Against the Light - Chapter 94
Chapter 94: Prestige
The Michelle Hotel, Xiyuan City's most luxurious five-star hotel.
By the time the two arrived near the hotel, traffic in the area was already being restricted. Uniformed security guards were methodically guiding the arriving vehicles.
Gu Xinran glanced out of the car. The scene was even grander than the West Source Film Festival she had attended, and she couldn't help the nervous pounding in her heart.
"Nervous?" Bai Yilan asked, looking at her.
"Am I? It's not like I'm a stranger to big events." Gu Xinran sat up straight and pulled her gaze back inside.
Over the past two days, she had thoroughly researched Shi Qing. A designer by trade, she had married into a wealthy family at the prime age of twenty-two. From then on, she assisted her husband in managing the Wei Yi Group. But just three years later, her husband passed away. She single-handedly propped up the massive family business and, despite facing immense controversy, used her decisive methods and long-term vision to push the Wei Yi Group to the pinnacle of success, step by step.
"I heard even the boss of Star Moon Entertainment is coming this time. The fashion and entertainment industries are joining forces to celebrate the big boss's birthday. Her status is truly beyond compare," Fang Jinghai chimed in while driving and observing the traffic.
"The boss of Star Moon?" Bai Yilan paused, slightly taken aback.
"Yeah, all the big names in the industry are here."
"What about the Ming family?"
"Not just the Ming family. It looks like Ye Ting is here too. All the big shots have gathered."
Gu Xinran frowned as well. She felt that something was off, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
"All these big shots gathering… is it really as simple as a birthday celebration?" she muttered doubtfully.
Just as she finished muttering, her phone rang. "Hello, Sister Qi, we're at the hotel, just waiting to park."
"Okay. I just heard some inside news. It seems people from Le Tao are trying to sneak into the banquet. Be careful. They've been pushed to the brink, and I'm worried they might do something reckless."
Gu Xinran's heart skipped a beat. She nodded. "Okay, I understand."
"What is it?" Bai Yilan asked.
Gu Xinran hung up. "People from Le Tao might be coming. Sister Qi is worried they'll cause trouble and told us to be careful."
"Le Tao?"
"Yes. Their artists have been suppressed by Shi Qing, practically blacklisted online. They're definitely holding a grudge. But choosing to cause trouble at Shi Qing's birthday banquet is just too irrational."
"The people from Le Tao were blacklisted by the Michelle Hotel long ago. They can't get in even if they want to," Fang Jinghai said.
"That's not necessarily true." Bai Yilan shook her head slightly, lost in her own thoughts.
Gu Xinran and Fang Jinghai exchanged a confused glance.
Before long, the car was parked. They got out and showed their invitation to the staff. A staff member then led the two of them into the hotel. Since Fang Jinghai didn't have an invitation, she couldn't even get through the main entrance and had to return to the car to wait, clearly reluctant.
Once inside the hotel, Gu Xinran quickly scanned her surroundings before facing forward with a smile. They went through another security check before the entrance to the banquet hall and were finally allowed in.
Just before they entered, Bai Yilan took a quiet, deep breath, obviously a little nervous.
Gu Xinran noticed and took her hand. They entered the banquet hall hand in hand.
The moment they entered the hall, they felt several gazes turn toward them. Gu Xinran held her head high; the more people stared, the less nervous she felt. She calmly surveyed the room, and after a full scan, she realized that of the forty or so people present, she didn't recognize a single one—except for Ye Ting.
But this was no time to show weakness. She curved her lips into a pleasant smile, offering it to those who were looking her way, and then began to observe the venue.
The venue was decorated warmly. Soft, yellow light illuminated the space, and floral elements were incorporated into the decor everywhere. A faint, fresh fragrance filled the air. Ten dining tables were arranged below the stage, and behind them was the bar area where the two of them now stood.
Gu Xinran looked around. It was just as Yilan had said: everyone was dressed impeccably—not overly flashy, but in a way that perfectly showcased their impressive figures.
Her gaze lingered on Ye Ting for a moment. Ye Ting happened to be looking right back at her. The instant their eyes met, Gu Xinran gave her a charming smile.
Ye Ting acted as if she hadn't seen anything, her eyes quickly sweeping over their outfits. A flicker of astonishment crossed her face before she immediately looked away.
"What is it?" Bai Yilan asked, seeing her smile for no apparent reason, and followed her gaze.
"Seeing that resentful look on Ye Ting's face just makes me so happy."
Bai Yilan shot her an exasperated glance. "Alright, you. Tone it down. We can't cause any trouble here today."
"Mm, I know."
The hall gradually filled with people and grew more lively. Most of the attendees were titans of the fashion industry who all seemed to know each other. They naturally formed small circles, chatting happily in groups of three and five. In contrast, Gu Xinran and Bai Yilan seemed a bit out of place.
"Hey, who are those two?"
"That's an actress who's been quite popular lately. To be at an event like this, she must have a collaboration with Wei Yi Group."
"Well, whoever President Shi wants to promote can get famous in an instant. But speaking of which, this young actress does have good resources. I've been seeing her on various shows lately."
"She has a great sense of style, an exceptional aura, and perfect proportions. I heard Wei Yi has a few luxury brand endorsements this year and hasn't found the right person since their deal with Le Tao fell through. You don't think they're planning to give them to her, do you?"
"Who knows."
Gu Xinran had sharp ears and caught the gist of their conversation. She didn't take it to heart. It wasn't just them who were surprised to see an actress at such a banquet—she was surprised herself!
"Hey? Aren't you Gu Xinran?"
"Oh? Hello, yes, I am." Gu Xinran had been eavesdropping when someone suddenly appeared beside her, giving her a start. A quick glance revealed a woman who looked like a successful entrepreneur.
"You're the designer who drew seven sketches in one go on that show, right?"
"I…" Gu Xinran didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Remembering her confrontation with Ye Ting on Star Wardrobe, she glanced at Yilan. "Ah."
"Your design philosophy is fantastic! Are you interested in getting into the clothing business? We could partner up! If you're willing, you could be the chief designer at my company."
"!?" Gu Xinran touched her forehead and glanced at Yilan.
Yilan pressed her lips together, hiding a smile.
"How about this: why don't you give me your contact information, and if I have any ideas in that direction later, I'll get in touch with you?"
"Yes, yes, of course! My name is Shen Xing. Let's add each other on WeChat."
"Okay."
After dealing with Shen Xing, Gu Xinran breathed a quiet sigh of relief. She felt someone staring at her and turned to see Ye Ting, who was once again wearing a resentful expression. The sight made Gu Xinran quite happy, and she flashed a beautiful smile in her direction!
"That's enough from you." Bai Yilan saw her deliberately trying to be provocative and chided her with a helpless sigh.
Before long, it seemed everyone had arrived.
A sharp, capable-looking woman in a black pantsuit, her long hair tied up, emerged from backstage. The moment she appeared, a crowd of people immediately gathered around to greet her.
"Is that Shi Qing?" Gu Xinran muttered.
"No, that's President Shi's assistant, Ye Nan," Bai Yilan replied.
"How do you know that?" Gu Xinran nodded, then suddenly realized something was off and turned to Yilan.
"Hmm? I have been in this circle longer than you, after all."
Tsk, fine.
"Hey? Who's that? She looks familiar." Gu Xinran scanned the room and finally spotted a familiar face, but she couldn't for the life of her remember who it was.
"Ming Qian. Ming Zhen's older sister, the current head of the Ming family."
"Ming Qian?" Gu Xinran was startled. No wonder she looked familiar yet unrecognized; she really did resemble Ming Zhen.
"Since she's your best friend's sister, shouldn't you go say hello?"
Just as Bai Yilan shook her head, she saw Ming Qian walking toward them.
"Yilan?" Ming Qian was clearly surprised.
"Sister Ming Qian."
"What are you doing here?"
"I'm here with my partner," Bai Yilan said with a faint smile.
Suddenly brought into the conversation, Gu Xinran immediately nodded and smiled at Ming Qian. "Hello."
Ming Qian's gaze swept over Gu Xinran briefly before meeting her eyes. "Gu Xinran?"
"I am." Gu Xinran nodded, smiling at Ming Qian. But the moment their eyes met, her heart began to pound for no reason, and she instantly broke out in a cold sweat.
She instinctively lowered her head, breaking Ming Qian's gaze. When she looked up again, Ming Qian was smiling gently, her eyes holding a faint warmth. Where was the bone-chilling coldness from just a moment ago?!
Gu Xinran took a quiet breath. Her lips curved slightly and her expression remained impassive, but inwardly, she became more vigilant.
"Will everyone please follow the staff's instructions and take your seats. The banquet is about to begin," a man's voice announced over the speakers. Staff members then came forward to guide the guests to their assigned tables.
"I'll head over to my seat," Ming Qian said, nodding to them.
"Okay."
Gu Xinran let out a long breath and couldn't help stealing a few more glances at Ming Qian.
The two stood aside and watched for a moment. The seating seemed to be arranged according to status. For example, the Ming family, whose reputation was second only to the Wei Yi Group's, was seated at the head table.
Meanwhile, someone like Ye Ting, who was famous but not important enough to be in the big leagues, was relegated to the last table. She looked indignant, but there was nothing she could do.
Watching everyone being led to their seats, Gu Xinran suddenly realized that, given her level of fame, she was undoubtedly destined for the last table. She wasn't going to have to sit with Ye Ting, was she?
Soon, everyone had been shown to their seats, but Gu Xinran and Bai Yilan were still standing in the same spot, waiting to be seated.
Many eyes drifted toward them. In the earlier crowd, most people hadn't noticed them, but now that they were the only ones left standing, they had inadvertently become the center of attention. People began to whisper and point, discussing the pair.
Gu Xinran took Yilan's hand and was about to head to the last table when a staff member stopped them.
"Please, follow me." The staff member bowed to them and gestured for them to come along.
Then, under the watchful eyes of everyone present, he led them to the head table and seated them next to Ming Qian.
"?" Gu Xinran froze. Such VIP treatment?
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