C48

"Hello there."

Zhang Qimo greeted the group lounging on the sofa with a warm smile.

The trio seamlessly settled into the plush leather sofa.

"Qimo, let me introduce you to everyone. This is Shen Hao from the Shen family, Wu Chuyu from the Wu family, and Qin Fei from the Qin Family," Zhang Hongyu said with a welcoming grin. "You're all young, so I hope you'll take the chance to mingle and learn from each other."

Zhang Qimo acknowledged the young heirs with a polite nod.

They were all scions of the prominent families in Qingyun City. The Qin Family, Shen family, and Wu family were all influential, second-tier clans comparable to the Zhang Family.

Despite her Zhang Family roots, Qimo had never lived the life of the elite. Her father had never wielded the family's wealth or power, and she was unaccustomed to such gatherings.

"Let's all give Qimo a warm welcome and raise our glasses. Qin Fei, fetch us two bottles of wine. I've stored a selection at the bar, including some from Romanee Conti. Grab the best vintage, the one from 1982," Wang Ziwen commanded with a flourish.

"Got it."

Qin Fei, a bit on the stout side, rose and made his way to the nearby bar.

"Burgundy? Romanee Conti from 1982?" Zhang Qimo was visibly surprised and somewhat embarrassed. "Isn't that a bit too lavish? You really shouldn't spend so much."

She might not have lived the high life, but she was well aware of this legendary French wine's reputation.

With a global annual production of just a few thousand bottles, it was often unattainable, even for the wealthy. This was the kind of luxury wine that symbolized status and was typically seen at prestigious wine auctions. A bottle from 1982 could fetch between one hundred and two hundred thousand.

The pair of bottles they were about to enjoy was valued at nearly half a million...

Zhang Qimo felt out of her element, her modest upbringing clashing with the grandeur of the welcome.

"Qimo, you're familiar with this wine? We don't usually get to enjoy such fine vintages. Young Master Wang has opened this especially for you," Qin Fei remarked with a teasing tone.

They all wore a smile tinged with both reserve and pride. Clearly, Zhang Qimo's performance had instilled in them a profound sense of superiority.

Wang Ziwen cleared his throat and offered a gentlemanly smile. "There's an old saying: Fine wine complements a beautiful woman. When we're graced by the presence of a lady as lovely as Qimo, only the finest wine will suffice to express our heartfelt welcome."

Zhang Qimo eyed the two bottles of top-tier wine on the glass table, her gaze lingering on the ornate bottles crafted with impeccable skill. She felt somewhat overwhelmed. Accepting such lavish gifts, especially when they were so unexpectedly offered, was not to her liking.

Her family's yearly expenses amounted to roughly a hundred thousand yuan. The cost of these two bottles alone surpassed her family's annual spending.

"Come now, Qimo, accept it as Ziwen's kind gesture. He's opened his treasured wine to welcome you; it would be rude to refuse," Zhang Hongyu said with a smile, her eyes briefly flicking to Lin Yin, a hint of a cold smirk at the corner of her mouth.

"Indeed, Qimo, don't worry about it. You might not be accustomed to such extravagance," Wu Chuyu said with a restrained smile. "We're here to enjoy ourselves, and the price of the wine is of no consequence."

Wu Chuyu exuded a seductive charm, her delicate features complemented by a light purple form-fitting dress that highlighted her shapely figure. Every item she wore, from her dress and high heels to her necklace, ring, handbag, and watch, was from a top-tier brand, even her Chanel perfume.

Though Zhang Qimo was undeniably more beautiful, Wu Chuyu's attire lent her an air of inherent superiority.

"Qimo, you've made a name for yourself in Qingyun City's jewelry scene. With your bright future and the fact that you're a daughter of the Zhang Family, you must be mindful of your image. Don't dress too casually, or you might find yourself the subject of ridicule," Wu Chuyu advised, casually playing with her Chanel bag.

"I recall meeting your older sister, Zhang Zining—she carries herself with such elegance. Whatever she wears, she always seems more put-together than you," Wu Chuyu added.

"Chuyu is absolutely right, Qimo. You should seek her advice on these matters and focus more on your personal image, rather than burying yourself in jewelry design all the time," Zhang Hongyu chimed in earnestly.

Zhang Qimo's cheeks flushed with a hint of red, her expression noticeably uncomfortable.

She was well aware that the people around her were dressed in high-end fashion. Her own attire was modest and unremarkable by comparison. She tended to dress formally and had never been one to chase after luxury brands.

In essence, she felt out of place among this crowd, as if they were from different worlds.

"Qimo, I've heard that the Zhang Family found you a son-in-law," Wu Chuyu asked with feigned curiosity, her eyes gleaming with mockery. "Does he not take an interest in your life? Doesn't he ever spoil you with expensive clothes and bags?"

Zhang Qimo's expression grew strained as she replied, "We never interfere with each other's finances."

"There's actually such a man in this world," Wu Chuyu exclaimed with mock surprise. "Despite your beauty, he refuses to spend on you. He won't even buy you luxury items. He's truly heartless. If I were you, I'd have divorced him by now."

"A woman should learn to enjoy life," Wu Chuyu continued, oozing superiority. "Look at me, coming from a family just like yours, yet I know how to indulge. I travel to Europe, shop for luxury goods, and take in the sights when I have the time. Soon, I'm planning a relaxing vacation in Sydney. After all, I can always have men take care of the finances."

"Chuyu, it's all because the Old Master of the Zhang Family made a poor choice, and poor Qimo has suffered for it. He matched her with a good-for-nothing man who's utterly useless. I've heard he does nothing but throw tantrums at home, and Qimo won't even let him into her bedroom. That loser sleeps in a separate room," Zhang Hongyu sneered, completely indifferent to Lin Yin's presence beside her.

"They're merely husband and wife in name; Qimo is still a virgin. He's nothing but a figurehead," Zhang Hongyu added with gusto.

"So that's the situation," Wu Chuyu said, feigning enlightenment. "Qimo, it's such a shame. With your prestigious background and your talent in jewelry design, it's tragic that your husband is so ineffectual..."

"Let's drop the subject of that worthless man; it's infuriating just to talk about him. He has a gorgeous wife like Qimo, yet he doesn't appreciate her," Qin Fei chimed in, pretending to be concerned.

"Let's all raise a glass together and not let him ruin our spirits," Wang Ziwen said with a smile, gesturing with a wave of his hand.

Qin Fei promptly rose to his feet, brought over a tray of stemmed glasses, and expertly uncorked a bottle of 1982 Romanee Conti using a specialized tool.