The heir of the Gong family fortune was standing right here tonight.
And every mother present wanted her daughter to be the one who captured his attention.
Madame Gong and Gong Rui moved along the guest line until they reached the Ming family.
Madame Ming stood tall in a refined gown of muted luxury—elegant, understated… yet the young lady beside her was the real centerpiece.
Ming Mimi.
She was dressed in a breathtaking gown—soft champagne gold with a touch of luminescent pearl. The fabric flowed effortlessly, shimmering like sunlight captured on silk. Her hair was styled into delicate waves pinned with tiny crystal flowers. She was undeniably the most beautiful young lady at the party.
A true high-society socialite.
Her presence alone drew countless glances, and whispers followed her every movement. The Ming family was powerful, incredibly wealthy, and highly respected—her ranking among the noble daughters tonight was unmistakably high.
When Madame Gong and Gong Rui approached, Ming Mimi's eyes lifted—and the instant she met Gong Rui's gaze, her cheeks flushed a delicate rose.
She quickly looked away, fingers tightening on her dress.
Gong Rui also seemed slightly flustered, a faint spark of admiration flashing across his expression. It would have been impossible not to be. Ming Mimi was stunning, elegant, refined—exactly the kind of woman many expected to stand beside a man like him.
"Madame Ming," Madame Gong greeted gracefully. "I trust you're enjoying the evening?"
Madame Ming smiled politely. "Of course. You have put so much care into this event. Everything is wonderful." She gestured lightly toward the hall. "Your efforts show."
Madame Gong's face brightened with satisfaction, her chin lifting ever so slightly. She exchanged a few more pleasantries before excusing herself.
"Come, Rui," she murmured, guiding him forward.
Just then—
A ripple spread across the room.
It started from the entrance and flowed like a silent wave, turning heads, straightening backs, causing whispers to rise and fall in quick succession.
Someone important had arrived.
All eyes swung toward the grand doors just as Gong Feng stepped inside.
He wore a perfectly tailored black suit that emphasized the sharp lines of his shoulders and the quiet authority of his posture. His expression was calm, composed, yet his presence alone instantly shifted the air in the room.
The disappointed young ladies suddenly looked wide-eyed and hopeful again.Several even blushed, fanning themselves discreetly. Others straightened their dresses or touched their hair as if preparing for inspection.
There was something undeniably magnetic about him—an elegant danger, a confident stillness.
And wherever he walked, attention followed.
Businessmen who had been casually chatting seconds ago now eagerly pushed forward, trying to greet him first.
Madame Gong's smile faltered.
For a split second.
Her eyes hardened—not with anger, but with irritation—as she realized the spotlight had drifted entirely away from her son.
But she recovered instantly, smoothing her expression into graciousness.
She nudged Gong Rui lightly. "Come," she said. "Let us go pay our respects to your uncle."
Madam Gong's smile tightened ever so slightly as she walked toward the center of the ballroom.
From a distance, she could already see that Gong Feng was completely surrounded—powerful businessmen crowding around him eagerly, all talking at once, their voices filled with the sharp excitement of potential deals.
The scene looked less like a celebration for her son's return and more like an impromptu boardroom meeting.
A silent irritation curled inside her chest.
This was supposed to be Rui's night.
Yet here they were—everyone flocking toward Gong Feng the moment he appeared.
Still, she smoothed her expression as she approached. She never allowed annoyance to touch her face for more than a second. Years in high society had taught her to smile through anything.
Just as she stepped close enough to hear the conversation—
Gong Feng's calm, steady voice cut through the noise.
"Gentlemen," he said, tone polite yet firm, "let us not discuss business today. This is a happy occasion for the Gong family. I hope everyone can relax and enjoy the night."
The businessmen froze.
Then, almost instantly, the murmurs of business strategies and proposals melted away. They laughed, nodded, and retreated just enough to give him space—though none dared wander far, unwilling to miss another chance to speak with him later.
Madam Gong let out a relieved breath she didn't show, her refined smile returning gracefully.
She stepped forward."You didn't have to tell them off," she said lightly. "If you wanted to discuss business, you could always do so."
"No need," Gong Feng replied simply as he sat down, crossing one leg over the other with that effortless poise of his.
Madam Gong nudged her son with a discreet elbow.
Gong Rui straightened immediately and stepped forward with nervous respect.
"Uncle."
Technically, according to strict family hierarchy, he should address Gong Feng as his cousin. But no one ever did. Within the Gong family, Gong Feng's authority and respect were so significant that all the younger generation called him "uncle," no matter the exact lineage.
And truthfully—Gong Rui preferred it that way.
Gong Feng nodded in acknowledgment, expression unreadable.
But Gong Rui's face lit up just from that small gesture.
Growing up in the village, Gong Feng had been a legend to every child—including him. Stories of his achievements were told like bedtime tales—about the young man who built an empire with his own hands, the brilliant businessman known for his intelligence, self-discipline, and unshakable calm.
Now, standing in front of the very man he had admired since childhood, being acknowledged—even with a small nod—felt unreal.
"Uncle," he continued, excitement bubbling under his voice, "thank you for coming… it means a lot to me."
Another nod.
Minimal. Elegant.Yet to Gong Rui, it was more than enough.
Just the fact that Gong Feng had shown up at all felt like the greatest blessing this night could bring.
The party continued in full splendor, guests laughing, chatting, and mingling as the orchestra filled the atmosphere with gentle music.
Upstairs, the two women were also getting done.
Nan Lu could be heard yelling towards Lin Che, "Are you a tortoise? Hurry up!"