Qin Ran and Yu Shuman entered the venue through different paths. While Yu Shuman would walk the red carpet at the front, Qin Ran was brought in through a separate entrance by the brand representatives, as most company bosses who preferred to avoid media attention would do.
By the time Qin Ran arrived, the venue was already buzzing with people. The event had not yet started, and small groups were chatting in the waiting area. The area was spacious, with separate sections for drinks and snacks. Assistant Wu leaned in to whisper something to Qin Ran before heading off to grab two drinks.
At these events, the drinks typically had low alcohol content, though stronger options were available. For those who preferred not to drink alcohol, there was non-alcoholic sparkling juice, which tasted like wine but was completely alcohol-free. Assistant Wu returned with two glasses of this for Qin Ran.
Unlike Qin Ran, who was attending her first brand event, Assistant Wu had often represented her at such events, frequently accompanying Mr. Li, the president of 99 Entertainment. Today, Mr. Li had deliberately avoided attending, fearing that he might unintentionally steal the spotlight from the big boss.
Everyone recognized Assistant Wu. 99 Entertainment was well-known for its wealth and had recently invested in numerous productions, contributing financially wherever their artists were involved. In this industry, everyone seeks fame or profit, and many were eager to get a piece of the pie from 99 Entertainment.
Soon, directors, celebrities, and small business owners began to approach. "Assistant Wu, you're here early today..." They glanced at Qin Ran, who stood beside Assistant Wu. In this circle, people had a keen eye for detail. Qin Ran's bespoke outfit and the emerald brooch on her chest hinted at her wealth, but it was her aura that set her apart from the entertainers.
Before anyone could ask, Assistant Wu preemptively introduced her. "This is Qin Ran, the chairman of 99 Entertainment."
Qin Ran's name was well-known in the industry, even if not exactly legendary. However, no one had expected her to be so young... Well, maybe not exactly young. As they observed her, they couldn't shake the feeling that her expressions, demeanor, and appearance didn't quite match. She carried herself like a seasoned businesswoman in her thirties, yet her face was as youthful as a teenager's.
Particularly striking was her youthful skin, which made many ladies wonder: Could it be some new anti-aging technology? Qin Ran's skincare routine must be impeccable!
Because they were unfamiliar with Qin Ran, no one knew what to say at first. After introducing themselves, they politely excused themselves. It was then that Pei Qi approached.
As the male lead, Pei Qi had a good memory and sharp eyesight. He immediately recognized Qin Ran as the young woman he had briefly met beside Sister Li during a visit to Debut! Girls.
Pei Qi, holding a glass of champagne, approached with an air of politeness, though his gaze was tinged with resentment.
Oh... It seemed Assistant Wu had indeed caused Pei Qi some trouble recently.
Qin Ran was well aware of Pei Qi's harassment of Yu Shuman, just as Pei Qi knew exactly who had provided the evidence to President Sun. In the business world, nothing stays hidden for long; if you make a move, expect it to be noticed. Pei Qi had investigated Qin Ran, and she was fully aware.
"I didn't expect that the Qin I've been searching for would be right in front of me all along. When we first met, I could tell you had an extraordinary presence, and I see I wasn't wrong."
Pei Qi raised his champagne glass toward Qin Ran. She regretted letting Assistant Wu go for snacks just now; now she had a glass in hand, and with everyone watching, refusing to toast would likely lead to headlines like #Qin Ran and Pei Qi at Odds# instead of #Yu Shuman and 99 Entertainment's Boss Seen as Close Friends# tomorrow.
Qin Ran chuckled and clinked her glass lightly against Pei Qi's. "Perhaps the distance was due to your own oversight?"
Her sharp tone was laced with sarcasm, something she excelled at. How dare this wet-behind-the-ears twenty-something act up in front of her? She had half a mind to tell him to fetch his parents instead.
But then she caught herself. No, no, no. What am I thinking? I'm only twenty myself! I can't have such an old-fashioned attitude if I'm going to be a proper junior to my senior.
With a smile, Qin Ran exchanged a few more barbed remarks with Pei Qi before ignoring him. A short while later, the brand representatives invited everyone to the dining area. Although the stars were still on the red carpet, the hosts wouldn't let the important guests go hungry.
Qin Ran and Assistant Wu followed the staff to their seats. It was said that the brand's founder had flown in from abroad for this event, which had drawn a large crowd, hoping for some high-profile networking.
Qin Ran took her seat and noticed several empty spots at the table, likely reserved for celebrities who had yet to arrive. The seat to her left bore a name card: Yu Shuman.
As the appetizers were served, Qin Ran's hand gripped her trousers under the table.
She had been the picture of confidence in the waiting area, but now, sitting in the dining room and watching the minutes tick by, she felt increasingly nervous. The thought of fleeing crossed her mind. Qin Ran wasn't naturally bold—otherwise, she wouldn't have planned such a surprise without giving her senior a heads-up. And to do it in such a public setting!
She knew Yu Shuman was impulsive but wouldn't lose control in such a situation. Qin Ran had deliberately chosen this event as the place to reveal the truth.
As the early arrivals nibbled on appetizers, Qin Ran's own plate remained untouched. After what felt like an eternity, a slight commotion at the entrance caught her attention. Qin Ran's grip tightened, pulling her trousers even higher.
In her growing anxiety, Qin Ran watched as the doors opened and a group of young, glamorous stars entered. The entertainment industry was full of handsome men and beautiful women, each one more striking than the last. Just seeing them together was dazzling, especially the leading ladies whose presence was almost blinding.
But among all these stars, only one shone the brightest to Qin Ran—Yu Shuman. She was dressed in a custom-made gown worth millions, her jewelry replaced with another stunning set. Even among the star-studded crowd, she didn't pale in comparison. In the entertainment industry, the saying "clothes make the man" couldn't be more true.
Qin Ran had always been meticulous in her acquisitions abroad, targeting companies whose products Yu Shuman could endorse. Jewelry, cosmetics, skincare products, fashion labels—anything that could provide Yu Shuman with both products and endorsements.
Until today, Qin Ran had only seen Yu Shuman's glamorous looks in photos and videos. But pictures can't capture the full effect—no matter how beautiful they are, they can't compare to the real thing. Today was the first time she saw Yu Shuman in person, adorned in all her finery.
Yu Shuman wore a champagne-colored dress with a burgundy gemstone necklace and matching hair accessories.
Under the guidance of the staff, Yu Shuman slowly made her way to Qin Ran's table. As Yu Shuman turned her head, Qin Ran quickly looked down, focusing solely on the appetizers in front of her. Her heart pounded so loudly that it drowned out all other sounds.
Is she here? How close is she now? Where is she exactly?
These questions whirled through Qin Ran's mind as she twisted the fabric of her trousers into a tight knot. It wasn't long before she heard the sound of high heels clicking on the floor, perfectly in sync with her racing heartbeat.
The footsteps stopped, and a shadow fell over her. Yu Shuman's voice, full of confusion, came from above her. "Is that... you, Junior?"
Qin Ran lifted her head to meet her senior's gaze. She didn't know what expression she wore or how she should look at Yu Shuman. All she knew was that she managed a soft "Mm," before saying, "Senior, please sit." Her voice trembled, and at that moment, she wasn't even sure what she was saying, acting purely on instinct.
Though Yu Shuman was utterly shocked, everyone else was already seated, so it would have been strange for her to keep standing. She adjusted her dress and gracefully took the seat beside Qin Ran.
Yu Shuman's poise was impeccable, a result of months of rigorous training, earning praise from even the most exacting etiquette teachers. But after sitting down, she was at a loss, her mind tangled with questions. She wasn't blind; she had seen the name card in front of Qin Ran, which meant Qin Ran wasn't sitting there by mistake or by coincidence. This seat had been prepared for her in advance, with the brand's approval.
Before attending this event, Sister Li had emphasized how tight the guest list was, with many top celebrities struggling to secure a seat.
Yu Shuman knew this the moment she saw the guest list. The invited stars were either current top-tier idols or award-winning actors with prestigious accolades. The only exceptions were herself and Ling Miaohan. It made sense for Ling Miaohan—after all, they had been in the same group long enough for Yu Shuman to be aware of her well-connected background.
But if Ling Miaohan's presence was understandable, why was she invited?
Now, sitting in her seat, a new question surfaced in Yu Shuman's mind: Why is Qin Ran here? She was completely bewildered, but fortunately, her confusion didn't last long as the waitstaff began serving the main course.
When offered a hand towel by the server, Yu Shuman reflexively thanked them. After the server left, she couldn't help but glance at Qin Ran again.