However, An Yuying was already feeling the pressure from Hong Jiaxin. After all, Luo Yang and Hong Jiaxin were classmates, which gave her a certain proximity advantage.
Without getting clarity on this matter, it was always on her mind. She could only wait until after attending Zhu Li's birthday party and then find an opportunity to ask Luo Yang. She wanted to know whom he truly liked.
On the way there, the three of them were quite silent, with Luo Yang concentrating on driving, subtly sensing the scent of an impending battle brewing.
Luckily, although An Yuying was prone to jealousy, she was not stubborn. A little sweet talk was all it took to win her back over. Luo Yang had already mastered this trick.
As for Hong Jiaxin, she was a tomboy. She responded to gentleness rather than force. If one were to confront her directly, with her stubborn nature, she would make a stand, preferring to be shattered like jade than to be intact like a tile.
Luo Yang had also guessed that there would likely be a small, private war upon their return that evening, but he was confident in his ability to handle it.
First, they headed to the beauty salon to meet up with Zhu Li and Chen Jie, then they all went together to the Marriott Hotel. Not long ago, Luo Yang had beaten someone up in a private room of that very hotel.
The whole third floor was booked by Chen Jie's cousin, Pang Yifang, initially for her own birthday party. After Chen Jie's matchmaking, Zhu Li also decided to have a combined birthday party there.
That way, Chen Jie could attend both her cousin's and her best friend's birthday parties at once.
The venue was filled with a festive atmosphere, and even though Zhu Li and Pang Yifang's friends were strangers to each other, it didn't affect the celebratory spirit of the birthday party. When it came time to cut the cake, two large cakes were cut at the same time.
However, when it came to giving birthday presents, there was a hint of competition. If the gifts from friends were valuable, they would be unwrapped on the spot for bragging rights. The spectators would cheer, bringing honor to the faces of the recipients.
When it was Luo Yang's turn to give Zhu Li her gift, the hundreds of men and women present all turned their gaze toward him, firstly for his handsome looks and secondly because he had two beautiful women, An Yuying and Hong Jiaxin, by his side, which drew special attention.
An Yuying wore a dress and high heels; her attire was quite proper, though she hadn't spent much effort on makeup. Even so, her calm and elegant demeanor still stood out sharply amongst the crowd.
Hong Jiaxin was dressed in her usual casual clothes, simple and unassuming, yet they could not hide her graceful figure and lovely face which left a stunning impression.
The two great beauties stood on either side of the handsome Luo Yang, forming a strikingly beautiful scene. From the moment the trio walked into the hotel, the rate at which people turned their heads to look was incredibly high.
Those attending Zhu Li or Pang Yifang's birthday parties were mostly rich kids decked out in fashionable ensembles, some even adorned with sparkling jewels.
Although it is said that just as a Buddha is dressed in gold, a person is dressed in clothing, a stone is still a stone and cannot turn into gold.
In front of Luo Yang, Hong Jiaxin, and An Yuying, these dashing men and gorgeous women all paled in comparison. Besides their branded clothes, their figures, faces, and charisma were no match for the trio.
Luo Yang carried a naturally unrestrained demeanor, with a hint of roguishness, and his lips bore an innocuous, sunny smile. He exuded a masculine dominance and resolution, and his handsomeness was tinged with a slight disdain for the world, making him appear more approachable.
All the beauties present were instantly smitten upon seeing him and wanted to get to know him, but suddenly couldn't find an opportunity to approach him. However, from the glances they kept throwing his way, it was clear they all wished they could be his girlfriend.
When it was time to give Zhu Li her present, Luo Yang held a goldfish bowl with a completely white fish swimming inside.
The night before, he had thought long and hard, truly unsure what gift to give. Then he thought that giving this fish might be more interesting, at least it was somewhat novel.
Zhu Li was not short of money; she wanted a gift that was unique. A gold chain would not have elicited a smile from her.
The boys present had long noticed Luo Yang was especially popular among the girls and couldn't hide their jealousy. Now, seeing him holding a goldfish bowl, they all sneered with the corners of their mouths lifted.
Zhu Li didn't mind at all, took the goldfish bowl from Luo Yang with a smile, and asked, "What fish is this?"
Luo Yang actually didn't know the name of the fish and chuckled, "You guess."
He deliberately added a touch of mystery, naturally, to lighten the awkward atmosphere at the scene. From the malicious looks and sneers of many boys, one could taste their eagerness to kick a man when he's down.
Originally, no one would have come close to look at the fish in the goldfish bowl, but with his remark, many became curious and approached to take a closer look at the fish.
At that moment, Pang Yifang exclaimed, "I know what fish this is!"
It was also her birthday that evening, and she had received many gifts, which put her in a good light. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't have taken the initiative to name the fish in the goldfish bowl, as that would be giving Zhu Li too much credit.
The only reason she did so was that she thought Luo Yang was playing coy, like he was posing a riddle. She wanted to show off her knowledge, so she was the first to speak eagerly.
"This is a White Gold Dragon! An ornamental fish, very expensive! A friend of mine has one, and she told me it cost 330,000 to buy. Yours looks even nicer than my friend's!" Pang Yifang said.
After her revelation, the faces of everyone present showed surprise, now realizing the gift Luo Yang had brought was the most expensive.
In the landscape paintings of the "Shennong Scripture," there were plenty of such fish. Luo Yang said generously, "If you want one, I can also give you one tomorrow."
Pang Yifang grabbed Luo Yang's hand excitedly, "Really? I love you to death!"
Her boyfriend, Xu Zhiping, who saw this interaction, turned green with jealousy. He looked down on Luo Yang because of his unfashionable clothes, and it stung to see his girlfriend being so affectionate with him.
Witnessing Luo Yang's generosity, the other boys and girls applauded, and cheers filled the air. The girls' fondness for him grew even more.
Seeing several girls taking out their phones to take pictures of him, Luo Yang waved at them, and they immediately greeted him in return.
Then Chen Jie took the microphone from the MC and said, "Ladies, aren't you all looking to buy my special skincare product? Do you know who produces it?"
After a pause, Chen Jie continued, "I have good news for you. The boss who developed that skincare product is right here. If you want to buy it, take advantage of his good mood today, and he might sell it to you at a discount. Please, Luo Yang, come up and say a few words."
The people present didn't know that the young man who had brought the White Gold Dragon was Luo Yang. When they saw him walk up to Chen Jie, the girls below went wild, all wanting to rush up and talk to him.
At that moment, the microphone was still in Chen Jie's hands, and she quickly said, "There's no need for everyone to come over, we don't want to scare the handsome guy. Now, let's hear him talk."
Put on the spot, Luo Yang had no choice but to take the microphone from Chen Jie and laughed, "Since my big sister has said so, how about this, every beauty here can buy a bottle of skincare product at half price."
No sooner had his voice faded, than the girls cheered, dancing with excitement.
Initially, Zhu Li and Pang Yifang were supposed to be the protagonists of the event, but Luo Yang had become the central figure instead. All the girls surrounded him, making him the center of attention, leaving the other boys out in the cold.