C21 Participating in the Banquet

Xiong Miao quickly freshened up and stepped out the door. She had overslept; the sky outside had already turned dark. It looked like she was in for another night of overtime once she picked up her computer.

"My computer is still not fixed?" Xiong Miao felt like crying but held back her tears.

"There's not much I can do. The chip is shattered, and since you need to keep your important files, I'm trying to repair it. Getting a new one would be quicker," the computer technician explained.

"How much longer will it take?" Xiong Miao inquired.

"About half an hour."

With no other options, she resigned herself to wait patiently and passed the time playing on her phone in the shop.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside, sounding like a couple arguing. Driven by curiosity, Xiong Miao stepped out to see what was happening.

Adjacent to the computer repair shop was a luxurious hotel where a striking couple stood at the entrance. The man was clad in a bespoke black suit that accentuated his impeccable physique, exuding an air of nobility and poise. His innate authority was so palpable that people hesitated to come too close.

The woman was draped in a floor-length white gown with a strapless design that showcased her delicate collarbone. Her brown, wavy hair cascaded elegantly over her shoulders, adding to her regal appearance.

"Yeling, I've come all this way. Why won't you take me inside with you? Who else could be your date tonight but me?" Ling Xiaoxiao stood defiantly in front of Zhan Yeling's towering figure, her attire exuding an untouchable aura, yet her eyes were filled with a pleading desire.

Indeed, she was imploring Zhan Yeling to consider her as his date for the evening.

Zhan Yeling's chiseled features remained impassive as his gaze shifted and landed on Xiong Miao, who was not far off. The gentle night breeze carried the subtle fragrance of magnolias from Xiong Miao's attire to Zhan Yeling, whose sense of smell was extraordinary.

Despite wearing the same outfit as during the day, Zhan Yeling, who typically struggled with facial recognition, instantly recognized her.

No one was more aware of her unique scent than he was.

Xiong Miao locked eyes with his penetrating gaze, felt a shiver in her heart, and turned to leave.

"Who said I need you as my date?" Zhan Yeling declared, striding forward with his long legs.

Xiong Miao rushed toward the computer repair shop, but before she could take more than a few steps, a strong grip seized her arm, forcing her to turn and confront Zhan Yeling's imperious stare.

"Director Zhan, what are you doing..."

"Cut the chatter!" Zhan Yeling allowed her no opportunity to probe further, pulling her toward the hotel.

Passing by Ling Xiaoxiao, Xiong Miao caught sight of her spiteful expression, one that seemed to wish she could tear her to pieces.

Internally, Xiong Miao raged. Good heavens, she was an innocent caught in the crossfire, used as a human shield and now resented for it.

Had she known, she wouldn't have left home to witness this drama.

Curiosity did indeed kill the cat.

Zhan Yeling ushered Xiong Miao inside.

Ling Xiaoxiao, fuming, kicked the ground viciously, her elegant makeup twisting with rage. "Ah! Xiong Miao, you've thwarted me once again! I will not let this slide!"

"Director Zhan, Director Zhan!" Xiong Miao attempted to halt his advance, to no avail.

He gripped her wrist painfully tight, and she was still preoccupied with thoughts of her job. In her urgency, she blurted out, "Zhan Yeling!"

"Ah!"

Before she could utter another word, he flung her into a chair.

In her state of shock, Xiong Miao realized she was in a styling room, adorned with chic decor and stocked with an array of women's attire.

Though compact, the room had everything one could need.

"Director Zhan," greeted the stylist, Xiao Rui, approaching with due reverence.

"You have five minutes," Zhan Yeling stated, glancing at his wristwatch before settling into a nearby swivel chair, casually crossing his legs with an air of languid authority.

Xiao Rui approached Xiong Miao, taking in her appearance: black, straight hair, finely chiseled features, and a slender frame. Her only shortfall was her plain clothing.

Attending a banquet in casual attire and flats simply wouldn't do.

Xiao Rui promptly carried out Director Zhan's orders and gave Xiong Miao a makeover.

Five minutes later, Xiong Miao emerged from the dressing room.

Her makeup was delicately elegant, enhancing her natural purity. Her sleek black hair was pinned up, revealing her slender, pale neck, and a silver necklace accentuated her graceful collarbone, making it all the more enchanting.

The pink skirt was the perfect length, falling just below her thighs and above her knees, striking a balance between modesty and allure.

She stepped out in five-inch heels, and in a mere five minutes, she had transformed from an ugly duckling into a swan.

Xiong Miao stood there, somewhat uncomfortable in her new appearance.

Zhan Yeling, who had been engrossed in his phone, looked up and caught sight of the woman before him. For a brief moment, he was visibly moved, but quickly returned to his usual aloof demeanor.

He couldn't clearly see her face, and to him, no matter how good her figure, it was all too familiar.

He still didn't find her attractive enough, did he?

Noticing the dimming in Zhan Yeling's eyes, Xiong Miao felt a twinge of sadness.

Indeed, she was a true ugly duckling.

No amount of dressing up could change her inherent features.

Ling Xiaoxiao was the genuine heiress, a high-society debutante.

If Ling Xiaoxiao couldn't catch his eye, what chance did she have?

"Tonight, you'll accompany me to a banquet," Zhan Yeling said abruptly after a period of silence.

"Oh." Xiong Miao had overheard his earlier argument with Ling Xiaoxiao.

She also realized that Zhan Yeling had only asked her to be his date to provoke Ling Xiaoxiao. She was aware of her place.

Hearing her subdued response, Zhan Yeling's brows furrowed slightly. "For this act, I'll pay you twenty thousand yuan."

"What did you say?" Xiong Miao was taken aback.

"Isn't it true that you often help guests with little favors in exchange for tips?"

Xiong Miao grasped his meaning; she was to play a role for him, and in return, he would compensate her.

Fine, this way, they would be even.

"There's no need for that much. Two thousand five hundred will suffice," Xiong Miao said, before striding away in her high heels.

Zhan Yeling watched her retreating figure, his deep-set eyes narrowing slightly.

He knew she was upset, but what about? Was twenty thousand too little for her?

Yet she had countered with two thousand five hundred.

The hotel lobby was a scene of opulence, with the scent of fine garments filling the air, wealthy aristocrats mingling with high society, and a clinking of glasses in toasts.

"Why hasn't Yeling arrived yet?" Faang Qian's words carried a hint of provocation.

"Don't worry, he'll be here," Zhan Junyi responded, his expression composed.

Xiong Miao stopped at the entrance to the banquet, lacking an invitation.

Zhan Yeling sauntered over, casually slipping one hand into his pocket and curling his other arm.

Xiong Miao glanced at him but remained still.

Zhan Yeling's brow furrowed in displeasure.

Realizing his expectation, Xiong Miao reluctantly looped her arm through his.

Zhan Yeling's lips lifted in a slight, pleased smile as he escorted her inside.

"Second Young Master Zhan has arrived!" The arrival of Zhan Yeling stirred up excitement in the room.

This was particularly true when the guests noticed the woman at his side, drawing all eyes to her.

It was common knowledge that Zhan Yeling was soon to be engaged to Ling Xiaoxiao.

Everyone had assumed that for such a significant event, he would arrive with his fiancée, Ling Xiaoxiao.

Instead, to their surprise, the woman by his side was a stranger no one had seen before.