Chapter 893: Attending the Banquet

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation  Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Within the banquet hall of a grand hotel in the capital, the interior was lavishly decorated. The men and women at the banquet wore appropriate haute couture gowns, their faces adorned with suitable makeup and gracious smiles. They gathered in groups, some engaged in lively conversations and laughter, while others raised glasses in merry chats. Moreover, the entire banquet scene appeared occupied solely by the younger generation.

At a glance, one could discern this as an upper-class banquet, a gathering exclusively for the youth of high society.

The moment Zhou Cui’an stepped into the banquet hall, she felt an overwhelming sense of displacement.

She wore the gown from the luxury shop.

Although the dress had been somewhat soiled earlier, she had found a way to clean it. After washing, it seemed to differ slightly from its original state, but unless closely inspected, the difference remained indiscernible.

Before this, Zhou Cui’an had never imagined a garment incapable of being washed or dry-cleaned. It was only at that moment she realized the vastly different world occupied by the upper class compared to her former environment. For others, clothes worth tens of thousands were worn merely once or twice before being discarded.

Such behavior left her speechless, yet simultaneously fueled the wild ambition growing within. She, too, yearned for such a life – to spend lavishly without financial worry, unburdened by monetary concerns.

Today’s banquet presented her with the perfect opportunity.

Before meticulously preparing herself, the reflection in the mirror had filled her with confidence. Never had she witnessed such an exquisite version of herself. For that fleeting moment, she felt this lifestyle best suited her.

However, from the instant she stepped into the banquet, all her fantasies seemed to shatter instantaneously. Observing the scene before her, she felt utterly incapable of blending in, even contemplating an immediate departure.

“Junior Sister Zhou, you’ve arrived!”

Just as Zhou Cui’an wavered in unease, a familiar voice rang out, instantly transporting her from the depths of unease to elation.

Gazing at the approaching Murong Yumeng, she felt her previously restless heart suddenly calming.

“Senior Sister Murong,” Zhou Cui’an greeted politely while secretively observing the banquet from the corner of her eye.

Arriving before Zhou Cui’an, Murong Yumeng’s gaze flickered with disdain upon taking in her attire, though her face bore a surprised smile. “Junior Sister Zhou, you look so beautiful! I almost didn’t recognize you just now!”

Zhou Cui’an’s attendance in this gown was expected, yet Murong Yumeng had not anticipated her directly cleaning the stained collar – evidently, an imperfect attempt, leaving wrinkles that rendered the entire dress appearing cheap.

As anticipated, some qualities were ingrained, not so easily altered.

Upon hearing Murong Yumeng’s words, Zhou Cui’an shyly lowered her head, feeling somewhat embarrassed. “You must be joking. How can I compare to the others?”

This was not humility, but the truth.

Before entering, she may have possessed confidence, yet from the moment she stepped into the venue, all assurance crumbled. However, it simultaneously fueled her ambition’s unrelenting growth

Murong Yumeng concealed the mocking gleam in her eyes before continuing, “Junior Sister Zhou, come with me. I’ll introduce you to some friends!”

After that, she led Zhou Cui’an further inside.

Though striving for composure, Zhou Cui’an could not entirely mask the excitement in her eyes as she followed beside Murong Yumeng.

A gentle smile graced Murong Yumeng’s face, yet her eyes held utter disdain, coupled with a hint of excitement.

Ambition was preferable. Only if Zhou Cui’an proved sufficiently greedy could Murong Yumeng better utilize her. Were she truly without desire, another candidate would need to be selected.

Soon, Murong Yumeng brought Zhou Cui’an before a group of young men and women, proceeding with introductions one by one.

Observing those introduced by Murong Yumeng, Zhou Cui’an could not help but feel inferior. Even among them, the most ordinary, Xiao Lingling, hailed from a wealthy household. Only she originated from an impoverished village.

Such disparity caused her heart to race.

Yet, it did not instill any desire to retreat. Instead, it solidified her resolve to remain in the capital and gain entry into upper-class society.

After the introductions concluded, Murong Yumeng smiled at Xiao Lingling. “Lingling, this is Junior Sister Zhou’s first time attending such a gathering. Please take good care of her!”

“Of course!” Xiao Lingling approached Zhou Cui’an, taking her hand with a beaming smile. “Junior Sister Zhou, let me show you around!”

Attending her first such occasion, Zhou Cui’an appeared exceptionally reserved, uncertain of how to conduct herself. Thus, she could only follow Xiao Lingling.

However, her most familiar acquaintance present was Murong Yumeng. After receiving Murong Yumeng’s affirming nod, she departed with Xiao Lingling.

Not long after their departure, an ordinary-looking man wearing a haute couture suit stepped forward, his gaze trailing the departing Zhou Cui’an as a roguish smile played upon his lips. “Yumeng, who is that girl you brought today? She doesn’t seem to be from our circle!”

Though average in appearance, the speaker was no ordinary individual. Those attending this banquet could not possibly hail from commonplace families. This man, Huangfu Shaohua, belonged to a collateral branch of the Huangfu family.

Despite his branch status, his father held a prominent position in Huangye Group, granting him a certain reputation within this circle – enough for even Murong Yumeng not to address him by name.

The gentle smile Murong Yumeng had previously worn before Zhou Cui’an was gone, her expression now one of nonchalant amusement. “Just a girl from some small town. Her family must be quite poor, though she is a top student at Capital University. Why, have you taken a liking to her?”

As she spoke, Murong Yumeng regarded Huangfu Shaohua with a faint, mocking smile. “If I recall correctly, you normally prefer women of seductive charm and voluptuous figures. To fancy such a plain, insipid girl, are you changing your proclivities?”