Gu Xinglan stood in front of the glass window of her company's high-rise building, gazing down at the bustling streets below, yet her heart remained calm. Tonight's banquet was one of the most important battles she had fought in a long time. Not only did it concern her personal future, but it also directly impacted the fate of the company she worked for. As the sky began to darken, the lights of the city slowly flickered on, and the neon glow reflected off her cold, composed face, mirroring the turmoil within her heart.
Since her arrival in this unfamiliar world, Gu Xinglan had always tread carefully. She knew she couldn't rely on a man the way the original heroine of the novel did, nor did she wish to continue playing the role of a substitute. Especially Zhang Feng, the man who had once promised to face the future with her, now came forward with a request to break off their engagement. No matter how he tried to explain, his actions had left Gu Xinglan disheartened. Marriage was no longer a tool for consolidating her company's position but had become a new burden—a dangerous trap.
As she thought of this, her gaze flickered for a moment. Zhang Feng and his mother had not only threatened her ruthlessly but also seemed to want to use her as a tool for their own family's gain. The cold calculation of their behavior made Gu Xinglan realize that she had to make her own choices in life, rather than depending on anyone, especially the man she had once trusted.
"No matter what happens tonight, I will show them that I, Gu Xinglan, am not a puppet to be controlled," she whispered to herself, a sharp light flashing in her eyes.
As she contemplated her next move, Su Yao's voice suddenly came from behind her. "Boss, the car is ready."
Gu Xinglan turned around and nodded. "Let's go."
She followed Su Yao into the car, which slowly made its way to the venue for the evening—the luxurious hotel where the banquet was held. Although the world outside remained as noisy and bustling as ever, her heart was curiously calm. She knew that tonight marked a turning point. She could no longer rely solely on a betrothal; instead, she had to break through all obstacles with her own intelligence and ability.
The atmosphere in the car was quiet and tense. Gu Xinglan's brows were slightly furrowed, her thoughts racing. Apart from being a key opportunity for business cooperation, tonight's banquet held another crucial factor: Zhang Feng and his mother. They would undoubtedly attend, not only to reap their benefits but also as a final test of her. Gu Xinglan knew she had to present herself in a completely different light before them. She could no longer play the role of the incompetent woman who let them manipulate her. She would make them see that her existence was not just a tool for a family alliance, but a woman with immense ability and an independent personality.
The banquet was held at the most luxurious hotel in the city center. The hotel's lobby was opulently decorated, with crystal chandeliers sparkling under the bright lights, casting a stunning array of colors on the floor. The moment Gu Xinglan entered the lobby, all eyes were immediately drawn to her. Her long dress hugged her slender frame perfectly, and her graceful steps, combined with her calm and composed aura, created a powerful presence that overshadowed everyone in the room. Even the well-dressed business elites, usually accustomed to being the center of attention, could not help but feel a shock at her appearance.
"Ms. Gu, you're here," Li Yang, one of the hosts of the evening, immediately came forward with a warm smile. His manners were refined and his gestures graceful, appearing both courteous and composed.
Gu Xinglan nodded slightly, offering a calm smile. "Mr. Li, thank you for your hard work."
"Not at all, it's our honor to have you join us," Li Yang replied politely, though a hint of complexity flashed in his eyes, indicating he had noticed the change in Gu Xinglan's aura.
Gu Xinglan did not pay much attention to the mixed emotions in his eyes. Her gaze swept across the banquet hall, quickly locking onto the most important figures of the evening. In addition to Li Yang, there were a number of other influential business leaders, especially Zhang Feng and his mother, who had obviously come prepared. They were standing in a relatively prominent position, engaged in conversation surrounded by a group of people.
Zhang Feng still appeared as the gentlemanly man he always had, dressed in a tailored suit, exuding an aura that drew attention to him. Gu Xinglan cast a brief glance at him but did not linger on his figure. The charm he once exuded now held no significance for her.
She turned to continue her conversation with Li Yang, but Zhang Feng's gaze quickly shifted to her. Upon seeing Gu Xinglan speaking with Li Yang, his expression became somewhat complicated, though he did not show any overt emotional reaction.
The banquet proceeded smoothly, with Gu Xinglan's strength and vision being increasingly recognized by the business community. Zhang Feng's mother, however, continued to stand off to the side, her disdainful gaze sweeping over Gu Xinglan. Gu Xinglan had been prepared for this; she knew that tonight, there would be a storm. Zhang Feng's mother's venomous nature and sharp tongue had never been underestimated.
"Ms. Gu, tonight's banquet is truly magnificent. Would you care to share some of your business insights with us?" Zhang Feng's mother suddenly spoke, her voice sweet but laced with a subtle provocation.
Gu Xinglan smiled slightly and replied, "I'm just someone who works diligently. In business, success relies on a team. It's impossible to achieve anything alone."
A flicker of dissatisfaction flashed in Zhang Feng's mother's eyes, but she didn't immediately retort. Her intentions were clearly not limited to this, and it seemed she was preparing to launch a more aggressive offensive later on.
At that moment, Zhang Feng approached. His trademark warm smile remained on his face, though there was an almost imperceptible distance between them. He lowered his head slightly. "Ms. Gu, this banquet truly leaves a lasting impression. Your vision is as sharp as ever. I admire you."
Gu Xinglan looked at him with no change in her expression. She replied coolly, "If that's the case, Mr. Zhang, why not discuss the potential for cooperation with Mr. Li? After all, tonight's banquet is not just for socializing; it's about forming strong business alliances."
Zhang Feng's gaze flickered slightly, and though he didn't outwardly react, it was clear he was unhappy. Gu Xinglan's words seemed cold and distant, providing him no warmth. But he understood that her calm and detachment was precisely her way of showing she no longer depended on him.
But tonight's banquet wasn't just about these small ripples. As time passed, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense, and Gu Xinglan began to see the true faces of those around her. She understood that tonight, she was no longer the woman depending on a marriage contract but a formidable woman in the business world. Zhang Feng, her former fiancé, would soon become a fleeting figure in her life.
Taking a deep breath, she lifted her head and looked at Li Yang, her eyes shining with determination. Tonight, no matter what, she would show everyone that she was more than just a tool for a marriage contract. She was a true businesswoman capable of navigating the corporate world with strength and skill.