Within Chen Ting's small circle, Zhou Yun was an outsider and a newcomer whom no one knew.
Chen Ting was not a contact of hers and wouldn't specifically introduce her to everyone.
Zhou Yun had already heard from Zhou Lan about the legendary private party, frequented by many big names in the fashion industry; not to mention celebrities intent on making a name for themselves in the fashion world.
But Zhou Yun hadn't expected to walk in and immediately be offered a runway opportunity for a popular brand by an up-and-coming designer who was a complete stranger to her.
For her, this was an exposure opportunity that would be beneficial to both her image and popularity.
No wonder they say that lots of small-time celebrities would willingly pay for an invitation to such private gatherings.
But the circle was not made up only of people from the entertainment or fashion industries. Zhou Yun met several investors one after another, and also high-ranking executives from large corporations, as well as lawyers, and so on. People from all walks of life were there; it was almost like a small worldly society. Yet, no matter what field or industry they came from, everyone there was an elite. There were no mediocre individuals.
Zhou Yun got herself another cocktail and as she turned around, she didn't notice someone had appeared behind her, and they bumped into each other lightly.
"Sorry!" Zhou Yun quickly raised her hand and took a step back.
"It's okay." The man she bumped into was in his early thirties, sharply dressed in a suit, with neatly styled hair. Upon a closer look, his face appeared quite young, but his demeanor exuded a laid-back, mature charm.
He also held a glass of wine, and as his gaze met Zhou Yun's, he smiled.
A smile is often described as charming. Zhou Yun could not deny the brief flutter in her heart, a momentary bewilderment before her senses snapped back to reality. "Did I spill any on you?" she asked.
"No, are you okay?" the man asked.
Zhou Yun smiled faintly, "I'm fine."
"You are very beautiful. Can I get to know you?" The man looked at Zhou Yun candidly and introduced himself, "My name is Chen Fusi, and you are?"
"It sounds familiar." Chen Fusi smiled slightly, "I must frankly admit, I was a bit taken aback the moment I saw you."
Zhou Yun was slightly taken aback, not expecting such a direct revelation of feelings.
"Should I say thank you?" She responded unconventionally.
Chen Fusi did not answer; instead, he gestured invitingly, "Shall we find a quiet place to talk?"
Zhou Yun stood her ground, reminding him, "Mr. Chen, my career is quite unique. If the two of us were to find a quiet place to chat, you might find yourself trending on the hot searches tomorrow."
"Ah? So you're that Zhou Yun."
Chen Fusi's face lit up with realization, as if he finally remembered where he had heard of Zhou Yun before. He seemed surprised but not averse to the idea, his eyes twinkling with a reflective amusement that lent a sense of warmth and tolerance one might only expect from someone older. Chen Fusi appeared to be just over thirty; how could he radiate such composed acceptance?
"Don't worry, this is a private party, no paparazzi dare to sneak in and take pictures." Chen Fusi looked around, then added, "However, I can't guarantee the people here. They won't take pictures, but any woman seen with me is prone to become the subject of rumors and gossip."
Zhou Yun chuckled and declined, "Then I better avoid any misunderstandings."
A look of surprise flashed across Chen Fusi's face.
Zhou Yun signaled the end of the conversation and turned to leave.
"Miss Zhou, it seems I've made a mistake."
"Hm?" Zhou Yun didn't understand what he was referring to.
Chen Fusi explained, "I thought you wouldn't fear their gazes or rumors, but if what I said earlier made you uncomfortable, I apologize."
Zhou Yun laughed awkwardly, like a rabbit that had wandered into someone else's house. She shook her head, her eyebrows and eyes exuding a naïve charm intertwined with worldly wisdom, "Don't worry about it, Mr. Chen. I just don't want those rumors floating around because it's not good for either of us."
"Do you have time tomorrow?" Chen Fusi suddenly asked.
"If you're free tomorrow, I'd like to take you to see my farm. I have a farm on the outskirts of the city where there are no paparazzi lurking, no other people, and you wouldn't need to worry about any rumors." Chen Fusi said.
"Sorry, Mr. Chen, I have work tomorrow. I won't be in Shanghai; I'm going to Hainan for a show."
Zhou Yun's smile conveyed a sincere sense of regret, as if she truly felt sorry.
Ten minutes later, Zheng Xiaowei came over to Zhou Yun and asked quietly, "Do you know who the person that was talking to you just now is?"
"He said his name was Chen Fusi, but that's all I know." Zhou Yun shook her head. "Why?"
Zheng Xiaowei hesitated, seemingly uncomfortable with what she was about to say.
"It's not that I want to gossip behind anyone's back, but I just wanted to give you a heads-up, from what I've heard. This man's background is very mysterious, unclear, but he's very wealthy. Apparently, the turnover of women around him is faster than wardrobe changes, which would be none of my concern, as playboys are common. What I wanted to warn you about is, I've heard he can be quite ruthless with women. Many of the women around him don't end well, so just be careful."
Zhou Yun knew Zheng Xiaowei misunderstood, thinking she had some sort of relationship with Chen Fusi.
"Thanks," Zhou Yun said, "I will be careful."
Truthfully, Zheng Xiaowei's warning was unnecessary as Zhou Yun had already developed a resistance towards Chen Fusi.
The initial attraction she had felt for his good looks had been extinguished by Chen Fusi's repeated advances.
Zhou Yun disliked his assertiveness, which, although seemingly polite and gentlemanly, betrayed a hint of arrogance.
The small gathering of twenty or thirty people, with some leaving and others arriving, lacked that flamboyant luxury, yet the exchange of drinks and conversations fostered a sense of genuine familiarity.
This atmosphere easily helped the participants lower their guard.
Zhou Yun got to know several practitioners from the film and television industry, exchanged a few words, added contacts on WeChat, and before long, it was 10 PM.
As more people began to leave, Zhou Yun also went to bid farewell to Chen Ting, preparing to depart.
"Miss Zhou." Chen Fusi was unexpectedly still there, waiting at the door for her.
Zhou Yun was taken aback but then smiled, "Mr. Chen, you're not waiting for me, are you?"
Chen Fusi replied, "I forgot something, so I'm waiting here for you."
"I haven't gotten your contact details yet," Chen Fusi said to Zhou Yun, his face always with a smile.