C12 Are You Impotent?

The next day.

Shi Qing casually slipped into a dark red velvet off-shoulder gown, accessorizing with simple jewelry. Even with such a minimalist look, she caught Gu Chengxi's attention the moment he saw her. It’s true—when someone is naturally attractive, they can make anything look good.

Gu Chengxi took the initiative to drive, and the two of them headed to the event venue together. As soon as they stepped out of the car, blinding flashes from cameras went off, and a reporter quickly approached Shi Qing with a microphone.

"Miss Shi, there's a lot of buzz online about you and Miss Soong not getting along. Why are you attending her birthday party?"

Shi Qing hadn’t planned on responding, but it was obvious these reporters were planted by Soong Wanwan. Unfazed, she took the microphone, looked into the camera, and smiled like a striking rose.

"She invited me twice already; it would be rude to refuse a third time. After all, she has her pride."

Her words subtly revealed that she had already declined twice, but Soong Wanwan was persistent. The female reporter, still unsatisfied, pressed on, "Director Lu will also be here tonight, appearing as Miss Soong's boyfriend. Won't that be awkward for you?"

Shi Qing almost wanted to hand the microphone back to the reporter and ask if she would feel awkward in her shoes. Just as she was about to reply, a pair of long, elegant hands took the microphone from her. "Miss Shi is here with her boyfriend, so there's nothing awkward about it."

After Gu Chengxi finished speaking, he handed the microphone back to the female reporter, then gently smiled and took Shi Qing's hand, entering the venue together under countless flashing lights.

Shi Qing silently gave him a thumbs-up in her mind. He had mentioned last night that he'd play along with her, and she was impressed by how committed he was to the act.

The couple, looking like they were made for each other, immediately caught the attention of many as they walked in. Although few knew that Gu Chengxi was a renowned young artist, his striking appearance was enough to captivate the crowd.

Lu Sinian lounged on the sofa, sipping his drink, and was the first in the room to notice Shi Qing and Gu Chengxi.

Jiang Cheng patted Lu Sinian's shoulder, exclaiming, "Wow! Your ex-wife's got some nerve, finding someone so young and handsome."

Following Jiang Cheng's gaze, Lu Sinian quickly spotted the pair in the distance. Shi Qing was holding onto Gu Chengxi's arm, and he seemed to be saying something that made her blush and smile.

For some reason, Lu Sinian felt a wave of irritation. Yesterday at the jewelry store, Shi Qing had already shattered the image he had of her, and now seeing this scene added to his discomfort. He wondered if the lavishness Shi Qing displayed yesterday was funded by this new guy.

Jiang Cheng noticed Lu Sinian's displeased expression and leaned in to whisper, "Come on, tell me, are you having some issues in the bedroom? Is that why Shi Qing rushed to divorce and find someone young and fit?"

Lu Sinian's expression darkened. "If you're so idle, there's a project in Africa that could use some help."

"No, no, no! I was just kidding," Jiang Cheng quickly backtracked, knowing full well that Lu Sinian was capable of following through on such a suggestion.

As the party began, Soong Wanwan pulled Lu Sinian up to the stage to speak. Despite the sea of faces, her gaze immediately found Shi Qing.

"Good evening, everyone. Welcome to my birthday party. There's not much else to say, except I'd like to introduce my boyfriend, the CEO of Shengjia Group—Lu Sinian."

The crowd erupted in applause as Soong Wanwan proudly glanced at Shi Qing, certain that Shi Qing would never have the nerve to publicly announce her relationship with Lu Sinian like this.

Lu Sinian also looked toward Shi Qing in the crowd. She seemed unfazed by the announcement, still happily chatting with Gu Chengxi beside her.