The orchestra finished their piece and shifted into something softer. Conversations continued around the room, punctuated by the clink of glasses and quiet laughter.
Su Yiling stood near her family's assigned table. Her father was talking about real estate with someone she didn't recognize. Her mother had disappeared somewhere to chat with friends. Jihan examined the appetizer table as if it were a research project.
"The shrimp ones are decent," he said, handing her one.
She took it without really paying attention. The Lui family had planted themselves near the stage. The Zhangs moved through the crowd systematically, greeting everyone. The Lins clustered together, Lin Qi doing most of the talking.
"You're staring."
"Just looking."
"Same thing."
Something shifted in the room's energy. Several heads turned toward the entrance. Conversations paused mid-sentence.
A man had walked in.
Tall. Mid-twenties, maybe. A black suit that looked expensive without being flashy. His hair was styled back from his face. Sharp features.
But it wasn't his appearance that made people turn. It was the way he moved through the space. Not arrogant, just... assured. Like someone who'd walked into rooms full of important people a thousand times before.
"That's him," someone nearby whispered. "Gu Yisheng."
Su Yiling watched him cross the ballroom. An older man walked beside him that is distinguished-looking, with gray hair and expensive suit. They moved through the crowd together, the older man clearly familiar with many of the guests.
"That's Grandfather Lin with him," Jihan said quietly. "Makes sense. The Lin family has connections with the Gu family in Beijing."
The two men made their way through the room, stopping to exchange brief greetings. The older man did most of the talking, introducing Gu Yisheng to various groups. Handshakes. Polite nods. Nothing formal.
Just casual introductions at a dinner party.
When they reached a central point in the room, Grandfather Lin raised his voice slightly in an attempt to get the attention of the people.
"Everyone, if I could have a moment." The conversations quieted. "For those who haven't met him yet, this is Gu Yisheng from Beijing. He'll be in our city for the next few weeks on business. I thought it would be nice for everyone to get acquainted over dinner."
Polite applause. Some nods.
Gu Yisheng smiled slightly. "Thank you all for coming. Please, enjoy the evening."
That was it. No speech about partnerships or business vision. Just a simple introduction.
But as Grandfather Lin continued talking about the dinner arrangements, Gu Yisheng's gaze swept across the room.
And landed on Su Yiling.
His expression flickered. Just for a second. Something changed in his eyes - surprise, recognition, something - before his face smoothed back to neutral.
But his eyes stayed on her longer than they should have before moving on.
Su Yiling felt something tighten in her chest.
What was that?
The orchestra started again. Conversations resumed, but with different energy now. Everyone had seen him and could put a face to the name.
"Well, he seems capable," Jihan said.
"Mm."
"Very," her father agreed. "Smart move, keeping it brief. Sets a relaxed tone."
Su Yiling watched Gu Yisheng descend from the stage. People moved toward him immediately. His assistant intercepted most of them smoothly, creating a buffer while staying friendly.
The Lui patriarch got through. Then someone from the Zhang family. Gu Yisheng spoke briefly with each before his assistant guided him along.
"He's working the whole room," Jihan said. "Probably plans to speak with every family here."
"Smart," their father said.
Servers appeared, directing people to their tables. The room shifted as families found their seats.
The Su family reached table seven. Good view of the room, not too close to the main table. Two other families were seated with them, people Su Yiling vaguely recognized from other events.
Introductions. Small talk. The first course arrived: pickled vegetables and prawn toast.
Su Yiling ate mechanically. Half her attention was on the conversation at her table, the other half tracking Gu Yisheng.
He was at table three with the Lin family. Lin Qi stood to shake his hand. Gu Yisheng's face gave nothing away.
"Su Yiling, isn't it?"
She turned. One of the other guests, a middle-aged woman in jade green.
"Yes."
"I'm Mrs. Qin. My husband and I own manufacturing plants in the industrial district." Warm smile. "Still in high school or university?"
"High school. Final year."
"Ah, the college entrance examination. My son went through that. Very stressful." Mrs. Chen sipped her wine. "What will you study?"
"Finance."
"Following your father. How nice."
The conversation continued. Light. Meaningless. Su Yiling responded while tracking the room.
Gu Yisheng at table five. Then six.
Working systematically. Enough time with each family to seem attentive without getting trapped.
Getting closer.
Su Yiling's pulse quickened. Just nerves. About representing her family well.
Nothing to do with that look earlier.
Second course - seared fish with vegetables. Conversations continued. Her father discussed markets with Mr. Chen. Her mother laughed about charity event planning.
Gu Yisheng reached table seven.
"Mr. Su." Smooth voice. Professional. "A pleasure to meet you."
Her father stood and shook his hand. "The pleasure is mine. Thank you for organizing this."
"My assistant deserves the credit." His eyes moved. "Mrs. Su."
"Mr. Gu. Welcome to our city."
"Thank you. I hope to see more of it." He looked at Jihan. "The second son. I've heard about your research work."
Jihan looked mildly surprised. "You did your homework."
"I try."
Then his eyes found Su Yiling.
The full weight of his attention. Up close, his features were sharper. Dark eyes that seemed to see too much. Expression carefully neutral.
"And this is?"
"My daughter, Su Yiling," her father said. "Final year at Mingde High School."
"Su Yiling." He said it like he was testing it. His expression stayed pleasant but something shifted in his eyes. "Nice to meet you."
"You too."
His gaze held hers. Longer than necessary. Then he smiled slightly - the first real smile she'd seen from him all evening.
"Enjoying the dinner?"
"Yes. Thank you."
He turned back to her father. Business talk. Polite questions about the Su family ventures. Pleasantries that meant nothing and everything.
Su Yiling barely heard it.
Because she'd seen it clearly now. Recognition in his eyes when he looked at her.
But recognition of what?
They'd never met.
Had they?