Lily took a look at the invitation card again. As she read the words carefully, she couldn't help but scoff at Meng Meng's childish words. Although the Jiang family isn't super wealthy, but their rankings were comparable to many socialites. Most of the fame came from Lily's parents and their international business companies.
As for Meng Meng's parents, they were like leeches trying to rise in fame using the Jiang family's title. Massaging her temples gently, Lily closed her eyes and recalled the last time she's been to Meng Meng's party.
Lily was forced to attend the party since her parents were busy with their businesses. Out of boredom, she took a glass of champagne from the waiter and stood at a corner with fewer people.
At some point of the party, someone approached her and asked her for a dance. She knew this type of party was for entertainment purposes. Knowing Meng Meng's family, they would love as many reporters as possible to put them on the front cover of tomorrow's headline. Therefore, many sneaky reporters would take scandalous pictures and write horrible headlines.
When she looked up, she recognized the man immediately. He was the son of Liu Corps' president. They've met once during a dinner. To be exact, she was having a family dinner when he suddenly walked over with his father to interrupt their dinner. Not only did they not feel embarrassed about cutting others' family time, but also ended up joining the dinner.
"If I remember correctly, you are Mister Liu?" Lily said as she took a small sip of the champagne.
"Yes. Miss. Jiang has very good memory. I am impressed." He said as he retracted the palm he reached out when he asked for her to dance with him.
"Ah, sorry. I don't normally attend any parties. Therefore, my dancing skills are lacking. If Mister Liu wants to dance, then there are better ladies in this ballroom tonight who would match you better." She rejected him politely since he came from a respectable family.
"That's right. I only asked because Miss. Jiang looks bored. How about meeting some of my friends? They are over there." He fixed his slightly slanted tie using the mirror reflection as he brought up another suggestion.
Her tolerance was quite high, but she didn't want to be seen anywhere with this man. From the family dinner, she could already notice the Liu family's plan on using her family for fame. Once again, she rejected him.
"Thank you for your suggestion, but no need. I only came tonight for my cousin. As for meeting your friends, we aren't that familiar with each other. I don't see a need. If your friends are waiting for you, then you should go. I'll be fine by myself."
Feeling awkward by two straight objections, he wasn't sure what else he could say to her. Staring at her swirling the glass of champagne, he gulped subconsciously. Under the grand ballroom, her collarbones stood out on her smooth skin. He carefully observed her facial features and realized she barely had any cosmetics on.
Compared to the many females who used thick foundation and heavy fake eyelashes that almost fell off their eyelids, Lily looked like the queen of the night. Her beauty is even more obvious now. The cold expression on her face only made him more aggressive as he came up with another idea.
"Then, Miss. Jiang, shall we become more familiar with each other? How about I call you Lily from now on and you call me Anthony? Although my family is not as rich in comparison to the Jiang family, we are not bad for a choice. I am the only child, so I will inherit my dad's company. I'm not a bad choice."
She could tell by how eager he was trying to get to know her, but she didn't like the lustful look he was giving her. At the end, she rejected him again.
"Sorry, but I make friends not depending on their status. If someone wants to be my friend with pure intentions, then I will consider it to see if we are compatible. As for those with other intentions, then I don't have any interests. Mister Liu is a smart person. You should understand my words."
"Of course, I understand. I just hope Miss. Jiang won't regret it in the future. Considering my looks and family status, many others would form a line to be my friend." He eyed her from head to heels. The only thing missing on his face was his drool.
Curving a small smile, she replied, "I won't disagree with Liu family's status and the many people who would love to be your friend. As for me, I am not one of them. So, please excuse me." After saying what she had to say, she decided to move to a different area where there were fewer people.
The party was so dull in her eyes that she almost fell asleep. Later, Lily's parents received a marriage proposal from the Liu family saying they wanted to form a connection for both families to expand their companies. Lily's parents would never sell her happiness for something like this. It was a big fat rejection.
Since then, rumors circulated about Lily liking girls and not guys. When Lily heard about it, she burst out in laughter and even wanted to thank the Liu family for such childish words. Now, she wouldn't need to show herself at all. Even if she does show up at parties, she wouldn't attract anyone's attention.
Toby would not allow such ridiculous rumors about Lily to go around like that. After some investigation, the Liu family had started the rumor, but Meng Meng was the one who spread it. Apparently, she had a group chat with everyone she met during the socialite parties and she spread the words like fire.
Since she was also part of the Jiang family, everyone believed in her words. When Meng Meng was questioned in front of the family elders, she brushed it off saying it was a simple joke. Everyone knew she was a spoiled brat under her parent's illogical mindsets. Therefore, Lily never liked associating herself with them.
Lily also knew about what Meng Meng says about her behind her back to gain popularity. Even so, Lily never cared enough since none of the things said were true. Instead of arguing with brainless people who listens to one thing and spread a million other words to make up a novel, she'd rather spend her time on things she liked doing.
- Present -
Snapping out of her thoughts, Lily shook her head and opened her eyes. Tapping her fingers on the invitation card, she said, "We'll see what you're up to this time. If I hear you say anything to slander me, I won't hesitate to tear your reputation in front of others. Even a bomb has its limits. I'm only human."