C44 The Storm at the Celebration Banquet

"Chi Xin, I share your distaste for that woman. Rest assured, any news I get, I'll pass it on to you immediately! We must make her regret crossing us!" Mu Feifei declared, as if rallying her troops.

"Chi Xin, who was the person that just left?"

Lin Manyin inquired with a hint of curiosity as she observed the woman's departure.

"She was from Group D, Manager Lin. We didn't discuss anything of importance." Chi Xin had finally arrived and was keen not to tarnish her reputation with Manyin.

"I was actually looking for you to discuss Group D. Have you heard about the company's celebration? It's specifically for Group D. I'm curious about their recent achievements that have caused such a stir. What's the story there?"

Manyin stood with her arms crossed, exuding a commanding presence.

Chi Xin, realizing Manyin was not looking to chastise but simply to gather information, relaxed a bit. "Group D celebrating? I find it odd too. Why would the company throw a party for them?"

Chi Xin spoke with a hint of scorn. No longer a part of Group D, she felt superior, barely acknowledging their existence.

Manyin, sensing she had Chi Xin on the hook, began to reel her in. "So the rumors must be true. I've heard it's mostly because of Su Rann, and Young Master Jiang's support. It's baffling how that woman has such good fortune to catch Young Master Jiang's eye!"

Manyin's gaze never wavered from Chi Xin's reactions.

As expected, Chi Xin's fists clenched at the mention of Su Rann. "That woman is nothing but a siren, devoid of any real talent. And her cold, haughty demeanor is insufferable!"

Chi Xin's eyes narrowed, her nails digging into her palms.

"I never imagined the company harbored such a character. It's quite enlightening!" Manyin's lips curled into a sly smile as she watched Chi Xin bristle with animosity towards Su Rann. She clicked away in her high heels, leaving Chi Xin behind.

Manyin was eager to test Chi Xin's mettle. In the company, she was determined to make Su Rann's life difficult.

Su Rann, always Su Rann. You think you're untouchable? Well, I'm eager to see just how hard you'll fall.

A hint of ruthlessness was concealed in Chi Xin's gaze.

"Tang Tang, pick up the pace with your painting. We need to be in sync to avoid mistakes on stage," Liu Jiatong advised while strategizing with Tang Tang.

The performance mattered greatly to each of them.

"Alright, Su Rann, you'll take the lead on stage, and we'll follow your rhythm as a guide," Tang Tang concluded after several discussions.

Su Rann had been observing them the entire time, fine-tuning their collaboration.

Mu Feifei noticed everyone was worn out from rehearsals, except for Su Rann, who remained at ease.

She expressed her frustration to Chi Xin.

Who's collaborating with Su Rann? Chi Xin responded promptly.

Liu Jiatong and Tang Tang. I've heard Liu Jiatong volunteered, and Tang Tang agreed because of Young Master Jiang!

Mu Feifei, after sharing this, punctuated her message with an angry emoji.

Alright, I need a favor from you. Wait for me after work!

Their conversation continued, mostly filled with complaints about Su Rann.

The celebration banquet arrived as scheduled, with everyone backstage in a flurry of preparations.

"Rann, I knew I'd find you here!" Xiaxuan exclaimed upon arriving backstage.

"Rann, you look stunning today," she complimented endlessly.

Draped in a pale pink gown with a white chiffon overlay, her elegant neck and defined collarbones were on display. The gown's folds cascaded like moonlit snow, trailing behind her and adding to her regal and delicate demeanor.

She appeared as if a celestial being had graced the earth.

"Rann, go mingle with your friends and unwind a bit. You're due on stage shortly."

Liu Jiatong always had Su Rann's best interests at heart, regardless of the situation.

Xiaxuan assisted with the train of her gown, "Rann, I heard you're performing today. My brother and I are thrilled and will be cheering you on!"

Passersby couldn't help but give Su Rann additional glances, captivated by her beauty.

She was breathtaking, as if she had stepped right out of a comic book.

"Miss Su," Lo Boyuan approached, his eyes lighting up with a radiant glow at the sight of her.

"Is Young Master Lo feeling any better?" Su Rann asked, her voice still carrying a hint of detachment.

"He's nearly back to full health, thanks to Miss Su," Lo Boyuan replied, his usually stern face softened considerably today.

"Why do you two have to be so formal with each other, Miss Su, Young Master Lo?" Xiaxuan said with an eye roll. "This formality makes you seem so distant. Rann, let's not bother with her; let's go have a private chat."

Xiaxuan took Su Rann by the hand and led her away.

Lo Boyuan's eyes lingered on Su Rann. Watching her walk away, the corners of his lips lifted into an involuntary smile.

"Mr. Han, it seems Young Master Lo has special feelings for his lady..." Nan Jun trailed off, wary of provoking Mr. Han's wrath and being sent off to the Sahara Desert.

Lu Jinhan had observed the entire exchange, his mood darkening with irritation.

His lips were pressed into a thin line, his gaze intense and stormy with swirling emotions.

"Mr. Han, the show is about to start!" someone called out.

Lu Jinhan's gaze remained inscrutable.

"Rann, you're back. The current act is finishing up, and then it's our turn," Liu Jiatong informed her, as she and the others were ready to perform.

"Okay," Su Rann replied coolly.

She noticed Liu Jiatong and Tang Tang's faces growing increasingly troubled.

"Are you two not feeling well?" Su Rann could tell from their expressions that they were struggling to cope.

"It's nothing," Liu Jiatong insisted, though she was clearly forcing herself to stay composed.

"I really can't take it anymore, I need to go to the restroom," Tang Tang blurted out before dashing off.

Liu Jiatong's forehead glistened with sweat.

"Rann, I'm not sure I can hold on much longer either. After Tang Tang and I had some orange juice, we've been having stomach issues. What are we going to do? I'm worried it will affect our performance," she said, her complexion turning ashen.

"Don't worry, I've got your back," Su Rann reassured her with a comforting pat on the shoulder, encouraging her not to stress.

Mu Feifei sauntered over, a smirk playing on her lips as she watched Tang Tang and Liu Jiatong make their hasty exits.

"Su Rann, your group is up next. Where is everyone?" she asked with a sneer, looking down at Su Rann.

Today, Group D really dropped the ball, and the company surely won't let them off the hook. She heard that Lo Boyuan, the young master of the Lo family, was also in attendance.

Mu Feifei watched with glee, as if enjoying a spectacle. "With the two talented ones absent, leaving just a pretty face on stage is quite the scene!"

However, her laughter was cut short when Su Rann's icy gaze fell upon her. Suddenly, she felt a chill and dared not utter another word.

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