C5 How dare You Come Here!

On the second night, the grand ballroom of the Empire Hotel buzzed with clinking glasses and elegant attire as the Shen family hosted a reunion banquet. The Shen family, a legacy spanning a hundred years, held a prominent position even in this city teeming with influential families.

The event drew a large crowd, including families closely connected to the Shens and others who seemed to have found their way in through less direct means. The Shen family spared no expense, making it clear to the entire city how much they valued their newly reunited daughter.

As Su Ke entered the banquet hall with Qin Liang, they overheard guests gathered in small groups, whispering.

"Is the Shen family really going all out for a daughter?" someone questioned.

"Well," another, more informed guest replied quietly, "it's all because Mrs. Shen has been searching for her daughter for years without success, and her health was failing."

"Thankfully, the daughter was found just in time, and Mrs. Shen's health has improved significantly."

"My wife even saw Mrs. Shen and Miss Shen shopping together the other day."

The conversation revolved entirely around the Shen family's long-lost daughter. Feeling uneasy, Su Ke was about to suggest to Qin Liang that they leave when Qin Liang's secretary approached them briskly.

"Director Qin, there's an issue with the 'Bitter Reunion' project. The CEO of Fishnet Video would like to have a quick call with you."

Qin Liang furrowed his brow, looking at Su Ke with a hint of apology.

"Go ahead and take care of your business. My heels are a bit high, so I'll just sit on that sofa over there and wait for you," Su Ke said.

"Don't wander off. I'll come find you in a bit," Qin Liang instructed.

Su Ke sat idly on the sofa, feeling a slight discomfort in her stomach. Her dress was a bit thin for the occasion.

"Well, look who it is!" a sharp female voice cut through the air. Su Ke looked up to see a heavily made-up face that was neither entirely natural nor familiar.

After a moment, she remembered the woman in front of her. It was Ai Zi, the third female lead in her new show.

Su Ke couldn't be bothered to engage. It was clear to anyone that this woman wasn't here with good intentions.

"You!" Ai Zi fumed, frustrated. Su Ke was known in the industry for her aloofness. With Hsiang Sibai backing her, she had access to the best roles and resources. Small-time actresses like Ai Zi had to jump through hoops just to get a role Su Ke might pass on.

Ai Zi scrutinized Su Ke, noticing that her usual aloof demeanor now had a touch of vulnerability, almost seductive. Her luxurious evening gown was something Ai Zi could only dream of wearing, let alone touch—a high-end piece from a top designer.

Driven mad with jealousy, Ai Zi recalled something she'd heard and smirked with satisfaction. "How do you even have the nerve to show up here?"

"What's the matter? Are you here to see how Young Master Hsiang will abandon you and marry Miss Shen?"

Hearing this, Su Ke paused for a moment. She glanced around at the lavish decorations and let out a self-deprecating laugh.

She had been wondering why a simple family gathering was so extravagant, and now she realized there was a big surprise waiting for her.

Su Ke couldn't be bothered to listen to Ai Zi's chatter any longer. She stood up, ready to leave, but Ai Zi clearly wasn't going to let her go easily—

"Su Ke!" Ignored repeatedly, Ai Zi was fuming and shouted angrily, "What are you so proud of? Without Hsiang Sibai backing you, how long can you keep up this act?"

Her loud voice caught the attention of the guests, some of whom recognized Su Ke, causing quite a stir.

Guests with sharp ears picked up on Hsiang Sibai's name, and their gazes towards Su Ke turned suggestive.

"I heard Su Ke is being kept by someone."

"Supposedly it's the young master of the Hsiang family. Quite the lucky break."

"Hey, but I heard the young master is getting engaged to Miss Shen."

"Well, that's men for you."

"Wonder what it's like to play around with a big star. Heh."

Then came the deliberately hushed, yet audacious laughter, as some of the less refined guests ogled Su Ke from head to toe.

Ai Zi seemed determined to escalate the situation, grabbing Su Ke's arm tightly and shouting loudly.

"Can you do it but not admit it? Do your parents know you're someone's mistress, being kept?"

Su Ke couldn't take it anymore and raised her hand to slap.

"Let go!"