"How come we’ve never noticed such a stunning beauty in our circle before?"
"Young Master Lin, are you interested? Look at that slender waist of hers, tsk tsk... She’s far more beautiful than that low-tier celebrity you were eyeing before!"
"It seems even Young Master Li has taken an interest in her? Why don’t we go over and find out which family she belongs to?"
The young, frivolous gentlemen stared at the woman walking into the banquet hall, her features as delicate as a painting, their gazes fixed and unrelenting.
Following closely behind Ah Ding into the room, Yan Xinxin suddenly noticed numerous people looking her way. Her heart clenched with nerves as she clung to the hem of her dress and retreated behind Ah Ding.
"Why does it feel like everyone is staring at me?"
Nervously tugging at Ah Ding’s shirt sleeve, Yan Xinxin’s round, doe-like eyes brimmed with hesitation and unease as she glanced at the crowd in the banquet hall.
"Oh, come on, don’t be so tense!"
Ah Ding, clearly accustomed to such scenes, waved her concerns away.
"It’s probably because your timid and flustered demeanor is amusing to them—that’s why they’re watching you!"
Yan Xinxin wasn’t entirely confident in his explanation.
"I’m never wrong! Just walk like you usually do. I’ll take you to see Mo Chuxi."
Walk like I usually do?
Yan Xinxin glanced down at the evening gown she was wearing at that moment.
Flowing chiffon, intricate lace flowers, and an array of exquisite, sparkling gemstones that shimmered under the crystal chandelier’s glow.
For a moment, Yan Xinxin regretted her choice.
She shouldn’t have let herself be baited by Mira into impulsively deciding to wear this extravagant gown. It was far too luxurious.
Having never attended such high-class banquets before, what if she made a fool of herself and embarrassed Mo Chuxi?
"Who is that woman? Why have we never seen her before?"
"Look at her gown—it’s clearly a masterfully crafted piece, worth a fortune."
"And her jewelry, so unique and detailed—how exquisite!"
A group of wealthy heiresses scrutinized Yan Xinxin as she entered, their curiosity piqued and gossip quickly blooming.
One woman, her lips painted a bright, sultry red, rolled her eyes disdainfully at Yan Xinxin.
"Hmph, just look at the way she walks—so awkward and unrefined. She clearly isn’t someone who frequents events like these. I bet she’s some university student being kept by a wealthy heir."
"Zizi makes a good point. Look at her! Wearing such an expensive and beautiful evening gown, but pairing it with white sneakers? It’s laughable!"
The group of women sneered dismissively, their contempt for the seemingly naive and clean-cut girl evident in their mocking tones.
Finally spotting the source of the commotion, Mu Qianshui’s entire face froze in shock.
How could Yan Xinxin possibly be here?
And what’s more, wearing the gown Mu Qianshui had always dreamed of possessing!
Not only that—but the intricately designed lilac hydrangea jewelry Yan Xinxin had on left Mu Qianshui utterly incredulous.
"Judging by your reaction, you seem surprised that Yan Xinxin is here?"
Mo Chuxi’s voice, layered with amusement yet carrying a hint of warning, sounded near her ear, snapping Mu Qianshui back to reality.
"Don’t test my patience. You’re in no position to do so."
Mu Qianshui attempted to call out to Mo Chuxi, but he had already turned away after speaking.
Unbothered by the attention of the crowd, his composed and confident strides led him directly to the visibly perplexed Yan Xinxin, his demeanor unapologetically bold.
"No, Chuxi, you can’t go over there..."
Mu Qianshui muttered softly to herself, helplessly watching him.
Still clutching Ah Ding’s sleeve, Yan Xinxin looked around the hall in a daze. Her wide-eyed, confused gaze accidentally collided with a pair of dark, profound eyes, deep as ancient wells. The sharp encounter startled her, and her breath hitched. Her faltering steps led to a stumble, causing her body to tip forward.