Chapter 18: Good Evening!

Most people are obsessed with appearances. Tonight, Gu Luosheng was dressed beautifully, and many had already approached her to strike up conversations, but she refused them all. At the moment, she truly had no interest in romance; her attention was wholly devoted to enjoying the food.

She had to admit, the banquet's fare was exceptional, offering all sorts of rare delicacies. Gu Luosheng held orange juice in her left hand and caviar in her right—an odd combination, perhaps, but she relished the luxury above all. Tonight's meal was likely more expensive than all the meals she’d eaten in the past five years combined; she intended to eat as much as she could.

Her figure had grown thin from hauling goods, and she thought that gaining a little weight would only make her more alluring.

"Hey, have you heard? Apparently, someone from the Shen family is coming tonight!" At a table crowded with heiresses, several young women were gossiping about the handsome men they had seen.

"What? Isn’t he usually uninterested in these kinds of parties? Why would he come?"

"Who knows? But the Shen family has spread the word—he’ll definitely be here."

"Wow! I heard he’s really handsome—is that true?"

"Of course it’s true! I saw him myself. But he seems so aloof, almost untouched by the mundane world. He’s never had a companion by his side, unlike my brother, who changes women like changing clothes."

"Hey, you’re so pretty! Which family are you from? Don’t just eat—come chat with us!"

Suddenly, one of the heiresses noticed Gu Luosheng passing by. Gu Luosheng, unfamiliar with such occasions, simply answered whatever was asked.

"My name is Gu Luosheng. Gu Yunqi is my elder brother."

She didn’t mention she was from the Gu family; she recognized only Gu Yunqi as family.

"What! Gu Yunqi is your brother?" A girl’s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Can you give me his WeChat?"

"Me too! I want it as well!"

Gu Yunqi was a hot commodity among the elite—good looks and impressive capability. Now, with Gu Yanpeng half-retired, Gu Yunqi was almost single-handedly running the Gu Group.

"No problem..." Unable to withstand their enthusiasm, Gu Luosheng gave them Gu Yunqi’s WeChat.

"Wow! The Shen family’s young master is here—let’s go see!"

"We have to! Can’t let those flashy girls snatch him away!"

In a sudden rush, the heiresses scattered, running toward the entrance to catch a glimpse of the Shen family’s heir. Gu Luosheng had been wondering how to slip away, but unexpectedly, they left on their own.

...

As soon as Shen Mo entered the banquet hall, a crowd surrounded him—both men and women. To him, such occasions were no different from any third-rate gathering; he had no interest in conversing with sycophants.

"Shen, you’re so handsome! Can I add your WeChat?"

"Are you free this weekend? Want to go racing together?"

"Do you remember me? I’m Jingjing~"

"…"

"Get lost!" Shen Mo spat coldly, his aura dropping to a chilling low that sent shivers down spines.

He saw no reason to be polite to these people—most were spoiled heirs, eager to climb the Shen Group’s ladder. The genuinely capable ones, like Gu Yunqi, were busy discussing business, not crowding around others. Those with pride, like Gu Yunzhou, merely glanced at Shen Mo’s arrival, not giving him a second thought.

"Ah, Mr. Shen, the old master wanted you to come and see if there’s anyone you fancy..." Zhou Qiang, seeing Shen Mo drive everyone away, felt at a loss—how was he supposed to report to Shen Honglang?

"Zhou Qiang, you know I already have someone in my heart." Shen Mo was unbothered by Shen Honglang’s intentions. He picked up a wine glass and gently swirled the red liquid.

Zhou Qiang smiled bitterly. "Then why not tell the old master?"

Shen Mo took a sip of wine. "What’s the rush? My father isn’t dying tomorrow."

When words fail, they truly fail. Zhou Qiang was at a loss—who talks about their father like that? Was he even his real son?

"Mr. Shen, look at that person—she looks like Miss Gu, but even more beautiful!" Zhou Qiang caught sight of Gu Luosheng out of the corner of his eye and hurriedly tapped Shen Mo’s shoulder, pointing her out.

"Impossible." Shen Mo looked in the indicated direction and was startled by Gu Luosheng’s face.

"Luosheng is here too?"

He rubbed his eyes, wanting to make sure he wasn’t seeing things.

Zhou Qiang grew anxious. "Maybe we’re mistaken, Mr. Shen. Miss Gu isn’t nearly that pretty..."

Shen Mo’s gaze suddenly sharpened at Zhou Qiang, who immediately realized his blunder. "Mr. Shen, my apologies..."

Shen Mo snorted coldly. "Don’t let it happen again."

"But is she really Luosheng?" Shen Mo looked back at Gu Luosheng, his gaze growing tender.

Zhou Qiang, eager to redeem himself, offered, "Mr. Shen, why not message Miss Gu? Ask her where she is?"

"Alright."

Shen Mo had always wanted to chat with Gu Luosheng but never knew what to say; now was the perfect opportunity.

"Where are you?"

Gu Luosheng, diligently eating at her table, heard her phone’s notification. She wiped her hands and replied, "Didn’t set up my stall today, resting at home."

After replying, she put her phone away.

Shen Mo looked at her reply and laughed helplessly. Why would she lie about being at home? Then again, their relationship scarcely qualified as friendship, so she had no reason to be truthful.

He had already confirmed, from her response, that the person before him was indeed Gu Luosheng.

He put away his phone, picked up his wine, and walked toward her. "Zhou Qiang, it’s confirmed—she’s Luosheng."

Zhou Qiang didn’t follow, but stayed behind, silently cheering Shen Mo on.

Gu Luosheng gently swirled her orange juice and popped a small cake into her mouth. A tall figure approached her left, clinking his glass against hers.

"Good evening!"

Startled by the familiar voice, Gu Luosheng looked up in shock at Shen Mo’s sudden appearance. Excited, she nearly choked on her cake.

She downed her orange juice and patted her chest, finally easing her breath.

"Shen Mo, what are you doing here?" Seeing a familiar face in an unfamiliar venue, Gu Luosheng felt a welcome sense of warmth.

Shen Mo feigned indignation. "Didn’t you just tell me you were resting at home?"