know who you were..."

Chu Tong stepped back to avoid him, and Sister Meng instinctively shielded her. The event manager’s face remained mild, but his grip was firm and swift as he yanked the man back. "Mr. Wang, let's not make a scene. If this causes any more trouble and Mr. Shao gets angry, it won't end well for you."

The bald man froze for a few seconds, then let his head hang in defeat, begging the manager again, "Could you talk to Mr. Shao for me? I really didn't mean it. Who knew an etiquette model had such a powerful background?"

The manager laughed as if he’d heard a joke, pulling the man toward the emergency exit while saying, "You flatter me. How could I possibly have a word with Mr. Shao..."

As they talked, they slowly drifted away.

Chu Tong was still shaken. Sister Meng draped an arm around her shoulder and asked with concern, "What happened?"

Chu Tong pursed her lips and briefly recounted the incident.

Sister Meng’s first reaction was to curse the bald man. "Disgusting. People like that rely on their money and power, not treating us in the service industry like human beings at all." After venting, she asked, "That Mr. Shao—is he the one from the Zhuoyi Group?"

Chu Tong nodded.

Sister Meng lowered her voice, exclaiming, "I heard the Shao family has a massive background. They’re top-tier in that hidden, exclusive circle. I’ve been working in Beijing for so many years, and I’ve never even heard of them... Truly a high-status family. That’s what you call a gentleman with real breeding and depth."

"...A high-status family?"

"Shh, can't talk about it," Sister Meng said mysteriously. "So high, you can't even dream of reaching them."

When she first met him at Professor Chen's house, she felt he had an extraordinary air—dignified, gentle, and highly cultured. She had thought he came from a scholarly family, but she never imagined his background could be even more prestigious than she could have conceived.

Of course. To be a representative of the Zhuoyi Group, how could he be anyone ordinary?

Chu Tong was not one to belittle herself, but a fantasy had already sprouted in her heart. How could she not feel a sense of bitterness now, realizing the vast chasm between them?

-

The break ended, and the roundtable discussion continued. As an attendant, Chu Tong stood by the door. The seat the bald man had occupied was now empty.

After the session, Chu Tong followed Shang Yunmeng to guide the guests out. She wanted to thank Shao Yihuai but found no opportunity; he was constantly surrounded by his assistant and others, making it impossible for her to get close.

It was nearly 5:30 PM. The event provided a cafeteria for staff. Sister Meng had to attend a meeting with her superiors, so Chu Tong went to the cafeteria alone, grabbing a seat and food for both of them.

Despite the high-quality food, Chu Tong was distracted, eating half-heartedly. Her mind was a mess, filled with images of Shao Yihuai, only to be shattered by the hammer of reality.

When Shang Yunmeng arrived after her meeting, she saw Chu Tong sitting across from her, still lost in thought. She waved a hand in front of her face, teasing, "Hey, little sister, come back to earth."

Chu Tong looked up, reflexively offering a smile. After a few seconds of silence, she said, "...Sister Meng, I think I’ve developed some inappropriate delusions."

To her, Shang Yunmeng was both a mentor and a friend. Their backgrounds were similar, and despite the six or seven-year age gap, they got along well, making it easy to confide such heartfelt thoughts.

Her voice was barely a whisper, as if she knew these "delusions" were forbidden and feared being overheard by the heavens.

Shang Yunmeng ate her meal, glanced at her a few times, took a sip of water, and then said with a hearty laugh, "...Is that all? My younger cousin who chases celebrities has those thoughts every single day."

Chu Tong lowered her eyes, a faint smile touching her lips, but her expression remained somber.

Shang Yunmeng reached out and patted her head. "Besides, you're only nineteen. It's normal to have a few little thoughts. Don't be so hard on yourself. Experiencing something like this isn't necessarily a bad thing."

Sister Meng was exhausted after a long day. Chu Tong didn't want to burden her with her own childish thoughts, so she looked up and smiled, putting on a brave face. "Let's eat. I'm starving after working all afternoon."

After eating, they returned to the lounge to change.

Just as they reached the staff passage, a young man in trendy clothes walked toward them. He looked Chu Tong up and down, his eyes widening with surprise when he saw her face. "Chu Tong?!"

It was Liu Hao.

He stepped toward her, head tilted, smiling. "So you're working as an attendant here? I came with my dad; their group is a representative company for this event."

Chu Tong tried to avoid him, but he grabbed her wrist. "Hey, we ran into each other by chance. It wouldn't be right not to chat, would it?"

"I don't know you well. I don't think we have anything to talk about."

Liu Hao licked his lips and gave a strange, smug scoff. "Oh really? Don't you want to ask what secret of yours I know?"

Chu Tong froze, her breath hitching for a moment.

Liu Hao sent her messages every single day, always mentioning this so-called "secret." She had always assumed it was a bluff, but seeing him now, so certain of himself, she wondered—could it be true?

Her dark eyes flashed with cold light, her lips pressed together in a defensive expression.

Liu Hao met her gaze, feeling a surge of interest. He said with a smile, "Don't look at me like that. I'm just trying to help you."

Chu Tong thought for a moment, pulled Shang Yunmeng aside, and said, "Sister Meng, you go ahead. This is a classmate of mine; I'll have a quick word with him."

Shang Yunmeng was more worldly than her. It was obvious this boy was a wealthy second-generation heir. Not understanding the history between them, she couldn't risk offending him. She nodded. "Alright, take care of yourself. Call me if you need anything."

Once Shang Yunmeng was out of earshot, Chu Tong looked at Liu Hao. She softened her voice. "...What are you trying to help me with?"

Liu Hao mulled it over. "...Do you remember that guy surnamed He?"

She had absolutely no memory of anyone by that name.

Liu Hao offered a hint. "The one who drove his mother's beat-up Ferrari, yelled for you downstairs a few times, and got kicked out by the dorm warden."

"...What about him?"

Liu Hao was vague. "He’s been playing some dirty tricks behind your back. It’s bad for your reputation." His tone turned forceful. "But, if you just say the word, I can fix him for you and delete all that garbage."

Chu Tong caught the key point. "What ‘garbage’?"

She spoke with the characteristic softness of a girl from the south, making the word "garbage" sound awkward yet uniquely her own. Liu Hao savored the sound of her voice before saying, "...Never mind about that. I can handle it for you." He paused, emphasizing, "Just one word from you: do you want my help or not?"

Chu Tong scrutinized his expression. It didn't seem fake, but in the end, her contact with him had been limited to his one-sided pestering over the last two months. She didn't know him at all.

"No rush," Liu Hao said, sensing he had her attention and feeling half-victorious. "Take your time to think about it."

Chu Tong deliberated, then tested him. "...What would I have to do? To repay you?"

Liu Hao laughed. "Don't be so formal. I’m a stand-up guy; I wouldn't take advantage of someone in trouble."

"If you're so kind, can you tell me what this is really about?" Chu Tong lowered her guard, speaking softly to negotiate. "Even though it's all your word right now, I'll tentatively believe you. But can you... show me some evidence? Maybe..." She paused. "...If it's really that serious, I might consider working with you."

Liu Hao stared at her for a few seconds, then asked an unrelated question. "...Are you staying here tonight?"

"Why?"

"Send me a message when you've made up your mind, and I'll tell you everything," he said, acting as if he held all the cards. "...But try to be quick. The longer this drags on, the more people will know, and that won't be good for you."

Liu Hao had her cornered.

He knew she was too cautious to take risks and would inevitably reach out to him to get to the bottom of this.

Chu Tong walked slowly back toward the lounge, her feet feeling like they were treading on cotton—soft and unsubstantial.

Whether or not the "secret" Liu Hao spoke of was true, his intent to use it to get close to her was undeniable.

Her heart was filled with a sense of powerlessness. Not for any other reason, but because once she got involved with Liu Hao and entered their circle of wealthy socialites, she would forever carry that stigma.

Falling was far too easy. She had been climbing with all her might, trying to pull herself out of the quagmire, but there were simply too many hands dragging her back down.

Earlier, while working as an attendant, she had encountered two other men. Their words were different, but the intent was the same: they were willing to cover her tuition and living expenses, and buy her property, if she would only "accompany" them for three or five years.

Now, with people like Zhan Youran's father and Liu Hao, they offered too many lures, waiting calmly for her to take the bait.

After changing, she folded her cheongsam, locked her locker, and headed out with her bag. In the corridor, she bumped into a woman.

"Excuse me."

She apologized first, then looked up and recognized the woman as Shao Yihuai’s assistant.

"It's fine," the woman said, recognizing her as well. She asked casually, "That man didn't bother you again, did he? Mr. Shao ordered me to take care of it."

Chu Tong shook her head. "No, he didn't. Thank you, and please thank Mr. Shao for me."

"You're welcome, it was just a small favor." The woman checked her watch. "I have things to attend to. I'll be going."

Chu Tong watched her leave.

The woman hadn't walked far before bumping into the event manager, who was finishing up his work. They stopped to chat for a moment.

Chu Tong vaguely heard snippets: "...rest assured, Mr. Shao... already blacklisted..."

She stood there for half a minute, then walked out, her movements almost mechanical.

After a few steps, she couldn't help but look back. Shao Yihuai's assistant was just like him—polite and refined. Would she have another chance to talk to Mr. Shao tomorrow? At the very least, to thank him in person?

With that thought, a wicked impulse took root: she didn't want to just offer a thank-you and have no further connection with him.

Without a second thought, she broke into a run to catch up with the assistant.

The assistant looked at her in surprise. "Is there something else?"

Chu Tong grabbed her wrist, then quickly let go, her tone earnest. "Miss, could you tell me where Mr. Shao is staying tonight? I have something I need to return to him."

She was going all in.