Leo responded with a rare gentleness, "It's chilly outside. Let's talk inside."
"Okay, okay, okay." Aaron replied happily.
Christian's gaze lingered on Saira, noting her expressions and the look in her eyes. His admiration for Leo began to wane.
Azura and Zuri led the way, with Leo following closely behind them, almost like their personal bodyguards.
As they entered the venue, the elder Ling family patriarch approached to greet them. During their exchange, the younger generation made their introductions and then dispersed on their own.
The adults had their own social circles, and the younger generation had theirs.
Farida arrived with her relatives and sisters, "You finally made it. I was about to be bored out of my mind."
"Farida, aren't you going to introduce us?" a sweet young girl in a pale yellow gown asked.
"This is Azura, and this is Zuri. They're both good friends of mine," Farida said, turning to Zuri, "These are my cousins."
Farida's cousins were displeased with her lackluster introduction but kept their grievances to themselves in front of Azura and Zuri.
In a corner, Rhea stood alone, her eyes fixed on Zuri. As she watched Zuri enter, dazzling and radiant under everyone's attention, jealousy surged within her. Just a few months ago, they had been on the same level, but now they seemed worlds apart.
Zuri was fortunate to have a wealthy father. Seeing her and her entourage chatting and being flattered by everyone around, Rhea couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.
Rhea scanned the room. Everyone here was wealthy and influential, but the men were either middle-aged and rotund or elderly. The few young men who looked decent were surrounded by beautiful women.
Among these men, only Leo stood out, his appearance, physique, and background impeccable. Rhea's gaze was fixed on Leo, her admiration for him growing stronger.
"Stop staring. No matter how much you look, he can never be yours."
Lila approached Rhea again, having been shunned by others due to her low status. She sought out Rhea to regain a sense of superiority.
"Do you know who he is? He's Leo, a member of the Ye family from the capital. Every high society family in Oceanic City wants to marry their daughters off to him, but unfortunately, they don't have the status to get into the Ye family."
Lila's gaze shifted away from Leo to scrutinize Rhea, "Do you really think you have the qualification to enter the Ye family's door? Even I don't dare to dream about it. Don't be a toad lusting after swan meat."
"So, that means Zuri's status isn't high enough to enter the Ye family either?" Rhea asked.
"Of course," Lila answered without hesitation, "Zuri's status is only good enough for the Ling family or the Huang family at most. Not all aristocratic families are created equal. At the top of the hierarchy are the top-tier aristocratic families, and above them are the eight great families of the capital. That's the pinnacle."
"The Leo you see is at the very top of that pinnacle," Lila added, seeming in a good mood as she explained the basics of high society to Rhea.
"You're here to find a man, aren't you?" Lila said bluntly, exposing Rhea's intentions.
Rhea's face flushed red, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't be embarrassed. Women like you are a dime a dozen. There are quite a few like you at this event. For example, the woman in the purple low-cut evening gown ahead and the one in the black backless gown to the left. They're just like you."
"These people try every means to get into high-end events like this, and then look for targets to approach. If someone shows interest in them and they're willing, it's only natural that they get what they want."
Rhea had never heard such a candid discussion before and was both embarrassed and flushed.
"You don't need to be shy. These women have goals, do their homework in advance, but even so, they might not find a strong backer after one event."
Rhea started to feel anxious. She only had this one opportunity and couldn't count on Zuri to help her unconditionally again.
"Do you have a target?" Lila asked.
Rhea shook her head.
"Then you're at a disadvantage. Searching blindly is just a waste of time," Lila tempted.
Rhea was flustered, unsure of what to do. She didn't know anyone here and didn't know how to approach them.
Lila continued to entice her, "If you help me with a small task, I can help you screen them. I know what kinds of women they like, which ones are easy to hook, and which men are fickle."
"What kind of task?" Rhea asked warily.
"Don't worry, it's a simple task. See the woman in the red evening gown to the left? Just pour this cup of juice on her. It's really that simple," Lila coaxed.
"What if she demands compensation from me?"
"Ha-ha," Lila laughed, "At an event like this, no one will make a fuss over a piece of clothing."
"Is it really that simple?" Rhea was skeptical of Lila's apparent good intentions.
Lila rolled her eyes, "Believe it or not. If you don't, then just forget it."
With that, she stood up, ready to leave.
Rhea quickly stopped her, "I—I didn't say I wouldn't do it."
"Then do it properly. Be decisive," Lila complained, but a hint of satisfaction flickered in her eyes.
While they were plotting, a man in his forties, looking ordinary but with an air of scholarly grace, joined the woman in the red gown.
The woman's body trembled slightly as the man approached. He wrapped his arm around her waist and moved towards Leo.
Leo, having freed himself from the crowd of big shots, scanned the room and quickly spotted the distinctive figure.
He walked towards her.
"This one is delicious," Azura said, placing a small cake on Zuri's plate.
Zuri took a bite and nodded, "It's good."
Leo watched as Zuri's cheeks puffed out with each bite, looking like a small hamster eating. It struck him as oddly endearing.
His deep, dark eyes held a tender light.
Suddenly, a new pastry appeared on Zuri's plate.
Zuri looked up and met Leo's gaze.
"This one should be good too. Try it."
Zuri tasted it and nodded in approval.
Seeing that she liked it, Leo eagerly selected another treat and placed it on her plate, "This one isn't greasy, low in fat, and has a good texture. Give it a try."