"You must be Leon, the champion of the new perfumery contest! It's a pleasure to meet you here," Mu Zuozhen said, extending his hand to her in a gentlemanly manner.
Gu Yining let out a small sigh of relief.
Thank goodness he didn't recognize her.
If Mu Zuozhen had exposed her identity right then and there, especially with Gu Wenxuan around, her plans would surely be in disarray.
"Hello! May I ask who you are?" she replied, feigning ignorance.
Mu Zuozhen smiled knowingly, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. He had seen Gu Yining's true face a year ago, back when they were in college.
One day, while driving his sports car alongside a bus, he had caught a glimpse of her. The traffic light turned red, and he glanced over to see her sitting by the window, meticulously applying makeup with a mirror and a pencil. She was trying to conceal an enormous, unsightly birthmark on her face.
It was then that he had learned her secret—that this seemingly unfortunate girl actually possessed striking beauty, yet she went to great lengths to disguise herself before arriving at school.
While he didn't fully understand her reasons, he had chosen to keep her secret safe and had never once revealed it.
To play along with Gu Yining's act, Mu Zuozhen reintroduced himself. "I'm Mu Zuozhen, my family runs a real estate business."
His introduction was brief, but Gu Yining's mind raced with thoughts of the prominent Mu Real Estate firm known throughout Lingcheng. So, this was indeed his family's business.
No wonder he received an invitation to this high-society gathering.
"Are you interested in perfumes? I'm curious how you know about me," Gu Yining inquired, still stinging from her earlier frustration with Fu Hannan. She aimed to provoke a reaction from him, hoping to stir up a little jealousy.
"Honestly, I'm just a guy who doesn't usually wear perfume. But my mother is quite knowledgeable about fragrances and loves to collect them. She watched the entire competition and particularly liked you. If I have the chance, I'd love to introduce you to her; she'd be thrilled to discuss perfumery with you," Mu Zuozhen replied, his smile brightening.
"I would love that. It would be an honor," Gu Yining responded, her heart lightening at the thought.
"You're much more agreeable than I expected. I thought you might decline," he said, clearly pleased.
"Do I seem that difficult to approach?" Gu Yining raised an eyebrow playfully, enjoying their conversation.
Just then, Ye Fanxing, having finished mingling with several guests, purposefully made her way toward them.
"Leon! There you are! I've been trying to find you; I got caught up in all the socializing. You don't hold that against me, do you?" Ye Fanxing smiled as she approached, taking Gu Yining's hand in hers.
Her demeanor was so charming and polished that it was hard to find a single flaw.
Yet, Gu Yining coldly withdrew her hand from Ye Fanxing's grasp.
That was just how she was; she never forgot a slight. Once burned, she was reluctant to engage with someone again.
"I see you're having a great time with Fu Hannan. I'll be on my way now," Gu Yining stated, avoiding even a glance at Fu Hannan as she prepared to leave.
"Stop right there!" Fu Hannan's icy voice called after her.
Gu Yining froze, unwilling to turn back.
She didn't understand why she felt this way, as if a swarm of ants were biting at her all over, making her uncomfortable.
His sharp tone sent a chill down her spine, but she didn't fear his authority and chose to walk away nonetheless.
"Did you not see me?" Fu Hannan strode forward, grasping her wrist with a force that left her breathless.
"Fu Hannan, your companion is right beside you. Please have some self-respect," Gu Yining shot back, glaring at him while trying to twist her wrist free.
His grip landed precisely where she had been injured by a knife.
His strength was crushing, and she winced at the pain.
For a moment, the world around them faded as tension hung thick in the air, and Gu Yining's heart raced in a mixture of fear and anger. She was determined to stand her ground, even against the formidable man before her.