Shadow and Light: The Bride Who Clicks Her Way to Love-Chapter 156 - 157: An Undercurrent-Swirling Banquet
Approaching closer, she called out, "Lu Shifeng."
Lu Shifeng and the other guests all turned their heads to look at her. Many were secretly surprised at how the girl in the light blue chiffon dress addressed Lu so directly by his name. It’s well known that the Lu Family is one of the rare super-rich clans in this city, and even in the world, with a prestigious standing. Anyone seeing him would politely call him Young Master Lu, Mr. Lu, or Mr. Lu.
But Su Xingyu just stood quietly, her clear eyes fixed on Lu Shifeng.
This evening, Lu Shifeng was still dressed in a black suit and white shirt, but his usually silver-gray tie was probably switched to an alluring deep red because it was his birthday, making him look somewhat different from usual. Between his long, steady fingers, he held a wine glass, its colorful cocktail shimmering slightly. Meanwhile, Zhuang Heng held a glass identical to his, almost like a matching couple’s set.
Before Lu Shifeng could speak, Zhuang Heng interjected with a slight smile, "Xingyu is here?" in a very familiar tone.
Su Xingyu felt somewhat uncomfortable, not because of anything specific, but because of the wine glass in her hand and the pure white dress adorned with ruby accessories she wore.
She looked like she was really a couple with Lu Shifeng. With Su Xingyu’s keen eyes, even under the complex ambient light at the party, she could easily tell that the ruby accessories on Zhuang Heng and Lu Shifeng’s deep red tie were exactly the same color—of the many shades of red in this world, the ones they had, as per the commonly used CMYK standard color chart, didn’t have a single hint of deviation. Additionally, that color is not commonly used and must be specially customized, meaning they both specially ordered a matching couple’s color.
Su Xingyu’s expression wasn’t very good.
Zhuang Heng maintained her slight smile, "You’re late. Remember to be on time for these parties in the future, and you don’t need to bring anything along either."
Everyone followed her gaze and noticed the large box in Su Xingyu’s hands. The patterned paper wrapping looked very delicate at first glance, but that delicacy was rather ordinary, and at such a luxurious party, it seemed quite lacking. Many people showed skepticism in their eyes; what was a girl with such a good temperament doing bringing something like this to a party?
"Who is this lady?" Someone finally couldn’t help but ask.
Zhuang Heng naturally replied, "She’s called Su Xingyu, a friend of mine, a photographer who just entered the field."
Several guests suddenly understood, realizing that she was likely a friend Miss Zhuang met within the photography circle and had little background. In such gatherings of high society, introducing an unfamiliar person usually involves highlighting their most impressive aspect—whether it’s a prominent family background, substantial ability, or a well-known reputation...
But Zhuang Heng only described the girl as a photographer, meaning the most notable tag she had at her disposal was merely "a photographer who just entered the field."
Really quite insignificant.
Many guests who initially showed interest in Su Xingyu lost their curiosity. Why would they pay too much attention to a minor figure?
Some even looked at her with a hint of disdain; this girl was really unsophisticated, wasn’t this her first time attending such a party? And she actually brought such a provincial-looking gift?
They really felt that Zhuang Heng wasn’t getting her worth, as they couldn’t understand why she would invite such a friend to the party. Wasn’t it embarrassing for her? However, since this party was organized by her for Young Master Lu, she could invite whoever she pleased. —With Zhuang Heng’s initial dominant remark, "my friend," nobody thought there could be anyone else who invited Su Xingyu here.
That direct address of Lu Shifeng by his name from Su Xingyu was taken by others as merely the lack of cultivation of a lower-class girl.
Zhuang Heng was quite pleased with the effect she produced. In fact, the moment she saw Su Xingyu, she felt a vague unease, a strong sense of insecurity rising. She had been secretly investigating who was backing Su Xingyu, hoping it might be Ouyang Yi. However, all sorts of clues forced her to confront a bigger possibility—Lu Shifeng. Take this party tonight, she hadn’t even invited Su Xingyu, yet Su Xingyu entered smoothly, indicating that she had an invitation, which only Lu Shifeng could have given her.
Lu Shifeng...
From what Zhuang Heng knew of him, if it wasn’t someone particularly important, he wouldn’t personally issue an invitation.
Zhuang Heng’s mind was in turmoil. In any case, she must suppress Su Xingyu as a competitor! She had liked Lu Shifeng for so many years, quietly pursuing him for so long; she wouldn’t let anyone interfere! Whoever got in her way would be ruined without a good end!
Zhuang Heng strengthened her resolve, the smile on her face becoming even more cordial, "Xingyu, go put your things down first, come, I’ll show you."
This statement further confirmed in others’ eyes that Su Xingyu was indeed someone she invited.
Su Xingyu’s thoughts weren’t as convoluted, she just instinctively felt uncomfortable with Zhuang Heng’s enthusiasm. She looked up at Lu Shifeng.
The banquet hall momentarily became stirred, with many reacting in low exclamations: "Mr. Lee! Mr. Lee has arrived!"
Even the crowd surrounding Lu Shifeng couldn’t remain still after hearing the wave of whispers, turning to look over there.
Su Xingyu also turned her head, puzzled, to see on the other side of the banquet hall a dignified elder escorted in respectfully by many. The old man was wearing a light gray traditional Chinese outfit, with century patch shoes, his eyes exuding a restrained brilliance, merely walking in a way that made people dare not meet his gaze.
The originally bustling banquet hall fell silent as he passed through.
Su Xingyu was curious; who was this Mr. Lee that even the top-class elites were awed by him at the party?
As she pondered, Mr. Lee had already approached their side.
Lu Shifeng stepped forward a couple of steps, greeting him respectfully as a junior, "Mr. Lee."
"No need for formalities." The old man’s voice was kind, yet carried the authority of one accustomed to giving orders, "Are you Shifeng? You’ve grown so much since I last saw you."
Lu Shifeng remained respectful, "I heard from my grandfather that you were coming to the country soon. I was planning to prepare a reception for you, but you arrived before it was ready. It’s my oversight, really inexcusable."
Mr. Lee looked at him with satisfaction, "Your grandfather and I are as close as brothers. You don’t need to be so constrained in front of me. Speaking of which, among us old brothers, you’re the only child who understands respectability, unlike the little rascal at my home who, if not taught a lesson every three days, would surely run wild." Turning to one of the juniors next to him, "Lei, quickly come and meet your brother Shifeng."
