Lin Tianxiang was unaware of his old friend's changing intentions. Seeing Xie Sui's resplendent appearance, his heart churned with a bitter, gnawing discomfort.
He had been in the entertainment industry for so many years, yet this mainland upstart had become his equal in less than a year. How could that be?
Xie Sui smiled brilliantly and even embraced him, leaving Lin Tianxiang flustered and stiff. "Mr. Lin, long time no see. I was just talking about you the other day. Why didn't you bring your wife along?"
This was a sensitive topic. Xie Sui knew that Mrs. Lin and her husband were not on good terms, never appeared together, and lived separate lives.
Lin Tianxiang's face stiffened. "My wife dislikes these occasions and rarely attends."
"Then that's your fault. You must never neglect your wife, no matter where you are. Be careful not to be charmed away by other men."
Lin Tianxiang's expression changed. "What do you mean?"
"Nothing, just a joke. Don't take it to heart. Oh, Mr. Lin, have you been filming any new movies lately? Let's exchange notes, help each other out. I can learn a lot from you, a senior like yourself."
"You know I'm a senior? Mr. Xie, a junior like you doesn't seem very sensible."
"Sensible or not depends on who it is. Being too sensible makes one easy to bully, wouldn't you agree, Mr. Lin?"
Both men exchanged barbs, neither gaining an advantage.
Lin Wanwan and Guan Zhizhi drifted off to chat. Women, when discussing jewelry, clothing, and bags, always had endless topics.
As they were engrossed in conversation, a young woman approached and stared at Guan Zhizhi for a few moments. Guan Zhizhi recognized her. "Miss Meng, hello."
"I'm not well. My fiancé doesn't like me, so how can I be well? Miss Guan, you're truly a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Your skill at charming men is unmatched."
Lin Wanwan saw the hostility in her eyes and glanced worriedly at Guan Zhizhi. She wasn't exactly meek either. She immediately retorted, "Miss Meng, you shouldn't say that. I haven't charmed anyone. Men come to me on their own. It can't be helped, who made me naturally beautiful and so stunning? Miss Meng, men are like this. What's yours will always be yours. What's not yours, even if you tie it to your belt, will still leave your heart, and your presence, elsewhere. It's useless."
"Bitch, a tramp everyone can ride. You think you're something because you're pretty? I'll tear your face off!"
Suddenly, she lunged. Guan Zhizhi was like a vase, beautiful but useless in a fight. She turned pale with fright. Lin Wanwan grabbed Miss Meng's wrist, preventing her from landing a blow. "Who are you calling a bitch? With your upbringing, who would like you? You're a lady from a prominent family, how can you act like a shrew?"
"Let go. This is my business. Don't interfere, or I'll beat you too."
Lin Wanwan: "Miss Guan is my friend. Bullying my friend is bullying me. Scram now, or I'll fight back."
"You dare? You dare to hit me?"
Miss Meng was arrogant. Her family and the Liu family were both among the top ten wealthiest families, a powerful alliance. Those who could be friends with Guan Zhizhi were, at most, minor celebrities. Who would dare to lay a hand on her?
To her surprise, Lin Wanwan raised her hand and slapped her across the face. "You want to try? You asked me to hit you, so I obliged."
"Ah, you dare to hit me, I'll fight you to the death!"
Lin Wanwan dodged, and Miss Meng lost her balance, crashing into a table. A champagne tower on the table toppled over, drenching her.
"Ah... Daddy, save me! Ah Kai, save me!"
The commotion was so loud that Xie Sui could no longer argue with Lin Tianxiang. He rushed over to Lin Wanwan. "Wife, are you hurt?"
"I'm fine, but I think I've caused trouble."
"As long as you're okay, I'm here to handle anything."
Guan Zhizhi rolled her eyes. This Mr. Xie, didn't he know that public displays of affection could lead to disaster? So many women were jealous of Sister Lin, and he was oblivious.
Old Master Meng and Liu Kai rushed over. Their faces darkened upon seeing the scene. "Who dared to bully my daughter?"
Liu Kai instinctively glanced at Guan Zhizhi. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she said, "I'm sorry, it's all my fault. Miss Meng said I was shameless, trying to seduce her fiancé. I really didn't. She wouldn't listen, so she lunged at me, and then she bumped into it herself."
She took the blame herself to protect Lin Wanwan, even though this wasn't her fight to begin with.
Miss Meng wailed, "Ah Kai, she's lying! She cursed at me and slapped me. I just wanted her to be sensible and not bother you. She started it."
Lin Wanwan wouldn't stand by. "Miss Meng, you were the one who started it because your mouth was too vicious. 'Bitch' this, 'whore' that. What girl could endure such abuse? With a mouth like yours, you deserve to be hit."
Old Master Meng stared at her with a dark expression, a glint in his eyes. What a captivating woman. Who was she?
Xie Sui held her shoulders, making a public declaration of his affection. Old Master Meng was no saint either, always surrounded by beautiful women and keeping over a dozen concubines, both inside and outside his household. He was even more excessive than Old Master Du. It seemed that once these rich men became successful, they enjoyed keeping women, as if the more they had, the greater their prowess.
"So it's Mrs. Xie. My apologies. This is a private matter between my family and the Liu family. Does Mr. Xie intend to interfere?"
Xie Sui said, "I won't interfere in your affairs, but Miss Guan is my wife's friend, and I won't allow you to bully her. Young Master Liu, since you are engaged to Miss Meng, you should stop bothering Miss Guan. This will only harm her."
Liu Kai pursed his lips, wanting to say something but ultimately remaining silent. He only looked at Guan Zhizhi with longing, as if burdened by countless hardships. Guan Zhizhi didn't look at him, wiping her eyes and concealing the sadness within.
"Miss Guan, are you alright?"
He Mengchao appeared at some point, standing beside her. His face was grim as he looked at the Meng father and daughter. "Who bullied you? I won't let them get away with it."
"It's nothing, just a misunderstanding."
He Mengchao looked at her with concern. "Really? Don't worry, I'm here. I won't let anyone bully you."
"Thank you. I'm tired. Could you please take me home? I'm sorry to trouble you."
He Mengchao was a little flustered, his steps clumsy. Xie Sui scoffed, such little fortitude. But he was quite the rescuer, wasn't he? Liu Kai had lost completely this time.
As the show concluded, people whispered amongst themselves. Liu Kai's face was terrifyingly grim, and he was about to pursue them when Xie Sui said, "Miss Meng, you have a rather large bump on your forehead. Let Young Master Liu take you to the hospital."
Liu Kai was forced to stop, glaring coldly at Xie Sui, who shrugged with an indifferent expression.